From January through to early April, Newfoundland ski trails hit a high note. Cross-country ski loops offer tracks through pristine forests near St. John's and treasured parks such as Gros Morne National Park. Or, visitors can enjoy the thrill of advanced ski runs and beginner-friendly skiing at Marble Mountain ski resort.
Newfoundland Ski Vacation at Marble Mountain Ski Resort
With moderately priced day-pass rates, Marble Mountain ranks as a great destination for a Newfoundland ski vacation with the family. The season stretches from mid-December through to April and offers a variety of ski runs that will appeal to novice skiers as well as those seeking a more advanced challenge.
The eastern Newfoundland ski resort is perfect for group vacations and family holidays where each skier or snowboarder is riding at a different level.
Some facts about Newfoundland's Marble Mountain noted on the ski resort website:
- Marble Mountain receives nearly 5 m (16 feet) in annual snowfall.
- The longest run at Marble Mountain stretches 4.5 km (2.8 miles).
- 45% of the 37 runs cater to advanced or expert skiers.
- 19% of the Marble Mountain runs offer beginner terrain for to those learning to ski.
Back-country Ski Trips and Cross-country Skiing in Gros Morne National Park
This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers independent or guided access to the great Canadian wilderness in winter.
A series of seven cross-country loop trails venture out from the Gros Morne Visitor Centre on the 430 road, near the turn off to Norris Point. The shortest ski trail is less than a kilometer in distance, but routes can be combined to offer a full day of activity. There’s even one loop, the 2-km Owl Trail, lit for night skiing until about 9:30pm.
Families will also enjoy the tobogganing hill close to the visitor center.
For more experienced skiers longer routes and back-country explorations are available at:
- Wigwam Pond to Lomond River: This 12 km (7.5 miles) one-way journey skirts frozen ponds and crosses a bridge. For advanced skiers additional loops will pose a full-day challenge.
- Trout River: Three loops combine to a distance of 5 km (3 miles).
- Berry Hill: The four trails rate from easy to moderate. Two warming huts make the trails particularly appealing.
- Shallow Bay: Behind the dunes of Shallow Bay, skiers follow the old mail route on 6.8 km (4.2 miles) of trails. Novice to experience skiers can begin this cross-country excursion near the community of Cow Head.
Cross-country Skiing at Pippy Park near St. John’s, Newfoundland
In the summer time Pippy Park near St. John’s welcomes golfers and campers, but when the snow falls the park opens to cross-country skiers. Kilometers of ungroomed trails lie less than 10 minutes from downtown St. John's. A map and trail information is available on the Pippy Park website.
Planning a Newfoundland Ski Trip
Visitors to Newfoundland can reach the island by air or water. Major airlines fly daily to the capital, St. John’s. To reach Marble Mountain, inquire about flights to Stephenville and Deer Lake—both of which are within a one-hour drive of the mountain ski resort.
There are two ferry routes that serve Newfoundland, with ports on the western and eastern ends of the Trans Canada Highway. The shortest route, a six-hour sailing, travels to Port aux Basques in the southwestern tip of Newfoundland. The longer route sails to Argentia near St. John’s in the east. Both ferries leave from North Sydney, Nova Scotia.
For more suggestions on Canadian ski vacations read about skiing near Montreal or Vancouver-area ski resorts.
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