Backcountry Anyone?

When most of us think of nordic skiing we think of heading out to a locally groomed ski area and heading out for a loop. It's an activity to get outside, enjoy some winter and get some excercise, but for some of us it lacks the adventure aspect we crave. I love getting out in the winter and discovering a new area. The frozen lakes and deep snow make for great adventures and easy travel with my backcountry skis. Nordic ski equipment has come a long way in the past few years and Backcoutry skis are no exception. Gone are the heavy wood skis, tar and 3 pin bindings. Modern backcountry skis can often be mistaken for todays Alpine skis, with some being just as wide. New construction brings quicker bases, metal edges and boot/bindings systems that offer comfort and great ski control. Most models are much shorter than traditional skis and with more sidecut those hills which would normally be daunting just turned into the perfect opportunity to link some Telemark turns. Fortunately for us here in Muskoka we have many areas to discover. Just think of exploring your favourite summer canoe route in winter. It just became a whole new adventure. A few have been discovering our great winter backcountry by skis for a while now. The group is the Five Winds Ski Touring Club which has been leading club members and maintaining hundreds of kilometers of trails in the area for years. There's no better way to discover Muskoka's backcountry and just about anyone can enjoy this activity. Check out www.skifivewinds.org for info on thier trips or visit our shop for our backcountry adventures and rental equipment. Next.... Pack your bags and tent and make it a weekend ski and camp. The longer warmer days of March are just around the corner!

New Snow and More to Come!

With 6 " of new snow yesterday and the 5 day forcast calling for plenty more for the Muskoka area, it is shaping up to be a great season for winter activities. The recent cold weather has made most small lake travel safe and nordic ski conditions are at thier finest. Whatever your winter outdoor activity you can enjoy it now in Muskoka!
Nordic areas operating this weekend include the Gravenhurst KOA, Bracebridge Resource management center, Arrowhead PP, and the Leslie Frost center or try the snowshoe trails at Torrance Barrens, Hardy Lake or explore the Poker Lake area. There's always an adventure in Muskoka! Visit www.muskokaoutfitters.com for more info on these trails and safe winter travel.

2007 Ice Courses

Yes it has been a long time coming this season, but finally we are climbing Ice in Muskoka. An unnormally warm winter certainly put a damper on our itch to get out with the picks but with plenty of rain now in the soil and the recent cold temeratures climbs in the area are growing fast. This Saturday our group met up to tackle the climbs at Kushog Lake. All climbers cruised up Blue Boy (WI2+) , and Caramel Coating (WI3 - Pictured). Then it was on to the daunting Blue Pillar (WI4), a challenging 30M sustained vertical climb. As usual the day was finished off with food at the Firehouse Restaurant. Thanks to Anita for the access to this great area and excellent food! We return to this area for our next course this coming weekend on Sunday the 4th. We still have 2 spaces available if anyone out there wants to experience this great Muskoka activity.

The Ski Season is Finally Here!

The ski season is finally upon us as we marked our first night ski event yesterday at the BRMC. Yes it was -16c but a few brave souls donned their headlamps and joined in the fun. The sky was clear , conditions were well grommed and fast. Thanks to the Parks and Rec volunteer groomers! It's time to dust off the skis as most local ski trails are groomed and ready. The KOA has 6km of trails while Arrowhead PP is gearing up for the Loppet this

coming Sunday. If you are interested in this event and have not yet signed up visit www.arrowheadnordic.ca . For you backcountry skiers like me the conditions should be shaping up well as the smaller lakes and marshes will be freezing in the recent cooler temps. I recommend the Torrance Barrens area or the Poker Lakes area off Hwy 118 east. Remember if you are heading out to these locations to always ski with a group and pack and a complete emergency kit. For you ice climbers who have been waiting to get out there should be decent conditions at many areas but due to lake crossings are not safely accessible. Good areas to visit will be Rosseau, Kushog Lake and Kennesis River Crag. Winter fun is here so try to take full advantage of it. We are currently haveing a big sale on all winter outerwear and gear and are open 7 days a week to get you outfitted. Have and Active Weekend!