Cross Country Skiing in N.W.T.
Northwest Territories, Canada

Cross Country Skiing

During the winter months in the Northwest Territory the days are shorter, the temperatures drop, the rivers and lakes freeze over and the ground is covered with ice and snow. The conditions are right for cross country skiing.

During the winter the backcountry roads, gravel highways, cut lines, ice roads, recreation trails, frozen rivers and lakes become xc skiing trails. Some of which are dedicated to xc skiing while others are shared trails.

There are community cross country ski trails which are groomed and under the lights during the winter months. The trail around Frame Lake in Yellowknife and the trail around Boot Lake in Inuvik are, both, cross country ski trails in their respective communities during the winter.

In many cases the frozen rivers and lakes are the preferred cross country ski trails to explore. Almost every accessible frozen river and lake is a xc ski route. The Mackenzie River - the longest river and the Great Slave Lake - biggest lake - are both destinations for cross country skiing.

Cross country ski rentals are available in a few of the NWT communities, but it is wise to bring your own skies when visiting. There are also wilderness resorts which operate during the winter months which provide wilderness cross country skiing experiences.

There are many cross country skiing destinations to explore in the Northwest Territory. Too many to list here. However, each N.W.T. community listed on this tourism website provides detailed descriptions and pictures for most of the popular cross country ski routes. And listed under each community are the participating tour companies and outfitters, lodges and their contact information and photos.

Enjoy your skiing adventure in the N.W.T., Canada Eh!