FortWhyte Alive

Over a decade ago, FortWhyte ventured into developing a modest cross-country ski trail system looping around and on its frozen lakes. It was a noble attempt by a few dedicated staff and volunteers, but proved to be another reminder that Nature always holds the upper hand. The trail would be groomed late on a Friday afternoon in keen anticipation of weekend skiers. Invariably an overnight wind would blow like no other, and by Saturday morning, skiers would be hard pressed to find the track. Feeling defeated, FortWhyte’s valiant cross-country ski trail plans were abandoned due to exposed site conditions and limited grooming resources.

But members’ and visitors’ persistent inquiries and obvious passion for the sport at FortWhyte kept the dream alive. Since that first attempt, FortWhyte is now much better positioned with its recent land and facility expansion to develop 5 kilometres of beautiful trails in the north aspen forest. Ideally sheltered from wind and blowing snow, and with very little impact on the existing landscape, trail routes have been laid out on decades-old cleared lanes that are rumoured to have had their origins as cross-country ski trails for the plant manager of Inland Cement! Not only do the trails meander through the forest, offering new and varied vistas for skiers, the width of the lanes allow for a freestyle track and a dual classic track. Professional trail grooming will occur on a regular and as needed basis to ensure consistent, excellent track conditions for
both skiing preferences. For outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities, FortWhyte’s new ski trails will be a welcome addition to its winter recreation repertoire. And while they are not in the habit of making command appearances, you might be lucky enough to encounter wildlife along these new forest trails as this habitat is typically the winter home of cottontails, porcupine, white-tailed deer, woodpeckers, and the occasional great horned owl.

At press time, consideration is been given to essential directional & distance signage, ski storage racks, programming that includes ski clinics led by certified Canadian Association of Nordic Ski Instructors (CANSI), and Demo Days by local retailers.
 

Enjoy FortWhyte by Night

Join us on Thursday evenings in January and February when we’ll be open until 9pm for skiing, skating, snowshoeing and tobogganing. The Buffalo Stone Café will be open for light dinners with a special daily hot entrée offering, such as our famous bison lasagna, chicken pot pies and homemade soups. And they’ll be plenty of hot chocolate to warm up with around the fireplace. Access to FortWhyte’s 5 kilometres of trails is FREE to Members, or FREE with daily admission. For avid skiers, a Winter Snow Pass offering unlimited admission from the opening day of ski season until the end of March will be available at a fee of $40 for individuals and $60 for families. Come and enjoy Winnipeg’s best winter playground. Let it snow!
 

Snow Trek

1st Annual Winter In Motion Sunday, January 17
FREE ADMISSION
12:30–3:30pm

FortWhyte Alive is one of four locations taking part in this exciting In Motion event. How can you hide indoors when winter has so much to offer? Everyone is welcome to take part in cross-country ski sessions, snowshoe hikes plus skating and tobogganing. Free use of cross-country skis and snowshoes will be available.

Cross-country ski sessions: 1pm, 2pm, and 3pm
Guided snowshoe hikes: 1pm, 1:30pm and 2:30pm

For more information on this special day go to: www.winnipeginmotion.ca
Other locations include: Assiniboine Park Duck Pond, Bourkevale Community Club and the Forks