Highlands Nordic

1182 Nottawasaga Con. 10 S, Duntroon
Posted on January 8, 2018 / 6882
Highlands Nordic
Location : Central Ontario
Note : Popular
X-Ski km : 25
Skate km : 25
Snowshoe km : 7
Skill Level : Easy, Intermediate
Terrain : large hills, wide paths, steep sections, tight turns, open fields, flat sections
Facilities : parking, chalet, warming huts, toilets/outhouse, change rooms, drinking water, food close by, trailhead map, good trail signage, trails maintained, track set, pro shop, gear rentals
Trail Fee : yes

Length – 25 km

Cross Country track set   25 km
Skate Skiing  groomed  25 km
Snowshoe  trail  7 km

Skill – all levels, more here for seasoned skiers, who like hills

Terrain –  starts flat, long climb to top of hill and flat loops on top

HoursOn weekends 8:30am – 4:30pm,
Night Skiing on Wednesday, Friday & Saturday Nights (4:30pm-8:00pm)

FeeAdults $35, Youth $30, cheaper on weekdays and for half days

Maps – Well signed to get around. Maps online and on the Avenza Maps app.

Facilities –  Parking, chalet, cafeteria (food is decent), large pro shop, toboggan hill (closed this year), rentals of skis and snowshoes, lessons, races, Fatbike trail

Highlights – challenging, scenic at top of Georgian Bay, always has decent snow

Phone – 705 444 5017

Website – Highlands Nordic

Current Conditions & webcam

Similar Trails – Horseshoe, Glebe, Natkkertok

Local Clubs – High Park Ski Club,  Trakkers Cross CountryScarborough Cross Country Ski Club

Access – from Toronto, north on hwy 400 to Barrie, west on hwy 26 to Stayner, then change to hwy 91 drive through Duntroon, south briefly on Concession Rd 10 (Nottawasaga Rd.) entrance on right.

Night Skiing on Wednesday, & Friday Nights (4:30pm-8:00pm) – Starts January 6th, and finishes March 17th, 2021



Highlands Nordic (Duntroon) is one of the best full service Nordic ski spots and popular on any sunny weekend.

All 25 km of trail are wide enough for combined classic and skate skiing. They always seem to have snow when others don’t.

The large chalet is at the base of the hill where beginners have a short flat green loop to practice on. Beyond that every other trail takes you to the top plateau where they split into five directions; this can get difficult.

The red loop at 16 km, is for advanced skiers, enjoyable and one of the hardest in the area.

Coming back down this large hill, a winding trail can be plenty of fun and has the speed for seasoned skiers but likely a cautious feat for newbies. Snowplowing down with a big switchback may not the best place to learn new skills, or is it?

Grooming is done daily and tracks take you out to woodlots, open vistas and between fruit orchards.

You will find food, rentals, a pro shop, plus a good crowd of regular skiers on any weekend. School buses can be seen on weekdays with kids taking lessons.

Recently prices have jumped more than I would expect. Why? Is there more value added to our experience of following a trail that requires an increase?

Being next to a golf course and farm fields there are spots where the wind just howls across the track and at times will bury them, especially on the back loop. And that wind can be cold!

Snowshoeing will involve climbing to get to the top loops. Challenging (but then don’t you want that-kidding lol). With four loops there is plenty here for the day.

Great views of Georgian Bay and Wasaga Beach are your reward when you get to the top.

Back at the “chalet” which is an old barn expanded one can get cosy and warm in their large lunch rooms.

Opening Hours
  • Monday :9 am - 4:30 pm
  • Tuesday :9 am - 4:30 pm
  • Wednesday :9 am - 4:30 pm
  • Thursday :9 am - 4:30 pm
  • Friday :9 am - 4:30 pm
  • Saturday :8:30 am - 4:30 pm
  • Sunday :8:30 am - 4:30 pm

 

Highlands Ski Trail Map

Highlands Snowshoe Trail Map

Reviews
4.9
Total Score 2 REVIEWS
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