Introduction

Introduction

This blog is based on my experiences as a Nordic skier.  In particular, this blog will focus on backcountry Nordic skiing.


I currently live in Stanley, a rural community in central New Brunswick- in the Upper Nashwaak River Watershed.  My family lives on a farm-woodlot that backs onto a forest landscape that stretches uninterrupted all the way to the Gaspe!  I can ski right from my doorstep, and routinely tour from home, or at higher elevation in the hills and valleys of the Upper Nashwaak Watershed. 


The local ski season typically lasts from November to mid-April- with exceptional spring skiing extending into early May at higher elevations. We typically get a solid two months of very cold stable weather. It snows a lot here, and a stable base of well over a metre gets constantly refreshed with beautiful soft snow.


Ski touring options range from superb trail skiing on the endless forestry trails and woods roads- to superb glade skiing in open hardwood forests. Once the snow base sets up, you can ski anywhere you want! 


Having a few different touring skis greatly enhances the ski touring experience. When the snow is either shallow, or hard and icy, I tend to stick to trail skiing on fast narrow stiff skis. When the snow is deep and soft, I head for the glades with wider, shorter, downhill-oriented skis.


We have a working farm and a young family at home- one of my children has special needs. I don’t get away for ski trips in the mountains as often as I did in the past. But, I am very fortunate to have superb local backcountry skiing conditions!


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