Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing Near Blue Mountain

While Blue Mountain is famous for downhill skiing, the surrounding area offers exceptional cross-country skiing and snowshoeing that many visitors overlook. From professionally groomed trails to peaceful backcountry routes through the Niagara Escarpment, there is a winter trail experience for every fitness level.

Why Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing Here

The Blue Mountain and Collingwood area receives generous lake-effect snowfall from Georgian Bay, creating reliable snow cover throughout the winter months. The rolling terrain of the Niagara Escarpment and the surrounding countryside provides varied landscapes that are perfect for both cross-country skiing and snowshoeing.

Unlike downhill skiing, these activities require no lift tickets, minimal equipment, and offer a full-body workout in stunning natural settings. They are also excellent options for non-skiers in your group who want to enjoy the winter outdoors.

Top Cross-Country Ski Trails

Scenic Caves Nordic Centre

Scenic Caves Nordic Centre is the premier cross-country skiing destination in the area. Located just minutes from Blue Mountain Village, it offers over 25 kilometres of groomed trails winding through hardwood forests along the Niagara Escarpment.

• **Terrain** — Rolling hills with a mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced loops
• **Grooming** — Trails are groomed for both classic and skate skiing
• **Facilities** — Warming hut, rentals, lessons, and a small cafe
• **Highlight** — The Thunderbird suspension bridge viewpoint offers breathtaking views of Georgian Bay

Highlands Nordic Centre

Located about 30 minutes south of Blue Mountain in Duntroon, Highlands Nordic is one of Ontario's top cross-country ski facilities. It offers over 35 kilometres of impeccably groomed trails.

• **Terrain** — Gentle to moderate rolling terrain, ideal for all levels
• **Grooming** — Professional grooming for classic and skate skiing
• **Facilities** — Full lodge, rentals, wax room, lessons
• **Highlight** — The trail system connects through beautiful mixed forests with excellent signage

Kolapore Uplands Wilderness Trails

For experienced cross-country skiers seeking a backcountry experience, the Kolapore Uplands offers roughly 50 kilometres of volunteer-maintained trails through remote wilderness. These trails are not groomed and offer a true backcountry Nordic experience.

• **Terrain** — Varied and challenging, with steep descents and climbs
• **Grooming** — Ungroomed, track-set by other skiers
• **Facilities** — None. Bring everything you need.
• **Highlight** — Genuine wilderness solitude just 20 minutes from Collingwood

Craigleith Provincial Park

While small, Craigleith Provincial Park offers a pleasant, easy loop for beginners and families. The flat terrain along the Georgian Bay shoreline makes it accessible for first-time cross-country skiers.

Top Snowshoeing Routes

Blue Mountain Resort Snowshoe Trails

Blue Mountain Resort itself offers guided and self-guided snowshoe excursions. These trails wind through the forested areas around the resort and provide a gentle introduction to snowshoeing with the convenience of being right at the Village.

Pretty River Valley Provincial Park

Pretty River Valley offers several trails through deep hardwood forests with rolling terrain that is ideal for snowshoeing. The park is quiet and peaceful in winter, with far fewer visitors than the nearby ski areas.

• **Distance** — Multiple loops ranging from 3 to 10 kilometres
• **Difficulty** — Moderate, with some elevation changes
• **Access** — Free, though parking may require a provincial park pass

Nottawasaga Lookout Provincial Nature Reserve

This short but rewarding snowshoe hike leads to a dramatic lookout point over the Nottawasaga River valley. The trail climbs through dense forest to a clearing with panoramic views.

• **Distance** — About 3 kilometres return
• **Difficulty** — Moderate, with a steady uphill section
• **Highlight** — The lookout view is spectacular on clear winter days

The Bruce Trail in Winter

Several sections of the Bruce Trail near Blue Mountain are excellent for snowshoeing. The Loree Forest section and the Petun Conservation Area both offer well-marked trails through the Niagara Escarpment.

Important: The Bruce Trail can be challenging in winter. Ice and steep terrain require proper snowshoes with crampons and hiking poles. Always tell someone your planned route.

Equipment and Rentals

Cross-Country Ski Rentals

Both Scenic Caves Nordic Centre and Highlands Nordic offer full rental packages including skis, boots, and poles. Rental rates are reasonable and include trail access. For classic skiing, you will get narrower skis with textured bases. For skate skiing, the skis are shorter and require groomed skate lanes.

Snowshoe Rentals

Snowshoes can be rented at Blue Mountain Village, Scenic Caves, and several outdoor shops in Collingwood. Modern snowshoes are lightweight, easy to use, and require no special skills — if you can walk, you can snowshoe.

What to Wear

• Base layer that wicks moisture (avoid cotton)
• Insulating mid-layer (fleece or light down)
• Windproof and waterproof outer layer
• Warm hat, gloves, and neck gaiter
• Wool or synthetic socks
• Gaiters (especially useful for snowshoeing in deep snow)

Combining Activities

A fantastic winter day near Blue Mountain might include a morning of cross-country skiing at Scenic Caves, lunch at a Collingwood restaurant, and an afternoon of light snowshoeing on the Blue Mountain trails. This combination gives you a full day of outdoor activity without the expense of lift tickets.

Where to Stay

Blue View Chalets provides an ideal home base for winter trail activities. After a day of cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, return to a warm chalet with a hot tub to soak tired muscles. Our fully equipped kitchens let you prepare warm meals, and our spacious living areas are perfect for relaxing after an active day outdoors. All our chalets are centrally located between the various trail systems described in this guide.