Outdoors enthusiasts, rejoice!
Lots of snow over the past week means excellent conditions for skiing, fat biking, and snowshoeing the trails at Hiawatha Highlands.
Before that can happen, the trail grooming team has to clean up the heavy snow weighing down the trees, causing trees and branches to fall onto the trails.
"The staff at Hiawatha Highlands appreciate everyone’s patience in this process as safety is always the number one priority," organizers say in a news release issued this week. "It is deeply encouraging to see all of the volunteers who have come out to assist with clearing debris from the trails – thank you!"
For more information, see the press release below.
With the significant snowfall this past weekend, the folks at Hiawatha Highlands are thrilled about what this means for the winter season of activities. Starting the 2024-25 season with such a huge amount of snow that will compact into an excellent base for skiing, fat biking, and snowshoeing ensures the trails will be in good shape.
With the recent unprecedented snowfall, the trail grooming team has prioritized trail maintenance and clean up as the heavy snow weighs down trees, causing trees and branches to fall onto the trails. The staff at Hiawatha Highlands appreciate everyone’s patience in this process as safety is always the number one priority. It is deeply encouraging to see all of the volunteers who have come out to assist with clearing debris from the trails – thank you!.
The team of groomers have been working tirelessly on compacting all the snow over the weekend into a base and have started to set track beginning with the 2km Kinsmen Lighted trail, as well as the Pinder System - all with our new Pisten Bully 100. Currently the Red Pine Trail System is CLOSED as there is a significant number of downed trees, which have produced an unsafe recreation area. As trails open for pass holders, grooming updates will be posted on the website at https://hiawathahighlands.com/ and social media accounts @HiawathaHighlandsWinter. Hiawatha Highlands also uses a unique tracking system for their groomed ski trails. Skiers can see what trails have been groomed with live updates using an app called Nordic Pulse, which provides current trail condition reports for skiers. Nordic Pulse | Hiawatha Highlands/Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club Grooming Report The app will go live as soon as the trail crew have the debris cleared and the ski trails are fully open.
The Hiawatha Highlands trail system maintained by the Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club is only open to trail pass holders during winter months. While Hiawatha Highlands is a wonderful destination for the public in the spring, summer and fall, the trails at Hiawatha Highlands are for trail pass holders only until April 15. Fees collected from customers are used to help groom the trails, plow the parking lots, and keep the Kincentre open in the winter months.
Walking on the trails during the winter is NOT permitted. Footprints (people and dogs) on the ski trails not only damage the ski, bike, and snowshoe trails, but can cause serious injuries to customers of all ages and abilities, including the elderly, recreational skiers, and elite athletes.
Trail Passes can be purchased online (website link). All individuals who purchase their season trail pass from September until Saturday, Dec. 7 at 11:59 p.m. will be considered for our “Season Pass Buy Back” promotion. When you buy your season pass, you are entered for a chance for a full refund of the cost of your 2024-2025 season pass! Our popular 6-Pack pass sale that will span from December 1st through December 21st, 2024. The 6-Pack passes are available both in-person and online. These make the perfect Christmas gift or “thank you” for the outdoor winter enthusiast in your life! Those who have purchased their trail pass online can have their pass processed at the onsite office (Kinsmen Centre); operating hours are seven days per week, 9:00am-9:00pm.
Hiawatha Highlands offers a busy winter season with special events and races. There is something for all levels of skill, fitness, and activity interest! The kick off event is an inclusive and engaging session of “Pilates for Winter Sport” hosted by Angela Sauve on December 11th. Register online or drop by in-person in advance as there are limited spots available. Additionally, there will be the community favourite lantern skis on New Years Eve and during the week of Bon Soo. New this year will be “55+ Fridays”, starting with a Welcome Event on Friday, December 20th at 11:00am. More information will be posted on the Events page Events from December 31 – February 14, 2025 – Hiawatha Highlands
Hiawatha Highlands (winter) is a division of Soo Finnish Nordic Ski Club. With over 50 kms of groomed trail systems, it is Ontario’s premier destination for Nordic skiing (classic and skate), snowshoeing, and fat biking. There are trails suitable for the beginner, intermediate and expert skier.
Hiawatha Highlands is located within the City of Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, and is known as the jewel of the Sault.
Location: 780 Landslide Rd. Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario.
Phone: 705 256-7258
info@hiawathahighlands.com
www.hiawathahighlands.com