EXPLORE GROOMED TRAILS
BEST SKIING IN ONTARIO
If you’re looking for a place to get your Nordic on, the Haliburton Highlands has you covered with 176 km of groomed cross-country trails. Whether you’re a hardcore racer, a backcountry enthusiast, or a total newbie, you’ll find some of the best cross-country skiing Ontario has to offer listed below. Plus, if downhill skiing or snowboarding is more your speed, head to Sir Sam’s Ski & Ride for an unforgettable day on the slopes.
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Exploration Details – Skiing Trails
The Haliburton Highlands offers incredible Nordic skiing trails, perfect for all skill levels. From beginner-friendly loops to advanced terrain, you’ll find breathtaking winter scenery at every turn. Explore the groomed trails at Glebe Park, the rugged beauty of the Frost Centre, or the serene forests of Algonquin Park.
With features like warming shelters, wildlife sightings, and rentals, these trails provide everything you need for an unforgettable winter adventure. Browse the trail descriptions below and prepare to enjoy the snow-covered beauty of the Haliburton Highlands!
Ski Haliburton
The Haliburton Highlands Nordic Trails Association maintains 21 km of groomed trails for skiers of all levels. HHNTA trail passes grant access to Glebe Park & Twin Lakes but are not valid for other trail systems.
Day passes are available at trailheads through self-registration (cash only, exact change). For current conditions, check the latest updates.
Glebe Park
13.5 Kms of skate and classic trails. Intermediate to Advanced terrain with lots of hills. 1.5 km lit loop for night skiing: lights come on at dusk, stay on until 9pm. Right in the Village of Haliburton on Fleming College Drive.
Twin Lakes
Twin Lake will be reopening for the the 2024-25 season. Trail development is under way.
Previously, there were 7.5 Kms of skate and classic trails. Intermediate terrain. Dog friendly – 12 Mile Lake Road off of Hwy #35 between Minden & Carnarvon.
The Frost Centre
Enjoy cliff-top lookouts, stunning ice falls, and chances to spot wildlife like moose, deer, owls, and more. Explore the rugged Canadian Shield, majestic hardwood forests, and old-growth pine, hemlock, and birch.
Ski passes are available at the Trails Office across from the trailhead or at the ticket booth on weekends. For after-hours access, use the self-registration shelter (cash only, exact change). Check current conditions before you go!
Frost Centre Trails
22 km of classic cross-country ski trails offer eight stacked loops ranging in length from 1.2 km to 6.5 km. Beginner to expert level trails, we have it all. Families can explore the Fox, Bunny, Bear, Beaver and Otterslide trails. If you are looking for a longer, more remote backcountry experience try the Deer trail! Several trails offer technical downhill sections for advanced skiers. For detailed trail descriptions, click here.
Facilities include two on-trail, self-serve warm-up cabins (equipped with wood stoves and breathtaking winter views), rentals, historic Towerman’s cabin, washroom, outdoor toilets and parking. Our Trails office/store is open daily from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. (November – April). The store stocks ski wax and hot chocolate!
Ontario Provincial Parks
What’s better than gliding through the forest on a pair of skis? 18 Ontario Parks are open for the winter season offering cross-country ski trails. As soon as the snow starts to fly, trail conditions are updated on our Ski Report. The report includes trail and snow conditions, distances and amenities in each park and also links to local weather reports.
Cost is included in the price of a daily vehicle permit for all provincial parks.
Algonquin Park
Algonquin Park has several trail networks offering over 110 kilometres of some of Ontario’s best cross-country (nordic) skiing. Three trails are packed, groomed, and trackset on a regular basis whereas one wilderness ski trail is not groomed or trackset.
Silent Lake Park
More than 40 km of cross-country trails wind their way through hardwoods, cedar swamps, groves of White Birch and beech stands. The terrain is rugged, but ideal for family skiing. All four connecting loops start and finish at the day-use parking lot and are colour coded for easy recognition. Green Loop – 2.5 km, novice-moderate Red Loop – 5 km, novice-moderate Yellow Loop – 10 km, moderate Blue Loop – 16.5 km, difficult
Discover More Must-Ski Trails
Explore some of Ontario’s finest Nordic skiing trails, offering options for every skill level. Whether you’re gliding through serene forests or tackling challenging terrain with stunning winter vistas, there’s something for everyone.
Looking for equipment? Visit Algonquin Outfitters for cross-country ski rentals at their Oxtongue Lake and Haliburton locations.
Algonquin Eco-Lodge Ski Trails
An amazing trail system for cross country skiing! We have over 40km of groomed and wilderness Nordic ski trails inside Algonquin Park, Ontario, right from the front door of the EcoLodge. And after a day of cross country skiing on the track set ski trails what better way to relax than in our outdoor hot tub or sauna, overlooking the forests of Algonquin Park? We can safely say that we have the best wilderness cross country ski trails in southern Ontario.
Blue Spruce Resort Ski Trails
We have over 14 km of groomed and track set ski trials on site. Two of our highlights are the Look Out Trail with its high vantage point overlooking Oxtongue and the Rookery Trail that skirts a Heron Rookery with the huge nests very visible from the shore of the pond.
Pinestone Ski Trails
Their 10 km of trails are groomed and well signed. Much of what you are skiing on is golf greens in the summer. This setting gives nice wide open views on a sunny day. Going further east into the bush will find you more typical hilly, wooded ski trails and some solitude.
Trails are well-maintained, with classic cross-country ski tracks set and plenty of space for skate skiers to boot it. Learn more about membership and trail passes
Winter Sports Spotlight
Sir Sam's Ski and Ride
Located just minutes from Haliburton, Sir Sam’s offers an unforgettable skiing and snowboarding experience. With 15 diverse runs, 4 lifts, and a state-of-the-art covered surface lift, it’s perfect for all skill levels. Enjoy stunning views, friendly staff, and a welcoming atmosphere.
For newcomers, lessons and rentals are available. Warm up in the cozy chalet with a hot drink or meal from the licensed eatery. Sir Sam’s is ideal for a fun day or a season of winter adventure.
Yours Outdoors - Skijoring
Experience the thrill of skijoring at Haliburton Forest! This unique winter sport lets you and your dog team up as you glide across snow-covered trails. With expert instruction from world-class competitor Karen Koehler, you’ll learn the techniques and enjoy a memorable adventure.
Perfect for active individuals and their energetic dogs, this experience includes all necessary equipment and ski rentals if needed. Book your lesson today and get ready for an unforgettable outdoor experience!
