Strap on the ‘two plankers’ and hit the trails of the Bruce. Yes some of those same trails you love in the summer are fantastic ski trails. The Bruce Ski Club is serious about grooming and maintaining their trails. Please support all clubs by purchasing your trail pass. For all you backcountry skiers out there grab a Bruce Trail guide and hit the snow.

WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW TO BRING WITH YOU

• CrossCountry Ski Equipment Purchase/Rental Locations: suntrail.net and thorncrestoutfitter.com
• Small Backpack: With snacks, water, extra mitts toque etc
• Pant Gators: They hook onto your boots and keep the snow from going in your pants
• Cell Phone: Just incase although there might not be signal so keep an eye on it
• Trail Maps: Be sure to understand your trail because it looks a lot different in the winter

TOP 6 LOCATIONS

1. Sauble Trails – Sauble Falls Parkway just north of the falls. The Sauble Cross Country Ski Club maintains and grooms about 18 km of classic Nordic trails through hardwood, birch and pine forest. The trails are well marked with loops from easy beginner to challenging. Ten km. of snowshoe trails have been developed as well. High scenic ridges, the Rankin Dam and the chalet are popular features. Complementary hot cider is served on weekends and school holidays. Costs: $8 Adult, $15 Couple, $20 Family, Children 6 & under free. Yearly memberships are available - contact skisauble@hotmail.com

2. Sawmill Trails – Hwy 6 Hepworth – The Sawmill Trail, which starts 1km east of Suntrail Outfitters in Hepworth, is comprised of beginner to expert loops, well groomed for both diagonal and skate skiing techniques. The Jackrabbit loop is illuminated for evening skiing. The trails are cut through rolling land, sheltered by hardwood and evergreen stands. There are gentle loops for beginners and challenging hills for the expert. These trails are maintained by the Bruce Ski Club.
Cost: $5 Adult, $3 Child, $10 Family.

3. Colpoys Trails – Bruce Rd 9, 3 miles North of Wiarton. The Colpoy's Trail is groomed through gently rolling, sheltered woods and open fields starting just north of Colpoy's Bay.
A part of this trail follows the well-known Bruce Trail and provides great views across the bay. These trails offer the skier a taste of what the Niagara Escarpment is all about in the winter. These trails are maintained by the Bruce Ski Club. Cost: $5 Adult, $3 Child, $10 Family.

4. Rankin Trails – Bruce Road 13, 1km North of Sauble Falls. The Rankin Trail provides well-groomed skiing through wind-sheltered, rolling woodlands that are a blast to ski up and down with emphasis on the down. This trail is more for the novice skier with some nice hills on the north end. Trails maintained by the Bruce Ski Club. Cost: $5 Adult, $3 Child, $10 Family.

5. Beiner's Cross Country Ski Trails – Port Elgin – Parking off Concession 10 just West of Hwy 21. These trails are relatively flat and wind through scenic cedar woods. The 3
trails located here are easily accessible and perfect for beginners and families. Maintained by the Port Elgin Cross-Country Ski Club. Memberships available at Ralph's HiWay Shopette, Port Elgin, and Thorncrest Outfitters, Southampton.

6. Stoney Island Conservation Area – Kincardine – Bruce Road 23 North. These wide trails are sheltered by hardwoods, cedars and hemlocks. They are regularly groomed and are suitable for both skating and classical (traditional) skiing. Skiers with racing and sport skiing ambitions as well as touring skiers or wilderness lovers will find trails suited to their abilities. There is a choice of 1.5, 3, and 5 km loops ranging from beginner to expert. All loops, except the beginner’s loop, contain sharp uphill or downhill runs.

BONUS LOCATION

MacGregor Point Provincial Park: The park now grooms several kilometers of trails. Day use fees apply at the park
office. The park also offers winter YURT camping & a skating oval.