Gliding through winter in Tantramar

After a few rather dismal winters, this year is off to a great start for local cross-country skiing enthusiasts. The Reservoir Gate area has been particularly busy.

Folks have been enjoying the new Crooked Tree Trail, which meanders in a circuit starting across from the Reservoir gate.

Part of the town of Sackvilles 2005 Green Space Plan to utilize the Reservoir lands for walking and skiing , this trail has been developed by members of Ski Sackville.

This loop is three kilometres long and has lots of gentle hills, making it suitable for families as well as the more experienced. The track is not groomed so is a bit uneven but the lovely environs more than make up for the odd bump and sharp turn. Users are reminded that in the presence of snow, this trail is for skiing only. As well, vehicles of any kind are unwelcome on these trails in any season.

The Blue trail system, which extends from the towns Crooked Tree Trail over private woodlots, goes all the way to the Woodhurst Road but is not marked or trackset and has some pretty fun, but very challenging, hills.

The town continues to have the trails at Beech Hill Park groomed on an episodic basis. This remains a great spot for beginner skiers and some of the trails can be skied with very little snow cover.

Crossing the Mount View Road and following the skidoo trail down to the blueberry fields leads to a network of trails which can make for good skiing before the wood roads are driven on.

It can be quite easy to get turned around in here but there are some lovely spots, especially along the upper reaches of Joe Brook. Again this is all private land and we ski here because of the goodwill of landowners.

Finally, I notice the skidoo trails have been groomed. This can make for great skate skiing, especially in the morning when there are few machines out. We generally avoid them in the afternoons and at night and definitely dont take kids along.

If people are looking for ski gear locally, try Mikes Bike Shop, Cleves or the Cocagne General/Hardware store (Its in Cocagne and often has a good selection). We also sometimes order stuff from Fresh Air Experience or Peccos in Ottawa.

So if you find winter long, get skiing. Youll be surprised how pleasant and woefully short it really is.