Mountainview

Length –  25 km

Cross Country track set   25 km
Skate Skiing groomed  25 km
Snowshoe trail  ~ 5 km 

Skill – all levels

Terrain –  flat and easy on north end out to golf course, hilly southside

Hours – daylight hours, any day 9 – 4:30 pm

Fee – $20 adult,  $18 Youth & Seniors, Snowshoe $15, less on weekdays and half-day rates too

Trail Maps – posted on the trail, no paper map

Facilities –  Parking, chalet, rentals, snacks, bathrooms, lessons (downhill skiing is closed)

Highlights – well laid out loops, rustic chalet, friendly vibe, great prices

Phone – 705 309 9542

Website – Midland Ski Club

Current Conditions – FB page,  Twitter feed

Similar Trails – Highlands, Wasaga,  Muskoka KOA

Local Clubs – Midland Ski Club

Access – In Midland, behind the mall, westside off 9266 Penetanguishene Rd(hwy 93), right of the mall with Staples, Sports Check. Drive west on a gravel road 400m to the hill and chalet. (not sure there is even a sign, did I mention it was “rustic”)

The downhill skiing is presently not open.

Mountainview just outside of Midland has some of the finest trails for Nordic skiers and snowshoeing at very reasonable prices.

Skate skiers are going to relish the fact that all the trails groomed are for both classic and skate skiing. You’ll find lots of variety and well-designed loops. I just discovered this spot after decades of skiing and so should you.

The staff is friendly and the chalet is an old wooden building with years of history and character. There is an ample assortment of equipment to rent and even some new gear on sale.

For beginners, the short Purple and Yellow trails are safe to try. Even the Blue trails that venture out onto the golf course are easy with a few hills you can avoid. The Green 8.5km loop ventures way out onto this very scenic course and has one monster hill to go down. (Very safe as there are no trees to hit on the way down the fairway.)

The advanced Red and Gold south trails climb up the wooded side of the ski hill onto tree-lined fields. One will find numerous hills and gullies to ski through to please most fit skiers.

For Snowshoeing there are two hilly trails in this mature mixed forest for a good day’s outing. These are steep hills for fit trekkers. Signs seem a little sparse on the trail which is not well used.

The ski loops have excellent signage but you might want to print out the map as they do not give handouts.

The chalet is old, cozy with plenty of history and tables for lunch. Snacks are available or wait to hit a pub on your way home. You can change in the washrooms.

Being just on the edge of Midland, Mountainview is very close to town services with plenty of choices for dinner or to stay over. Which I did to ski Wye Marsh and next time it will be Awenda.