Worth mentioning are a few easy Nordic trails near Haliburton at the Pinestone Resort.
No other set of loops has such grand amenities as this location. For those of you seeking convenience and comfort to try the sport, this is the place.
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. (on a windy day maybe not so much)
These open areas make it ideal for novice/ tourists to give it a try. Beginners need not worry about hitting any trees or doing fast descents. I do not remember any nasty verticals, certainly not on the golf course sections.
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.
Nordic sports are a small added activity at Pinestone. Nothing is mentioned on their website this season?? Yet it is happening, according to their Facebook page.
The main draw is the snowmobile crowd, as many sledders stay here overnight. Once on the trails you may hear a few snowmobiles, but little interaction is to be expected.
There are skis and snowshoes available to rent, but not many.
Snowshoers get 3 km of trail to tramp on, with most of it separate from the ski trekkers.
Whether you stay over or are just visiting to ski, having a large restaurant and lodging complex on site is a treat during the frosty days of winter….and it is good as a home base to visit other ski areas and the town of Haliburton. (they did not pay me to say that – lol)
As for bushwhacking, ask around if the trails SW of here are open for use. Though not groomed, they are good for more challenging ski mileage. :^)
Many years ago I did a longer, advanced route with friends that starts across the highway. Unfortunately currently this connection to the Glebe trail system has not been maintained. :^( (recommended only for the seasoned skier)
Having been here over the years, the length of trails maintained has varied depending on changing management/owners. Recently the neighbouring historic Wigamog Inn was also bought and may signal good things to come for us skiers.
