Cross Country Skiing
Grey County has some of the best cross-country skiing conditions in Ontario. Combine generally heavy snowfall amounts with an abundance of forests and dramatic landscapes and you get a perfect recipe for a winter's day on cross country skiis. Some area ski clubs maintain excellent cross-country trails and are the site of many racing events throughout the winter, such as the Sawmill Trails in Hepworth. Scenic Caves Nordic near Blue Mountain also offers 22km of groomed trails and some spectacular scenery.
Grey County has over 45 County Managed Forests, with over a dozen maintained for winter usage (Cross-Country Ski/Snowshoe). For a complete list of County Properties and a map visit Grey County Forests. Perhaps backcountry cross-country skiing is more your style, with no formal grooming, be sure to visit the Kolapore Uplands and Allan Park Trails.
Check out Free Spirit Tours for a guided Cross Country Skiing experience for beginners and experienced skiiers alike.
Info on our most popular trails:
Inglis Falls & Harrison Park
While many people have visited both the Inglis Falls Conservation Area and Harrison Park, fewer have taken the time to explore the 7.5 kilometre hiking and skiing trail that joins the two. You can begin your hike at either end, with ample parking available at both the park and the falls. It is a great trail for beginners but be aware that it is not groomed. Adequate snow cover will be needed to hide the rocks and roots.
The Sawmill Ski Trail
This favourite trail has several loops adding up to nearly 10 kilometres and is located just outside Hepworth. The trails are groomed and maintained by the Bruce Ski Club. There are beginner, intermediate and advanced sections, groomed for both skate and classic skiing. The Jack Rabbit trail is also groomed & lit for night skiing. Passes are available at Suntrail Outfitters, just down the road from the trails. http://www.bruceskiclub.ca/trails.html
Nordic Centre at Scenic Caves
With 22 kilometers of groomed beginner and intermediate cross country ski and snowshoe trails winding through a 200 year old forest rich with wildlife. Facilities onsite include a rustic chalet to enjoy a woodstove,bowl of chili or hot apple cider après ski, change rooms,ski waxing facility, cross country ski and snowshoe equipment rentals. www.sceniccaves.com
Coffin Ridge Winery
New this season - Coffin Ridge Winery will be offering groomed cross country ski trails through it's vineyard and property. More information to come!
Cobble Beach
Winter at Cobble Beach is magical and you can enjoy all the natural beauty of Georgian Bay while cross country skiing or snowshoeing on over a total of 10 km of groomed trails. If you're full of ambition but short of equipment, our Village Pro Shop will initially carry a selection of snowshoes. And, don't forget skating on the green. All-in-all, a fabulous winter experience is yours at Cobble Beach. Please call ahead for trail and weather conditions.
The Massie Hills Ski Trail
This trail is 10 kilometres and is maintained and groomed by the Owen Sound Cross-Country Ski Club, weekly. It is located north of the village of Massie, on Massie Road south of Grey Road 18. It is both hilly and winding. Some sections are on the Bruce Trail. Some portions are of moderate difficulty but there are no extreme sections. Great skiing for the whole family. There is a fee box at the head of the trail.
The Glenelg Nordic Ski Trails
GNSC is a volunteer-run club with about 25 km of regularly groomed and trackset trails near Markdale. Our trails take you over moderate hills through hardwood forests and a variety of terrain. Membership in our club, at $80 per family per year, is an affordable investment, and non-members can purchase day passes at reasonable rates. The trails can be found off County Road 12 onto the West Back Line, and then west onto Hamilton Lane, which leads to the trail parking lot. See www.glenelgnordicskiclub.org.
The Kolapore Uplands Wilderness Ski Trails
This trail system is 60 kilomeres in length, and accessed from County Road 2 between Ravenna and Feversham. Grooming is completed by the first skier of the day so skiers should be prepared to "break trail" following a snowfall. Access to the north portion of the trails is on County Road 2 where there is a parking lot available.This portion is recommended for intermediate to advanced skiers. The south portion of the trails is accessed from the townline farther south on County Road 2. This portion runs through a Grey County forest and is more suitable for beginners. There is no fee for the use of the trails.
The Loree Forest
This trail is located south of Thornbury on County Road 2, east of Victoria Corners where parking is available at the top of the hill on Sideroad 21. This trail is not maintained but the terrain is relatively flat and excellent for beginners and moderate skiers. There is no fee for skiing here.
*Trail ediquette - we kindly ask those that use trails suited for cross country skiing AND snowshoeing, please do your best not to snowshoe on the groomed ski tracks. Club volunteers work hard to keep the trails in good shape, and enjoyable for all types of trail users
