Our winter program · With Salomon & Fresh Air Experience
Communiski
When the snow flies, the community keeps moving. Communiski is our weekly community ski program, with weekend events and learn-to-ski seminars all winter long.
A winter on snow, together
The same idea behind our rides, on skis: adventure is better when it’s shared.
Weekly skis
Our community ski, every week through the winter. Come out, meet people and make it part of your season.
Weekend events
Bigger days on snow. Weekend events bring the whole community together for something a little more special.
Learn-to-ski seminars
New to skiing, or want to build your confidence? Our seminars are the place to learn the basics and get started.
Upcoming skis
This season’s schedule is coming soon. In the meantime, email [email protected] with any questions.
Our partners
Salomon & Fresh Air Experience
Communiski happens in partnership with Salomon and Fresh Air Experience, and together we’re getting more people out on snow each winter. Look for the Salomon tent when you arrive.
New to skiing?
You don’t need much to get started. Here’s what we’d tell a friend before their first day out.
What to wear
Skiing warms you up fast, so dress lighter than you would to stand outside.
- A moisture-wicking base layer (skip the cotton)
- A light, breathable mid layer
- A wind-resistant jacket and pants instead of a heavy parka
- One good pair of warm socks
- Light gloves, plus warmer mitts for cold days
- A toque or headband and a neck warmer
- Sunglasses for bright days on the snow
What to bring
A small backpack is plenty for a day on the trails.
- Your trail pass, if the trail requires one
- Water in an insulated bottle, or something hot in a thermos
- Snacks that won't freeze solid, plus lunch
- A warm puffy jacket for when you stop
- A dry shirt to change into at the cabin
- A fully charged phone, kept close to your body
- A headlamp if you might finish late
Preparing your skis
A few minutes before you leave makes for a much better day.
- Waxless classic skis: clean the skins or fishscale grip area
- Waxable classic skis: apply kick wax for the day's snow temperature
- Skate skis: keep the whole base waxed with glide wax
- Check that your boots fit your bindings, since not all systems match
- Check your bindings and pole straps before you leave home
- Let your skis cool outside before you start, so snow doesn't stick
Try our demo skis
Not sure what to buy, or don’t have skis yet? We usually have demo skis available, so you can try a few before you decide. The Outside skis are wide, made for heading off the groomed tracks.
- Salomon Outside 82, in 172 cm and 187 cm
- Salomon Outside 100, in 175 cm
- A variety of skate and classic skis
- Backcountry boots, available on request
Grilled cheese at the cabin
We often ski to a cabin for grilled cheese. Most people cook their sandwiches at home, wrap them in foil and warm them up on the wood stove when we get there. Gatineau Park’s day shelters have wood stoves, picnic tables and outhouses.
- Pets and alcohol aren't allowed in the shelters
- Take your trash with you or use the bins provided
- Shelters are shared, so make room for other skiers at the stove
Out on the snow
A few more moments from our winters together.
Where to ski
The Ottawa–Gatineau region is full of great cross-country skiing, from city trails you can reach by train to one of the largest networks around.
Gatineau Park
200+ kmGatineau & Chelsea, QC
The region's biggest network, with 50+ trails, day shelters and 15 parking lots to start from. Rentals at the Relais plein air.
- Style:
- Classic, skate, backcountry
- Cost:
- Winter pass required. Adult day pass $21.40 before tax (2026–27)
Nakkertok Nordic
80 kmGatineau, QC
Two sectors, a heated shelter and snowmaking that can open trails as early as mid-November.
- Style:
- Cross-country
- Cost:
- Day fee for non-members
Ottawa's Greenbelt
150+ kmOttawa, around the city
Trails, pathways and forest roads, all suited to beginners and families. Areas include Shirleys Bay, Stony Swamp, Pine Grove and Mer Bleue.
- Style:
- Groomed classic on select trails
- Cost:
- Free
Kanata Nordic
18+ kmWesley Clover Parks, Ottawa
Club trails groomed by volunteers. Access from Corkstown Road. No dogs on the trails.
- Style:
- Classic and skate
- Cost:
- Day pass or membership
Mooney's Bay Ski Centre
5 kmMooney's Bay Park, Ottawa
Lit trails in the city, plus lessons and rentals. A good place to start if you're new to the sport.
- Style:
- Classic and skate
- Cost:
- Check the City of Ottawa for rates
Kichi Sibi Winter Trail
16+ kmOttawa River, central Ottawa
Runs from LeBreton Flats to Dominion Station. Park at Westboro Beach, Champlain Park or the War Museum, or take the O-Train to Pimisi, Bayview or Tunney's Pasture.
- Style:
- Classic tracks, skate lane
- Cost:
- Donation-supported
Britannia Winter Trail
About 17 kmBritannia Park, west Ottawa
A volunteer-run neighbourhood trail for skiing, snowshoeing, winter biking and walking.
- Style:
- Multi-use
- Cost:
- Donation-supported
Ottawa West Winter Trail
About 8 kmKanata, west Ottawa
Groomed by Kanata Nordic, right beside Wesley Clover Parks. Dogs on leash are welcome.
- Style:
- Classic tracks, multi-use
- Cost:
- Free, donations welcome
Rideau Winter Trail
About 9 kmRideau River, east of downtown
Barrier-free winter sports along the Rideau River, close to downtown.
- Style:
- Classic and skate
- Cost:
- Donation-supported
Ski Heritage East
40 kmOttawa River, east end to Orléans
A community-funded groomed trail from Trim Road to the NCC River House, with many access points along the river.
- Style:
- Multi-use
- Cost:
- Donation-supported
Suggested routes
A few good days out, drawn from the National Capital Commission’s recommended routes.
Gatineau Park
A winter pass is required on these trails.
Trails 5, 27 and 27B loop
Gentle climbs and smooth descents, recommended by the Gatineau Park team for beginners.
- Start:
- P1, Asticou Centre
- Route:
- Trails 5, 27, 27B and Gatineau Parkway
From the City to the Wilderness
A gradual climb with some steep sections on the way out, then a long downhill back.
- Start:
- P2, Relais plein air
- Route:
- Trails 29, 5, 15 and 35 to Pink Lake; back by Gatineau Parkway and trails 26 and 29
Trails 53 and 51 loop
Forest and fields, with Wakefield nearby for a coffee afterward.
- Start:
- P17, Highway 105, La Pêche
- Route:
- Trails 53 and 51
The Heart of the Network
Four shelters along the way, and you can turn around at any point. The first 1.5 km includes a challenging climb.
- Start:
- P7, Kingsmere Road, Chelsea
- Route:
- Trails 30, 1 and 2 to Western Shelter; back by 2, 1B, Champlain and Fortune parkways and 1
A Prime Minister's Backyard
Mostly downhill on the way out and uphill on the way back, with one big climb near the end.
- Start:
- P6, Mackenzie King Estate
- Route:
- Trail 7 and Gatineau Parkway to trail 35 at Pink Lake; back by trails 35 and 15
Paths of the Early Settlers
An out-and-back from Wakefield on part of the Trans Canada Trail.
- Start:
- P17, Highway 105, La Pêche
- Route:
- Trails 52 and 50 to Herridge Shelter and back
Trail 55 northern loop
A long day in the park's northern sector. Skip trail 56 for 16.6 km, or ski trail 55 alone for 11.4 km.
- Start:
- P19, Philippe Lake
- Route:
- Trail 55 with detours by trails 54 and 56
Trails 30, 8, 17 and 31 loop
Short but demanding, on narrower and less busy trails.
- Start:
- P7, Kingsmere Road, Chelsea
- Route:
- Trails 30, 8, 17 and 31
Ottawa’s Greenbelt
Free to ski and groomed for classic by volunteers.
Trail 12 loop, Shirleys Bay
A short groomed side loop off the Greenbelt Pathway West.
- Start:
- Shirleys Bay P1 or P3
- Route:
- Trail 12
Trail 45, Pine Grove
Groomed trail in Pine Grove Forest, south of the city.
- Start:
- Pine Grove P19
- Route:
- Trail 45
Watts Creek Pathway
Connects to the Greenbelt Pathway West and Kichi Zībī Mīkan, and is part of the Great Trail.
- Start:
- Shirleys Bay P1 or P3
- Route:
- Watts Creek Pathway
Greenbelt Pathway West
Passes forests, fields and farms in the west end.
- Start:
- Shirleys Bay P1 or P3
- Route:
- Greenbelt Pathway West
Check before you go
Grooming, closures and prices change through the season, so confirm the details with each trail. Last reviewed November 2026.
Join the community
Communiski is part of Common Empire, a community that gets outside together all year round.