Get out your grip wax and get wowed by the winter sport taking Winnipeg by storm!
The city is full of groomed trails ready for you to strap on your skis and explore, with plenty of golf courses, banks of rivers and pretty parks to pole along.
Plus, the Winnipeg Trails Association has you covered with up-to-date conditions via the cool new WinterPeg website, which covers skating trails too!
Windsor Park Nordic Centre
This historic centre in the middle of the city is great for classic cross-country skiing and skate skiing too. Offering over 15km of ski trails that are groomed daily and full of dips and dives, you can enjoy this space both day and night as the entire centre is lit up until 10 p.m. on week nights making it a great place for an after-work workout.
Non-members can purchase a trail pass ahead of time on their website.
Centennial River Trail at The Forks
For the first time ever, Winnipeg’s record-breaking river trail is now side-by-side with a cross country ski trail. With over 5km worth of ice to slide on, the ski trail now extends from The Forks to the Hugo Docks on the Assiniboine River, and along the bank of the Red River all the way to the Exchange District.
FortWhyte Alive
FortWhyte Alive’s frequently groomed ski trails cover over 6km worth of ground surrounded by aspen forest featuring all the sights and sounds of nature. Once you’ve completed the trail, switch over to snowshoes, or try your hand at ice fishing on the nearby lake.
Kildonan Park Trail
The once-green grasses of the Kildonan Park Golf Course have since been transformed into a ski trail nearly 9km long! These flat and level tracks are great for beginners and long enough for seasoned skiers to slide along too.
St. Vital Park Trail
Located on the east bank of the Red River, this park is a winter paradise filled with cross-country ski trails, a massive duck pond for skating, outdoor fire pits and an award-winning toboggan slide. You’ll likely see it all, as the 4.62 km ski trail wraps around the outskirts of the park.
Wildwood Community Centre
Groomed for both classic and skate skiing, these trails in Fort Garry are frequently cleared and feature an additional walking trail to ensure social distancing while you glide. The trails pass through the Wildewood Golf Course, Wildwood Community Centre grounds and St. John’s Ravenscourt field.
Living Prairie Museum
This small skiing loop is just over 1km in length, covering the now-rare tallgrass prairie ecosystem hidden underneath the snow. The area also features an aspen forest and is home to wildlife like deer, fox, jackrabbits and owls.
Crescent Drive Park
Ski between the endless rows of trees at Crescent Drive Park on this short 2km loop. Warm up at one of the many nearby fire pits after you’ve completed this smooth lap.
La Barriere Park
Once you’ve masted the art of skiing, why not involve a furry friend? La Barriere Park is one of the few places in Manitoba offering trails for skijoring and kick sledding with a dog! You can learn more about this activity through the winter club Snow Motion.
You can still enjoy this spacious park dog-less, as you’ll find a 2km ski trail starting at the parking lot.
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Don’t own skis?
Try your luck at tracking down a coveted pair of skis this year at MEC or Wilderness Supply Co.
If you’re looking to rent, check out the Icicle Garden at 267 Sherbrook Street where you can rent skis, skates, and snowshoes all for a donation; or visit Woodcock Cycle where you can rent gear for either one day or the whole week!
Note: ski trail conditions may vary as weather changes.
