Explore Newfoundland on a cross country ski trail this winter

by Keith and Heather Nicol

Cross country skiing is good exercise

        Cross country skiing is a great way to get out and enjoy winter in Newfoundland. Cross country skiing is good exercise since both legs and arms get a workout. Like its name suggests, you can cross country ski just about anywhere there is snow. But a popular option for many people is to visit a cross country ski facility. Many communities in the province have ski clubs where there are trails groomed specifically for cross country skiing. These community based clubs often have a base lodge where you can socialize and many offer programmes for kids and adults alike.

   

        Cross Country Newfoundland and Labrador (CCNL) is the umbrella group for cross country ski clubs in Newfoundland and there are hundreds of kilometers of groomed tracks waiting for any visiting skier. There are 18 clubs spread across the province and many have well groomed tracks for both classic and skate skiing.  Also many ski clubs now have designated snowshoe trails to cater to this popular activity. Most have clubhouses which offer food and chance to warm up, rest and relax. A number of ski clubs are located in Western Newfoundland where there is usually consistent snow and there are several clubs in Labrador where the season may run from November to April.  There are also several cross country ski facilities in central and eastern Newfoundland.  The CCNL web site: http://www.crosscountrynl.com/ has lots of information and links to these cross country clubs and is a great resource for anyone planning a winter holiday in the province. The CCNL also hosts a variety of races and loppets and its web site has a detailed event schedule. Winter is a great time to see many parts of the province under a snowy blanket and there is no better way to explore than on skis or snowshoes. 

Cross country skiing is an ideal way to explore Newfoundland in winter