Ski and Snowshoe Trails
Ski or snowshoe to cliff-top lookouts and spectacular ice falls. Catch a glimpse of wildlife such as moose, deer, owls, martens, grouse and much more. The Frost Centre ski and snowshoe trails offer adventure and discovery for the whole family, only three hours north of the GTA. Experience a winter wonderland of rugged Canadian Shield, majestic hardwood forests, old growth white pine, hemlock and yellow birch.
Location
20130 Highway 35, south of the village of Dorset. The ski trail head is located directly across the road.
Ski Trail Conditions
Spring has SPRUNG! We would like to thank everone who came out to support the ski trails this season, many familiar faces and some NEW ones as well. We look forward to transitioning into our warm weather roles and getting the canoes back onto the water, hopefully in only a few short weeks! Please note the Frost Centre Ski Trails are now CLOSED for the 2022/2023 Season. Thank you!
Date:
Conditions:
Trails open:
CLOSED Trails:
Grooming:
New Snow:
Notes:
Purchase a day pass for ski trails
Online at ahtrails.ca
By self registration with cash at the trailhead (bring correct change, prices listed are pre-tax)
At the Trails Office across the road from the ski trail parking lot
Other Nearby Ski Trails
Haliburton Highlands Nordic Trails
Snowshoe Trail Conditions
All snowshoe trails are open. Trails are remote and rugged, leave extra time, bring snacks and water, carry a map.
Ski Trail Overview
22 km of classic cross-country ski trails offer eight stacked loops ranging in length from 1.2 km to 6.5 km. Beginner to expert level trails, we have it all. Families can explore the Fox, Bunny, Bear, Beaver and Otterslide trails. If you are looking for a longer, more remote backcountry experience try the Deer trail! Several trails offer technical downhill sections for advanced skiers.
Facilities include two on-trail, self-serve warm-up cabins (equipped with wood stoves and breathtaking winter views), rentals, historic Towerman's cabin, washroom, outdoor toilets and parking. Our Trails office/store is open daily from 9am-5pm. The store stocks ski wax.
Be sure to check out this great YouTube video featuring a day on the Frost Centre ski trails!
Snowshoe Trail Overview
Snowshoers can trek 11 km of stacked loop trails, located just across the road from the ski trails. Fees are by donation with donation boxes and maps located at the trailhead. After a morning out trekkers can relax, have lunch and talk about all the amazing sights they have seen, while sitting fireside in the historic Towerman's log cabin, located on the shores of scenic Lake St. Nora.
Ski Trail Fees (taxes extra)
| Per Person +hst | Daily | after 2 p.m. |
2-day pass consecutive days |
3-day pass consecutive days | Family | Equipment Rental | |
| Adult (18-59) | $13.27 | $9.39 | $23.89 | $33.84 | 15% off | $34.98 | |
| Senior (60+) | $10.80 | $7.51 | $19.44 | $27.54 | |||
| Youth (ages 6-17) | $8.46 | $5.63 | $15.23 | $21.57 | $27.98 | ||
| Groups (15+ persons) | 20% discount | ||||||
| Disabled | 50% discount | ||||||
| Annual Passes | |||||||
| Individual | $76.90 | ||||||
| Youth (up to 17) | $48.98 | ||||||
| Senior (60+) | $62.53 | ||||||
| Family | $149.44 | ||||||
| Early Bird Discount (before Dec. 15) | 15% discount | ||||||
Equipment Rentals
The Township of Algonquin Highlands Parks, Recreation & Trails Department offers ski and snowshoe rental equipment at our Trails Office located at the Frost Centre Access Point (20130 Hwy 35). Please contact 705-766-9033 for information or to reserve equipment. Our Office is open 10am – 3pm daily, from November to March.
Rental equipment is limited please inquire with our office regarding sizing and availability. We recommend reserving equipment in advance.
Rentals are available daily and for multiple days starting January 3 each year. Daily rentals are based on the calendar day. A tw
o day minimum charge applies to overnight rentals. Rental rates include either skis/poles/boots or snowshoes (poles may be rented separately for snowshoe rentals).
Rental equipment may be picked up by customers and transported to other access points within the Township of Algonquin Highlands. The Township of Algonquin Highlands Trails Department does NOT deliver or pickup equipment.
Rental Rates*
Two and three day trail pass discounts available, Monday - Friday: If you rent a skis/poles/boots package on a weekday, a trail pass is included (trail passes not included on weekend rentals).
*All taxes are extra. Prices are subject to change.
Rental Policies
- Damage deposit - a $200 damage deposit is required for rental packages, $50.00 damage deposit on individual pieces of rental equipment. This deposit will be returned when equipment is returned in identical condition, save regular wear and tear. Customer is responsible for any and all damages incurred outside regular wear and tear, if damages are noted at time of return, the deposit will be retained until a repair quote is completed, if repairs/replacement is less then $200, the remainder will be returned to the customer.
- Pickups and returns are within office/store hours.
- A cancellation fee of $10.00 per reserved ski or snowshoe package will apply per no show or cancelled reservation.
- We reserve the right to refuse rental if we feel that you are not prepared to use our equipment safely.
Waiver of Liability for rentals
Every customer must complete and sign a rental agreement and a waiver and release of liability form upon arrival, and by doing so acknowledges that the activities that are being participated in have inherent risk. The Township of Algonquin Highlands Trails Department assumes no responsibility for your safety or loss of personal equipment as a result of any rental agreement. It is the responsibility of the customer to know their limitations.
Description of Risks, Dangers and Hazards CLICK HERE
Accommodations - Numerous local accommodations provide everything from just a simple room and bed to full scale resort services.
For more information, CLICK HERE
County Tourism Information - CLICK HERE
Snowshoe Trails
Trail Etiquette & Trail Maintenance
Please DO NOT use groomed ski or snowmobile trails for snowshoeing. If you encounter a groomed trail while snowshoeing (for example on Beetle Lake Trail, Frost Centre Ski Trails, Sherborne Lake Access Road), please stay off the groomed portion of the trail.
Although snowshoe trails are marked with blue diamond markers and inspected several times annually, blow down trees or missing signage can cause sections of the trails to be blocked, re-routed or difficult to navigate beyond. If you encounter one of these problems, please report it to the Algonquin Highlands Trails office at (705) 766-9033.
Contact Information
Trails Office
20130 Highway # 35 North
Phone: 705-766-9033
Fax: 705-766-2402
Email: trails@algonquinhighlands.ca
Mailing Address:
Township of Algonquin Highlands
1123 North Shore Road, Algonquin Highlands, ON K0M 1J1
Hours of Operation
Hiking trails are always open - Self registration for ski trails is available at the ski trail head. Hiking/Snowshoe trails are by donation and do not require checking in. Donation boxes are located at all trail heads.
Winter Trails Office Hours
9am - 5pm 7 days a week
Documents
Frost Centre Nordic Ski Trails Season Pass Application FormFrost Centre X-Country Ski Trail Descriptions
Map of Frost Centre Ski & Snowshoe Trails
Winter Safety Tips