January 30, 2024: We are gradually getting little bits of snow. We have been able to use the skidoo and groomer (just dragging the mat) on the trail to flatten the snow. In the last few days a few people are starting to ski. The surface is uneven and there is no track but it is possible to ski all the loops. Snowshoeing is good. All trails are in great shape with the snow we have.
November 18, 2023: We are getting ready to open up registration for 2024. Snowshoe trails have been grubbed and the brush has been cut along the ski trails.
March 1, 2023: The big groomer has been repaired and made at least 3 passes on each loop before using the skidoo and drag to set a track. The snow is very course.
February 19, 2023: The last bit of snow was awesome. We groomed yesterday and again today. Today it was perfect. A perfect skate surface a perfect classic track. We had lots of people enjoying our trails ... skiers and snowshoers.
February 5, 2023: Out with the skidoo this morning packing snow and filling in some holes. If you are planning to be on the trail today why not bring a shovel and when you come to a big dip take a minute to shovel some snow from the woods into the dip. Every bit helps!
Snowshoeing is great. Classic skiing is possible with caution. There will be no classic track set today. More snow please......
The last 4 days of freezing rain haven't done anything to improve conditions. We would not advise skiing but once the temperature drops and the bit of snow we have left hardens up, snowshoeing should be good. The chalet will remain closed until we get more snow and better conditions.
January 12, 2023: The snow that we got in November w mostly melted by rain and mild weather. We have had a couple of cm of snow since but currently there is not enough snow to groom the trails. Skiing is not advised. Snowshoeing is good with the limited snow coverage.
November 30, 2022: Registration for 2023 season starts December 1, 2022. Early bird pricing in effect for the month of December.
We had snow in the middle of November. We have had the skidoo out twice packing the snow and preparing a base. Conditions are good for snowshoeing but not skiing.
Feb 9, 2022: closed today due to warm weather.
February 5, 2022: Lots of fresh snow today. The big groomer was on the trail this morning packing the snow. The snow is very light and airy. Grooming again in the morning.
January 31, 2022: Trails are closed. The mild weather and rain has taken away most of our snow. The trail is very icy.
January 12, 2022: Trails will be closed today due to mild weather. The lights will not be on.
January 8, 2022: Fresh batch of snow today. We will start grooming in the morning.
January 6, 2022: 7 degrees and rain. The snow we had is significantly reduced. Everything is icy!
November 26, 2021: Zone4 is setup to open for registrations December 1, 2021. Our fees for Trail Passes will remain the same for this winter with a few small modifications. Those purchasing Trail Passes at the chalet will have a processing fee applied so the cost are the same as Zone4 costs. Also, we will be selling Jackrabbit passes once we have a commitment from enough coaches. The Jackrabbit pass will not include a trail pass this year. Kids will need a trail pass and a jackrabbit pass (the cost will not increase-the passes are just split into 2 passes).
March 23, 2021: We had 25cm on Friday and conditions were good after we did enough work on the trails. The warm weather is playing havoc with the snow now. The are only a couple of bare spots but the warm weather will probably change that in quick order. With a late start we don't have a thick base and little frost in the ground.
March 7, 2021: Trails are in excellent shape. We've been grooming every day for the past 2 weeks. Lots of people challenging themselves with the Outfitters 2021 Virtual Marathon. We just announced our Virtual Snowshoe Marathon. The chalet is open for rentals under strict covid regulations.
Feb 28, 2021: Closed due to snow storm. When we open we are permitted to resume rentals.
February 10, 2021: One batch of snow that we were able to groom with the skidoo. The snow packed nicely but we need more snow before we can ski properly and before we can level out the trail. We will be starting our regular chalet hours today: Monday-Friday 1-9pm, Saturday 10am-9pm, Sunday 12-9pm
Jan 29, 2021: Still not much snow..... We were able touse the skidoo by itself to start packing snow. There is not enough snow to groom or set a track.. Snowshoes should be fine but skis will risk doing damage to their skis. The chalet will be open Saturday and Sunday 1-5 for registrations, Day Passes etc. Trail users can register online at Zone4 if the chalet is not open. All users are expected to complete the online Covid Questionnaire.
We do not enough snow to begin grooming. Snowshoers, who have their trail passes, are welcome to use the trails. Skiers will do a lot of damage to their skis right now. Check Facebook and you email for updates.
Trail users must follow Provincial Covid Guidelines. Please wear a facemask that covers your nose and mouth until you are on the trails and observe social distancing.
Our 2021 online registration is now open. Find it here: https://zone4.ca/reg.asp?id=24993
Winterlude activities will be going ahead as planned. Winterlude schedule.
With our best season ever still going strong we will have to reschedule our Exploits Loppet which was planned for Saturday morning. With 20-35cm of snow and ice pellets forecast for Friday night and ending sometime Saturday afternoon we will not be able to have the trails in shape for an event this weekend. We are hoping to select another suitable weekend later in the season to invite all our ski buddies in for a fun Loppet!
We are planing the third and final registration drive before Christmas. If you want to pick up your trail pass before Christmas then this is your last opportunity. The chalet will be open on Saturday 1-3pm. We will be there to answer any of your questions, give out Trail Passes if you have purchased them online and you will be able to purchase Trail Passes (make sure you bring cash-we can't take debit or credit cards at the chalet). Trail Passes make a great Christmas gift or stocking stuffer. Remember the Early Bird pricing is only available in December. Starting Jan 1, the prices go up. You can register online by going to Zone4 and searching for Exploits Nordic Ski Club or use the link in the menu on the left.
Online registration is now open for TRAIL PASSES for the 2019/2020 season. https://zone4.ca/register.asp?id=22362
The Jackrabbits had the Fun Day today. What a time they had. Beautiful weather. Fire at the firepit. A good ski. Great way to end the season. Some folks are still skiing. The trails are snow covered but they get pretty soft throughout the day.
We had a fabulous morning with the Loppet. Wade was out grooming at 5 am and conditions were a LOT better than we anticipated. We had a great morning with lots of skiing (over 500 kilometers!). The food was great and everyone enjoyed hanging around for a chat after. Can't wait now for next year!!!
Feb 8, 2019 - We have been watching the weather very carefully all week. Why? Because this is the weekend of our FIRST ANNUAL EXPLOITS LOPPET!!!!! We are supposed to get a bit of rain early tomorrow morning ending at 4:30 am. The temperature is supposed to start dropping and the rest of the day should be nice. We are hoping for a good turnout. Rumour has it that lots of people from across the province will be making their way to GFW to check out the chalet, our trails and to participate. There will be food available so bring some cash.
Feb 3, 2019 - It's been chilly out in the open but in on the trail (ski and snowshoe) it's beautiful. The trails are holding up well with daily grooming although a bit of fresh snow would certainly be welcome! Lots of activity at the chalet. Yumming chilli and homemade rolls were a real treat yesterday.
Jan 29, 2019 - Wade is out with the big groomer beating the air out of the snow and packing it in. It will need some time to setup before it's perfect. It's looking good!!!! BTW he puts almost 40 km on the machine when he grooms the whole trail so it takes some time.
Jan 24, 2019 - The trails held up really well under the mild conditions. Everything was groomed yesterday. The trails are very good but fast. There are a couple of icy patches. The snowshoe trail also has some icy patches. More snow would be nice right about now.
Jan 20, 2019 - Another beautiful day on the trails. The chalet is open until 9. The lights will be on.
Jan 18, 2019 - We have decided to change our hours of operation based on the level of activity. Hours of Operation
Jan 15, 2019 - The chalet is closed today due to weather. The parking lot will be plowed tonight. We will be grooming in the morning.
Jan 11, 2019 - This was a very satisfying day. We got all out permits and were able to open the chalet. We had a steady stream of people tonight. Skiers, snowshoers and people just curious. We will be open from 1-10pm for the foreseeable future. Lights will be on every night until 10.
Jan 10, 2019 - All trails were groomed and tracked this afternoon. Great conditions!
Jan 9, 2019 - Trails were groomed yesterday. Ski trails are in great shape. Good, fast skate surface (some are saying it's the best skiing in a couple of years). Good classic tracks. LOTS of snowshoers out enjoying the snowshoe trail and using the ski trail. Snowshoers using the ski trail please remember to follow our Trail Rules and Etiquette guidelines.
Jan 5, 2019 - Trails were groomed today. They are in great shape. We have never seen them this good at this time of year. Thanks to everyone for staying off the trails yesterday. No damage was done and Wade was able to groom without any problems. We are very close to opening the chalet. Final inspection will be very soon. The equipment room is ready for rentals. It's hard to be patient....
Jan 4, 2019 - Trails were groomed again today. The lights are on tonight til 10pm.
January 3, 2019 - The trails were groomed and tracked today. Conditions are very good. A cold night will firm up the snow and make it even better.
December 30, 2018 - Finally getting around to updating the webpage. Work on the chalet is still progressing but it's in the final stages right now. Some painting left to do. Building steps/ramps. The equipment room and the kitchen are taking shape. Shouldn't be long before we can open. The trails are getting some much needed snow. Hopefully we will be able to get grooming again very soon.