Definitions — Ski Conditions
Gatineau Park uses the following terms to describe cross-country ski trail conditions:
Each term provides key information about ski conditions, based on the type of trail (classic cross-country, skate ski and back-country). The terms do not rate the quality of the ski experience, because the same conditions mean different experiences to each skier.
When necessary, trails with safety concerns are also marked by signs.
Recommended
Indicates one or more of the following ski conditions.
Classic cross-country and skate ski trails
- Firm or soft base, with possible icy patches in some spots.
- Trails mechanically groomed and tracks set:
- Classic: Even surface with deep-set, even tracks, with possibility of uneven sections and shallow, uneven tracks
- Skate ski: Even, uniform surface with some uneven sections.
- Some sections may be partially bare, with up to 75% of the total width of the trail bare in some spots.
- Possible debris that does not present a danger (leaves, branches, dirt) on the base.
- Precipitation of less than 5 cm since the last grooming and track-setting work was done.
Back-country ski trails
- Firm, non-icy base, with possibility of some soft or icy sections.
- Possible debris or obstacles that do not present a danger on the trails.
Not Recommended
Indicates one or more of the following ski conditions.
Classic cross-country and skate ski trails
- Icy base (due to recent rain or freezing rain).
- Dangerous debris or obstacles on the trails.
- Some sections with patches that are more than 75% bare.
- A substantial snowfall has caused a delay in trail maintenance work.
Back-country ski trails
- Icy base (due to recent rain or freezing rain).
- Dangerous debris or obstacles on the trails.
- Some sections with patches that are more than 75% bare.
No Information
Indicates one or more of the following ski conditions.
Classic cross-country and skate ski trails
- Early in the season, the trails have not yet been mechanically groomed.
- Ski patrollers have not been on the trails since a recent, substantial snowfall.
- Ski patrollers have not been on the trails since a recent rainfall.
- The rapidly melting base has prevented ski patrollers from checking the condition of the trails.
Back-country ski trails
- Early in the season, ski patrollers have not yet been on the trails.
- Ski patrollers have not recently been on the trails.
- Ski patrollers have not been on the trails since a recent rainfall.
- The rapidly melting base has prevented ski patrollers from checking the condition of the trails.
