Thursday 8 January 2009

Kolapore Uplands Wilderness Ski Trails


















[1 – cross-country ski trail best viewed Large. A side trail of the Bruce Trail also runs through this area: notice the Blue Blaze on the tree on the extreme right of the photo.]


The Kolapore Uplands Trails belong to the Bruce Grey Trail Network located just south of Ravenna, Ontario on Grey Road 2 (10-15 minute drive from Thornbury). The length of these trails are 60km loops. Difficulty is moderate to challenging.




[2- Creek]















Trail maps are recommended as well as planning your ski trip or hike (summer only), and the locations they can be purchased from on are on a weblink to the Kolapore Uplands Wilderness Ski Trails that has been added to the HIKING and SKIING TRAILS on the sidebar toward the bottom of the page.




[3 – Skiers and hikers bridge – There is a long descent down to this stream and a steep, challenging ascent up a long hill in loose deep snow. Notice the blue blaze on the left side of the bridge marks a side trail of the Bruce Trail when there is no snow.]




There are entrances to the Trail Network at Ravenna and near Collingwood. It is recommended not to use the trails during deer hunting season (one week in early November), and to check trail conditions before venturing out.



[4 – A mid winter’s day skiing in freshly fallen snow]






The County Forest Area is for beginner or novice skiers, with the other trails being for more advanced skiers. The maps provide detailed information about the different intersections on the trails and it is important to check that you are on the correct trail to avoid unpleasant surprises.



[5 – Northern entrance sign says it all]







[6–Jack Rabbit Trail in Kolapore Uplands]





[7–Trail through pines]













These photos were taken on the Northwest Passage Trail.

Photo Credits: Bobcatnorth CC=nc-sa-flickr, captions are his.

I have been in the Kolapore Uplands Trails in the summer near Metcalfe Rock. A post about this area will be done in the future.

17 comments:

Rune Eide said...

People from the easten part of Norway would have loved this and felt at home at once.

PS Thank you for the nice comment on my new blog! Comparing it to Life magazine is an honour indeed.

Mihai A. said...

Very nice pictures, Barbara. And it looks like a very nice place to visit :)

Raph G. Neckmann said...

What a beautiful route! It looks as if it runs through both deciduous and coniferous forests. I'd love to walk through them, but don't think I'd last long on skis!!

Thank you for becoming a follower of my Ramblings!

Gabriele Campbell said...

Oh, pretty snow pics. I would love to do some skiing there. :)

Ruahines said...

Kia ora Barbara,
Looks just lovely and makes me miss my native Wisconsin and those long silent winter cross country ski runs. Those trails look amazing and I would love to get deep into them. Cheers.
Rangimarie,
Robb

BernardL said...

A snowy paradise.

Cloudia said...

Whew! What a work out.
I need hot cocoa by the fire now!
Aloha, Barbara!

Anonymous said...

Beautiful. Almost makes me want to strap on a pair of skis.

Barbara Martin said...

RuneE, much of northern Ontario is like this area and many lakes.

Dark Wolf, it is one of the wilderness areas set aside for recreational users. There are no fees but donations are requested as volunteers maintain the trails and build bridges wherever needed.

Barbara Martin said...

Raph, my balance isn't what it used to be, so skiing is now only a memory. I can still go on long walks once the snow is gone.

Gabriele, this one of many places to go skiing in Ontario.

Robb, the trails criss-cross each other in a type of grid and the maps help to keep directions sorted.

Barbara Martin said...

Bernard, yes and good sledding until at least early April. This area is a higher altitude than the surrounding countryside, so the snow lingers beneath the trees.

Cloudia, or a hot toddy cider would go down well, too.

Alice, welcome and thanks for stopping by. Browse as long as you like.

Teresa said...

Wow. These pictures are really lovely. What gorgeous scenery!! Thanks for sharing the beauty.

Teresa

Hadriana's Treasures said...

Makes me wish I could ski! We've had some snow here but not as much as in these photos. They are magical! Happy New Year!

Britta Coleman said...

Gorgeous photos! Brrrr.

Barbara Martin said...

Teresa, winter does have its bright scenes.

Hadriana, nice to hear from you again.

Britta, winter in Canada does tend to be a bit chilly.

Sandra said...

Hi Barbara, I have come upon your interesting blog. I also live in a cold climate, so I enjoy the snow photos. You would think I'd seek out palm trees!

I also have horses and do many things with them, but mostly dressage. I saw your profile photo and that's what lured me in.

Barbara Martin said...

Sandra, we temperate climate dwellers need to stick together. Welcome and enjoy your browsing.