Have the winter doldrums set in? Chase them away with all that winter has to offer in Muskoka! With skiing, skating, snowshoeing, fatbiking and winter camping among your options for outdoor activities in one of the most stunning winter landscapes around, there’s no reason to be bored this season.
Huntsville has a gem of a ski hill – Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area – perfect for beginners with enough challenging terrain to keep more experienced skiers and boarders entertained, too. There are camps for kids, a weekly ladies’ program, men’s and ladies’ days, too! If you’re new to the sport or don’t have equipment, they have both lessons and rentals available.
Photo: Hidden Valley Highlands Ski Area/Muskoka Ski Club
If shushing downhill isn’t your thing, take to the trails for some cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Arrowhead Park may be famous for its skating trail, but don’t forget the park also has 33 km of groomed cross-country ski trails that are designed for classic skiing or skate skiing as well as a variety of snowshoe trails. There’s even a tubing hill! Check the daily ski report for openings – once the skating trail does open, visiting mid-week is the best time to avoid the crowds. If you want to make it a full-on winter adventure, the park has single-room heated cabins available so that you can spend the whole day experiencing all that Arrowhead has to offer and then retreat to cozy comfort for the night.
You can also cross-country ski and snowshoe at the Limberlost Forest Reserve or in Algonquin Park, which has 110 km of both groomed and wilderness ski trails and nine interpretive trails available for snowshoeing.
Winter fatbiking on the Old Railway Trail, Algonquin Park (Photo courtesy of Algonquin Outfitters)
Or how about trying something new this winter, like fatbiking or winter camping? Mew Lake campground in Algonquin Park is open year round and nearby Old Railway Trail is the ideal place to try out fatbiking – cruising along on a bike with fat tires that make easy work of snowy conditions.
Get the gear
Don’t have equipment? Don’t let that stop you. Algonquin Outfitters rents winter gear: cross-country skis, snowshoes, winter tents and sleeping bags, and even fatbikes!
If you’re looking to purchase your own skis or snowshoes, here are a few tips (but remember to consult an expert before you invest in new equipment):
Downhill skis are available in a variety of styles but for the most versatility, all-mountain skis are your best bet. When the tail of the ski is on the ground, the tip should land somewhere between the tip of your nose and your eyebrows, but beginners will sometimes opt for shorter skis because they are easier to turn. You’ll want to try boots on rather than ordering online – sizing can vary slightly between manufacturers and a comfortable fit can make the difference between a great day on the slopes and a painful one. Try them on in the afternoon when your feet are likely to be more swollen. In general, ski boots should fit snugly when wearing thin synthetic ski socks (no cotton!).
All-mountain snowboards also offer the most versatility but there are styles specific to terrain, too. The nose of the board should be between your chin and nose when its tail is on the ground. Most riders will want boots with a soft flex, but if you like speed and precision and not a terrain park, a stiffer style may be for you.
Cross-country skiing is a great way to spend a winter day (Photo courtesy of Algonquin Outfitters)
Cross-country skis come in three styles: classic, skate, and backcountry. Classic skis are usually 10 to 20 per cent longer than your height and skate skis are 5 to 10 per cent longer than your height. Backcountry skis are shorter and wider and popular with those who prefer to forge their own trail on land or on frozen lakes. Cross-country ski boots should fit snugly, but not too tight, with your preferred type of sock.
Snowshoes come in a variety of sizes and styles. Knowing where you’re most likely to go snowshoeing will help guide your decision – smaller styles are ideal for packed trails or forested areas where maneuverability is important; larger styles are better for powder conditions. The load weight is important, too – the more you and your gear combined weigh, the bigger the snowshoes you’ll need.
Stay warm this winter
Muskoka is a cold place in the winter months. To keep yourself toasty warm when you’re outside, it’s all about layering.
“I always like to relate keeping your body warm with layering to the way you’d keep your house warm,” said Mitson.
You have a furnace in your home that produces heat, the walls have insulation that keeps the heat in, and the shingles and siding protect against wind, rain and snow. Modern homes have a system to remove the humidity, too. You are the furnace producing the heat, the base layer takes care of the moisture, a mid layer provides insulation and keeps heat in, while the outer shell protects against the elements.
Lightweight wool makes an ideal base layer for its moisture-wicking properties that keep you warm and comfortable even when the fabric is damp. Choose a mid layer appropriate for the weather – fleece for warmer winter days or more vigorous activities, lightweight down for colder days or when you’re not moving as much. Top it off with a breathable windproof and waterproof shell.
If you find that you’re always cold, turn up your furnace: get active, or add some heat to your feet with electronic heated soles or single-use heating pads.
And remember to prepare for the weather when travelling: plan for the worst and hope for the best. “Many of us carry booster cables or even a first aid kit in our car, but how many of us only have on dress shoes for the office and a light jacket?” said Mitson. “I always carry my winter boots, even if just in the back of my car, and a winter jacket. I even go as far as carrying a winter survival kit and a set of snowshoes in case I end up in the ditch on a back road in Muskoka or Algonquin Park on a wintery day.”
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