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Our regular tours will start as soon as we have a good base of snow.  In consideration of the changing conditions, the tours will not be confirmed until the Thursday before the week-end tour which will normally occur on a Sunday but may be changed to Saturday.  The tours will attempt to provide something for all skiers.  There will be some tours suitable for all skiers and others will require experienced skiers and a certain amount of conditioning.  Late in the season after the clocks go back we will do an evening tour.  If there is sufficient interest we will also do a Friday night moonlight tour of Butterpot Park.

The St John's region averages over 3 metres of snow. The problem is the following rains and freeze/ thaws. The region encompasses 3 or 4 climatic zones so surprising to some people there is often an area that has reasonable conditions. It is good also to have a pair of rock skis to get out in marginal conditions and not worry about a few scratches on the skis.  Even on bad winters such as last year, we can squeak in a lot of skiing.  Last year, one of our die-hards, who also happens to be retired, skied every day from about Jan 10 to April 10.  One of his later ones was in the Avalon Wilderness area where the skiers walked across the bogs on rock skis and skied along the edge of a long series of ponds.  If a tour is not held one week-end it will be rescheduled accordingly.

The touring director for this season is George Power who can be reached at 722-2394 or email. If anyone wishes to suggest a tour please contact George.  Watch the web-site and the weekly Avalon Nordic Ski news to find out the schedule.  There will be various experienced tour leaders over the season.

The following tours may be planned:

Butterpot Park:
This will be a Saturday or Sunday morning tour to familiarize new members with the trails at the Park.  There may also be a moonlight tour.

Pippy Park
This tour will be over relatively modest terrain from Pippy Park to Thorburn Road.  It is suitable for all skiers.  Approximately 10 km at a leisurely pace.  Cars will be arranged at both ends and those wishing to return to Pippy Park at a faster pace can ski the full 20 km. 

Bauline, Torbay, Pouch Cove Area
There are some great trails in the Bauline, Torbay, Pouch Cove area encompassing a string of Ponds such as Moon Pond and Medalist etc.  Typically it will be at least 15 km and is best for skiers who are not beginners.  

The Spout:
This tour requires both skis and snowshoes for the last trek down over the hill to the coast.  It is not a difficult tour as most of the terrain is flat until the snowshoe part.  The trail starts along the road between Bay Bulls Big Pond and Bay Bulls.  The spout creates a big dome shape in winter which is spectacular to see.

Brock Head Falls:
This tour starts up Cemetery Road in Portugal Cove and continues across or around a series of ponds to the top of the hills overlooking Conception Bay by the falls spillage over the cliffs.

Paddy's Pond
Nice area although popular for ski-doos.  Lots of country on south side of the road by the Park.  Great for skate skiing mid winter after a freeze / thaw.

Old Petty Harbour Road
This trail goes along by the watershed and ends above Petty Harbour.  Arrangements can be made to leave cars at both ends or to ski back.    

Avalon Wilderness Area  
This is the tour where you will need to use all the conditioning you have built up over the (hopefully) long winter.  It is a day-long tour of back-country skiing, meant for well-conditioned, experienced skiers, highly enjoyable for all if you have the required number of km on your skis at this stage of the season, but very onerous if you have been 'laid back'.  

Sometimes the season goes on into late March or early April so if any tours are not held due to weather conditions we will try to re-schedule them as long as good snow conditions last.  Interested skiers watch the website.

Information for Skiers and Ski Tour Leaders:

Skiers who are not club members have to sign a waiver form.  These will be provided to tour leaders.  Tour leaders make the decision whether to cancel due to weather conditions.  If skiers have any doubts phone the leader for that day.  Tour leaders decide on the distance to be traveled.  If any club member has a good route in mind and would like to lead a tour call George Power to see if we can fit it in.  For general information regarding tours call George at 722-2394 or email

CONSIDERATIONS FOR SKI TOURERS AND THOSE LEADING TOURS
1.  Always plan your route in advance, after consultation with a map.

2. Always tell others at home your proposed route.

3. Always check weather forecast before leaving.

4. Bring food and extra clothing (i.e. warm sweater) and extra emergency rations, plus matches, a knife and a map of the area.

5. For long trips, a survival kit consisting of rations, space blanket, candle, rope and axe is recommended.

6. For those with wooden skis, a spare tip is necessary.

7. Leaders always do a head count at start of a tour and have plenty of rest stops with head counts to keep the group together.

8. The leader should always have a First Aid Kit.

9. Use extreme caution when crossing any ice, especially on rivers and ponds.

10.Watch your time carefully and never over-extend yourself.  Always plan a trip to be back at the trail head well before dark.  If necessary, be prepared to shorten the trip if time runs out.

11. Learn to recognize the symptoms of frost bite and how to treat the same.

12.  Always stay with the group.

13. The tour leader shall warn of any hazards on the trail, and remember, The tour leader is always in charge.

14. At any intersection of the trail, the leader must ensure that everybody is aware of the proper direction, preferably by having a knowledgeable skier at the end of the tour.

HAPPY TOURING!