Updates from the NCC and Lafleur
By:  Team XCOttawa   (2006/11/07)

Greetings!

Some flurries have been seen in Chelsea this week, so it's official : Winter is coming! This past summer, the National Capital Commission (NCC) and Lafleur de la Capitale have been busy working to improve cross-country skiing services for the upcoming season.

The NCC has completed minor rehabilitation work on parking lots P10 and P16. Work is also being undertaken on Trail 21, McKinstry, Herridge, and many outdoor toilets.

A number of special activities are planned again this year. Ski-Fest will be held between January 13 and 21, 2007. It's the perfect time to introduce your friends to cross-country skiing by inviting them to join you at the tryout location set up especially for that weekend. On February 16, 17 and 18, you are invited to join skiers from around the world for the Keskinada Loppet. Another date to remember is Sunday, March 4, when the Norwegian embassy will host skiers at Huron shelter for a tasting of traditional food and beverages - from the country where skiing began.

We would like to thank you for purchasing your pass last season. Please note that this year the early bird discount for season passes will be valid until December 17, 2006. Also, the allocation of cabins for winter weekends will again take place by draw. The cut-off date for registration is November 19, 2006. Rules and entry forms are available on the NCC website at www.canadascapital.gc.ca/gatineau

Last year was the best season ever considering the number of passes sold. Be assured we will do our best to keep Gatineau Park on the top list of cross-country networks in North America.

Lafleur de la Capitale will be offering a new rental service for skis and snowshoes in the Lac Philippe area this year. The rental center will be in operation week-ends and holidays. Schools and other groups can book in advance to rent equipment during the week. Skiers who wanted to test top-of-the-line classical and skating equipment can try them here. For more information or to make reservation, please call 819-456-3016.

Again this year, user-fee personnel will be present seven days a week in at least one parking lot in the southern sector and one in the northern sector - in the interest of fairness to those who have purchased a season pass, as well as to increase security for users and their personal belongings.

If Mother Nature is late in sending us snow this fall, Lafleur de la Capitale's snow-making machines will be preparing a loop at Philippe Lake to satisfy the ski fanatics who are impatient for real stuff!

For more information about winter activities in Gatineau Park, call

(819) 827-2020 or visit www.canadascapital.gc.ca/gatineau