What are your guidelines for grooming the trails?*
Please see the chart “Trail Grooming in Gatineau Park.”
How often are ski conditions updated?
The general notes and information at the top of the ski conditions page is updated twice a day (8:30 am and noon). The trail grooming status table is automatically updated in real time, so skiers can easily find out when a trail was last maintained.
Why do the tracks set for classic skiing at the bottom of slopes not always begin at the same point on different slopes?
Classic ski tracks are not set on slopes where the grade exceeds 10%. The assessment of the slope grade can vary depending on the operator doing the grooming. The same goes for the exact location where the tracks begin and end on the slope. The operator also adjusts the track setting according to snow conditions. For example, if the trails are icy, the segment that is not track-set will be longer, to allow skiers to snowplow and better control their speed.
How often are the trails groomed?
Trails are groomed three or four times a week, depending on conditions.
Ski conditions can change quickly, depending on snowfall, wind and skier traffic. Tracks set at a depth of 5 cm can be covered in less than two hours with a substantial snowfall or strong winds.
Because many unpredictable factors are at play, grooming operations cannot be planned more than 12 hours in advance.
What factors influence the trail maintenance team’s decision about whether to work on the trails?
In collaboration with Park management, the trail maintenance team evaluates the following factors:
- the snow base (hard-packed or soft);
- the type of precipitation received (e.g. powder or wet snow, ice pellets, rain, freezing rain);
- weather conditions and forecast.
Once these factors have been identified, the team analyzes them together as a whole and then decides if it would be suitable to work on the trails. If need be, the team evaluates other measures that could produce better results.
Consequently, grooming operations may not be performed under the following conditions:
- temperatures are too mild;
- the snow base is not deep enough (which can cause damage to the grooming machines);
- there is a risk that the grooming machines could get stuck in water;
- trails are littered with branches or fallen trees.
The aim is to offer good skiing conditions for the longest period possible. To do this, it is sometimes necessary to hold off on grooming to get the best results over the longer term. For example, after a rainfall, it is best to wait for freezing temperatures to return before grooming the trails.
What safety measures are available on the trails?
Professional ski patrollers are on the trails daily, from 9 am to 8 pm. There is also a team of about 15 to 20 volunteers who patrol the trails on weekends.
Professional patrollers can evacuate an injured person using a rescue snowmobile or toboggan. They also have access to a defibrillator.
An emergency radio system is available in nine of the 11 day shelters. It is connected to the NCC’s 24-hour emergency line (613-239-5353). Conservation officers are also on call at all times.
Who may use Gatineau Park’s ski trails?
Ski trails are for the exclusive use of skiers with a ski pass. Snowshoers are asked to remain on snowshoeing trails. For walkers or hikers, there are four marked trails that cover a total of over 10 km.
Why are snowmobiles on the trails?
The use of snowmobiles is an integral part of maintenance operations. Snowmobiles are used to:
- maintain the trails when the snow base is not deep enough for grooming machines;
- access the cabins and shelters for maintenance;
- clear the trail of fallen trees and branches;
- evacuate persons who are injured (at which time a siren and flashing light are used).
Why are the trails narrower during certain periods?
Normally, the depressions along the sides of the trails are filled with snow to allow widening of the trail. When there is not enough snow, it is not possible to use this extra space.
What are the NCC’s criteria for determining when the cross-country ski season begins?
Maintenance work on cross-country ski trails never begins before November 15, and conditions have to be right to enable these operations. The NCC must consider several factors before it can begin grooming the trails. First, there must be at least 10 cm of snow on the ground. Other factors are the type of snow, ground freezing and the weather forecast. All of these factors are considered when deciding when to begin setting tracks for cross-country skiing.
What factors determine when the NCC will close the ski season?
Under the conditions of the contract for trail grooming, the ski trails are maintained until March 31, if weather and snow conditions permit.
The NCC can decide to stop the mechanical grooming of trails before this date if there is not enough snow on the ground. This is generally the case when asphalt can be seen over a large part of the parkway network. Often, there is only a thin layer of snow or ice left in most places.
Who may use the backcountry ski trails?
The backcountry trails, which are 1.5 m wide, are for experienced skiers. Snowshoeing and hiking are not permitted on these trails.
What are some of the safety measures for backcountry skiing?
We recommend that you do not ski alone on backcountry trails. Also, please ensure that someone knows your itinerary and that you carry some means of communication.
The NCC has a 24-hour emergency line (613-239-5353), and conservation officers are always on call. Please note that there is no cellphone reception in some parts of the Park.
To facilitate first-aid assistance on backcountry trails, conservation officers have a rescue toboggan designed for this purpose.
What type of work is done on backcountry trails?
At the request of skiers, the 50 km of backcountry trails are left in their natural state. The compacting of snow on the trails is the result of skier and patroller traffic. Snowmobiles may be used to evacuate injured persons or in cases of specific need for maintenance.
How were the names of the grooming machines selected?
In winter 2024, we held a contest to name the Gatineau Park grooming machines. The contest garnered nearly 1,000 entries and over 1,300 votes. The following names received the most votes:
- The Great Gatski
- Mikania (meaning “Making a path”)
- Groominator
- Zamboski
- Casse-croûte
Trail grooming in Gatineau Park
Please note that trail grooming information is provided as a guideline only. Actual decisions as to when grooming operations will be carried out are based on the expertise of the Gatineau Park team.
Before the season begins, trails are cleared of branches and debris, and bridges are installed in marshy areas.
| Primary trails | Secondary trails | |
| Beginning of the season | When snow accumulation reaches 10 cm, work is done to create a base. A total of 48 hours is needed to complete the work. | When snow accumulation reaches 10 cm to 20 cm, work is done to create a base. A total of 48 hours is needed to complete the work. |
| Regular maintenance | Work is done on the trails at least four times per week. Work is done on Friday and Saturday nights, which ensures optimum skiing conditions on Saturdays and Sundays, the busiest ski days. Work on the trails is also done once or twice during the week. | Work is done on the trails at least three times per week. Work is done on Friday and Saturday nights, which ensures optimum skiing conditions on Saturdays and Sundays, the busiest ski days. Work on the trails is also done once or twice during the week. |
| New snow accumulations of more than 5 cm | A total of 24 hours is needed to complete the work. | A total of 24 hours is needed to complete the work. |
Back-country trails : Mechanical grooming not required. The trails are patrolled on a regular basis to determine ski conditions, recommend or not recommend a trail, and ensure that there are no obstructions such as fallen branches or debris. The required work is done manually by employees.