Ski the Land of Living Skies A Cross Country Skiing winter guide

Ski the Land of Living Skies

A Cross Country Skiing winter guide

If you love winter and enjoy the outdoors, cross country skiing is a great way to explore the beautiful landscapes of Saskatchewan. Whether you are a beginner or an expert, there are plenty of trails to suit your skill level and preferences. In this newsletter, we will share some of the best cross country skiing trails in Saskatchewan, as well as some useful resources to help you plan your trip.

Popular Cross Country Skiing Trails in Saskatchewan

From the rolling hills and forests of the north to the flat prairies and badlands of the south, there is something for everyone. Here are some of the most popular and scenic cross country skiing trails in Saskatchewan:

  • Duck Mountain Provincial Park: This park has 60 kilometres of groomed trails, ranging from green to black, that wind through the boreal forest and offer stunning views of the lakes and hills. The park also has a warm-up shelter, a ski rental shop, and a campground. You can find more information at here.
  • Cypress Hills Interprovincial Park: This park has 30 kilometres of groomed trails, mostly easy to moderate, that traverse the forested hills and valleys of the Cypress Hills. The park also has a warm-up shelter, a ski rental shop, and a variety of accommodations. You can find more information at here.
  • Great Blue Heron Provincial Park – Anglin Lake Trails: This park has 12 kilometres of groomed trails, mostly easy to moderate, that loop around the scenic Anglin Lake. The park also has a warm-up shelter, a ski rental shop, and a campground. You can find more information at here.
  • Eb’s Trails: These trails are in the Nesbit Provincial Forest, about an hour’s drive north of Saskatoon. They have 55 kilometres of groomed trails, mostly moderate to difficult, that offer a wilderness experience and a chance to spot wildlife. The trails also have several warm-up shelters and a parking lot. You can find more information and a trail map here.
  • White Butte Trails Recreation Site: This site is located 20 minutes east of Regina and has 12.7 kilometres of groomed trails, mostly easy to moderate, that meander through the aspen parkland. The site also has a warm-up shelter, an outdoor washroom, and two parking lots. You can find more information and a trail map here.

 

Useful Resources for Cross Country Skiing

If you want to learn more about cross country skiing, here are some resources that you can check out:

  • Cross Country Saskatchewan: This is the official website of the provincial organization that promotes and supports cross country skiing in Saskatchewan. You can find information about clubs, events, programs, coaching, and more at https://www.crosscountrysask.ca/.
  • Tourism Saskatchewan: This is the official website of the provincial tourism agency that provides travel planning, maps, vacations, camping, parks, accommodations, and more. You can find information about cross country skiing and other winter activities at https://www.tourismsaskatchewan.com/.
  • The Lost Girl’s Guide to Finding the World: This is a blog by Ashlyn George, a former Saskatchewanderer and an adventure traveller who has visited 60 countries and all 7 continents. She writes about her experiences and tips for travelling in Saskatchewan and around the world. You can find her blog at https://www.thelostgirlsguide.com/.

We hope this post has inspired you to try cross country skiing this winter, as it’s a fun way to enjoy the beauty and diversity of our province. Happy skiing!

 

Enhancing Saskatchewan’s Trails: The STA Membership Assistance Grant

Enhancing Saskatchewan’s Trails: The STA Membership Assistance Grant

There’s a thriving network of trails, which offer residents and visitors a chance to explore the beauty of the province up close. What many might not be aware of is the Saskatchewan Trails Association’s (STA) Membership Assistance Grant program that has been supporting trail projects across the province for years.

The STA’s Membership Assistance Grant is a financial assistance program designed to provide support to its members for various trail-related projects. These projects encompass a wide range of activities aimed at improving and maintaining the extensive trail system in the province. From snowmobile clubs to cross-country ski trails, the STA’s grant program has made a significant impact on the accessibility and quality of Saskatchewan’s trails.

Funding grants of up to $1,000 for building new trails or undergoing maintenance projects such as updating maps, fixing signs, purchasing maintenance tools or adding GPS capabilities are available through an application process. These grants are only available to current SaskTrails members. Some of the eligibility criteria include length of membership and how long you will be committed to the organization in the future.

Funds for this program are received through donations and project management fees by the STA. If you would like to make a donation, please visit https://sasktrails.ca/getinvolved/#donate.

Here is a glimpse of how we have distributed the funding to different trail groups.

2024

  • The Hudson Bay Ski Club, Manitou Beach and Prairie Sky Trails were recently awarded a $1,000 STA Membership Assistance Trail Grant. The funding will be used for trail signs along the newly-expanded Pineview Nordic Ski Trails in Hudson Bay, and for a new wheelchair accessible trail in the heart of Manitou Beach.
  • It will also support new interpretive signs depicting local Indigenous history, storytelling and information on local habitats along the trail system at Sunset Beach on Lake Diefenbaker.

Let’s take a trip down memory lane and explore projects that received funding through this program.

2023

  • The Resort Village of Candle Lake received funding for upgrades to the Simon Lehne Trail. The village was able to mulch and conduct brush clearing on the trail. It now features a soft, woodchip base, which is ideal as a nature trail.
  • Bengough and District Park Authority added another additional 1km loop to their existing trail, which was began upgrades last year. This new path will create a connection back to the main trail section, creating plenty of opportunity for hikers to change their route on a regular basis. The grant will help purchase signs and signposts, benches, solar lights, garbage bins and dog waste receptacles for this new area.
  • The Oxbow and District Recreation Board plans to upgrade their existing Bow Valley trails. The grant will be used to purchase posts and solar lights that will be distributed to help light the path that has been enjoyed by residents, campers, and surrounding communities for years.
  • Pasquia Regional Park Authority would like to build a new rest area on their 5 km long path where the famous 90-million-year-old crocodile, “Big Bert”, was discovered. With plans to install an outhouse and park bench, the area will be cleared of foliage and other obstacles. This preliminary work is set to be completed in May, which will allow for installation in late July or early August.
  • The East Qu’Appelle will also be adding metred signage to their Kapo Kraze and Sunny Side Up trails, along with building a trail head sign between the Screeching Jay and Corky’s Revenge trails. This will offer checkpoints to hikers and give a better sense of direction and distance on these existing trails.

2022

  • Four recipients were selected to each receive $500 grants. The Bengough & District Regional Park Authority received funding to add a new loop to an existing trail and update signs, sign poles, and benches for park visitors.
  • Leader and District Tourism received funding to enhance pedestrian routes, ensuring safety and providing the community with safe trail alternatives.
  • Saskatoon Trail Alliance used the grant to improve trail surfaces on single tracks along the river valley, mitigating erosion and enhancing the trail system’s durability.

2020

  • The Foam Lake & District Leisure Services Board restored the nature trails in the RM of Foam Lake’s Foam Lake Heritage Marsh areas. The restoration was necessary due to past flooding that damaged signage, viewing platforms, and eroded shorelines. The project received $1000 and not only improved the area’s accessibility.
  • The Qu’Appelle Valley Nordic Ski Club’s project focused on the maintenance of its trail system and received $1000 funding. This was used to level the trails, install signage, plant trees for wind protection, snow accumulation, and habitat, as well as additional snow fence installation. All of this was done to improve the overall trail experience for skiers and hikers.

2017

  • Funding support was provided to three trail projects: the Fatlanders Fat Tire Brigade, Timber Trail Sno Riders Snowmobile Club, and Whiteswan Snow Hawks Snowmobile Club. These grants helped strengthen the trail network in Saskatchewan by facilitating the construction of new trails and necessary maintenance work.

2016

  • The Hudson Bay Ski Club completed a trail improvement project for the Pineview Cross Country Ski Trails. The project involved adding a 1.6-kilometer loop suitable for various activities, from skiing in the winter to hiking and mountain biking in the summer. This initiative expanded the trail system and made it more accessible to a wider range of outdoor enthusiasts.

2015

  • The Ed Spratt Trail near the town of Craik was supported by the STA. This trail, connecting Tugaske and Craik, serves as a tribute to Ed Spratt, who played a pivotal role in the development of the trail network in the region. Special signage was produced and installed to mark this significant route.

2014

  • The Whiteswan Snow Hawks snowmobile club received a grant of $400 to reroute a trail for safety reasons, as the original trail had issues with flooding. This project aimed to ensure the safety and enjoyment of snowmobilers in the area.
  • The City of Humboldt received $500 and completed a trail connecting the downtown area to Centennial Park, facilitating non-motorized transportation for residents. The grant supported the creation of a seating node along this trail, enhancing the experience for park-goers.
  • The Timber Trails Sno-Riders Co-operative Ltd. requested funding and received $500 to place signs and signposts along their trails, contributing to improved navigation for trail users.
  • The Parkland Trans Canada Trail Association utilized a $500 grant to install a bench with a plaque along a trail in Saskatoon. This initiative highlighted the association’s support and added a touch of comfort to the trail.
  • Following damage to their trails caused by an ice storm, the Lakeland Snowmobile Club used funding of $400 to clean and restore the trails, ensuring they were safe and enjoyable for the upcoming winter season.
  • The Resort Village of Manitou Beach received $500 to embark on an upgrade project, installing trail markers and signage along a recently improved gravel trail along the lakefront. The project was to enhance the experience of visitors exploring the area.
  • The Ness Creek Cultural and Recreational Society Inc. received $500 to update trail maps, survey a new trail with GPS, replace existing trail markers, and build a larger trailhead kiosk. These improvements aimed to cater to the growing number of people using their trails.

The Saskatchewan Trails Association’s Membership Assistance Grant program has allowed various trail projects to flourish, enhancing the overall outdoor experience for residents and visitors alike.

As we look to the future, the STA’s commitment to supporting trail projects continues to play a pivotal role in maintaining and expanding Saskatchewan’s trail systems. For those who are passionate about trails and their role in connecting communities and promoting outdoor recreation, this program is a beacon of hope. It demonstrates how dedicated individuals and organizations can come together to make a significant difference in their local communities.

If you have a trail project in mind and are an STA member, consider exploring the possibilities of the Membership Assistance Grant program. By doing so, you can become part of a legacy that helps preserve Saskatchewan’s natural beauty and invites others to experience it for generations to come.

You can also make a meaningful difference by donating to the grant program. Your generous contributions will directly impact the growth and maintenance of the province’s trail systems, and we can continue to fund vital projects that improve accessibility, safety, and overall enjoyment for outdoor enthusiasts and local communities.

For more information on the STA Membership Assistance Grant program and other funding opportunities, please visit Saskatchewan Trails Association.

 

Winter on the Trails Photo Contest

The chill in the air, the soft whisper of snowflakes, and the serene beauty of a winter wonderland – this season paints our favorite trails in Saskatchewan with an entirely different palette. As we bid farewell to the golden hues of spring, we are thrilled to announce our first-ever Winter Photo Contest, inviting all trail enthusiasts to capture the breathtaking essence of Saskatchewan’s winter landscapes.

The Winter Photo Contest will run from November 15 to December 15, giving you a whole month to explore and capture the beauty of winter on the trails. Your task is to showcase the unique experiences and activities that come to life on a winter trail.  Whether you’re a seasoned photographer or a casual shutterbug, we encourage everyone to participate. This contest is open to all ages and skill levels.

This year, a fantastic set of prizes that await the winners of this contest. Our top prize winner will receive a prize package featuring:

  • MSR® PocketRocket™ Stove Kit
  • Camino Fair Trade & Organic Instant Dark Hot Chocolate
  • Hot Poc Reusable Hand Warmers
  • KGC 2 Pack Winter Neck Warmer Gaiter

Our first honourable mention will receive:

  • GSI Glacier Stainless Vacuum Bottle 1L
  • North Face Bozer Hip Pack III – L – Unisex
  • LifeStraw Personal Water Filter Straw

The second honourable mention will receive:

  • AUTOWT Hand Warmers Rechargeable 2 Pack – 5000mAh Electric Hand Warmer Power Bank Flashlight 3 in 1, USB Charge Portable Magnetic Hand Heater for Camping, Outdoor Sports, Winter Gifts for Women Men
  • YETI® Rambler Tumbler with Lid
  • Bushnell Powerview 8×21 Binoculars

These prizes are to enhance your outdoor experiences and make your winter trail adventures even more memorable.

Participating in the Winter Photo Contest is easy. Simply take your camera or smartphone with you on your winter trail adventures and capture an activity – walking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, snowmobile, and so on – that define this season on the trails. Share your photos on social media using the hashtag #winteronthetrailsphotocontest2023, and don’t forget to tag SaskTrails to ensure we see your submissions. For those without social media, please email us at info@sasktrails.ca.

All residents of Saskatchewan are eligible to enter the contest. STA board and staff members may submit photos, but they are not eligible to win. Photos may be submitted multiple times, but there is only one entry per photo. You may submit as many different photos as you would like. Please let us know where the photos were taken.

Check privacy settings to ensure that entries are visible, as private posts are not considered to be entered. Try and post photos in the highest resolution possible so that we can use them for potential printed materials. Winning photos may be used in Saskatchewan trails promotional materials through brochures, annual reports, social media and more. As pictures come in, they may be featured on our page, with credit to the photographer.

If you do not want to provide the Saskatchewan Trails Association (STA) permission to use your photos, please do not submit your photos.

By submitting photos, you confirm that (a) your photo is you own original work; (b) you own the rights to the photo, including copyright; (c) you have the right to give the STA permission to use your photo for the purposes specified in these rules; (d) the photo is not defamatory and does not infringe on any Canadian laws or violate the rights of any third party; (e) you have the consent of anyone who is identifiable in your photo or the consent of the parent or guardian of anyone who is a minor; (f) you waive any moral rights you might have in the photo; (g) you indemnify the STA against any claim, demand, action, suit, or other proceedings against the STA arising our of the use of the photo or any false or inaccurate statements. By entering, contestants agree to follow these contest rules, which shall be applied by the STA.

Winners, chosen the following week, will be announced on all of our pages and will be contacted to arrange to claim their prize. The deadline for submission is December 15, so make sure to have your photos in before then.

Here are a few reasons to get out and explore this season:

  • Winter trails offer a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The quietude and tranquility of snow-covered landscapes create a meditative and serene atmosphere that’s perfect for unwinding.
  • Winter decorates the trails with a blanket of glistening snow, transforming familiar landscapes into a breathtaking winter wonderland. The play of light and shadows on the snow-covered ground creates picture-perfect.
  • There are numerous activities to enjoy on the winter trails. These activities are not only great for your physical health but also provide a mental boost as you connect with nature.
  • Winter offers the opportunity to spot wildlife in their natural habitat. Animal tracks in the snow, including those of deer, rabbits, and foxes, are a common sight, offering a glimpse into the lives of our forest friends.

We encourage you to gear up, step outside, and let your camera capture the enchantment of winter on Saskatchewan’s trails. We can’t wait to see your photos and share in the beauty of this season with all of you. Good luck to all participants!