Manitoba Winter Explorer Guide: 10 places to strap on your skis

Posted November 18, 2022 | Author Kit Muir

Manitoba’s landscape is ideal for dipping through forested areas on cross-country skis but that doesn’t mean we don’t also have some mean downhill slopes as well. From bunny hills and black diamonds to dips, dives, and straightaways, Manitoba’s winter offers challenges and fun for all types of skiers.

Falcon Ridge

Whiteshell Provincial Park

Falcon Ridge Ski Slopes in the beautiful Whiteshell area is perfect for beginners and families. It boasts 12 alpine ski runs, a tube run and has rentals and lessons available. Once you've had your fill of the slopes, head into the charming chalet complete with a huge stone fireplace and a menu of comfort foods to fill you up for your next run.

The area around Falcon Trails Resort is also a great place to go if you want to try cross-country skiing 30 kilometres of trails that include flat straights on the frozen lake as well as more challenging areas with small climbs and descents.

Turtle Mountain Provincial Park

In the southwest corner of the province, Turtle Mountain Provincial Park is one of the cross-country skiing spots in the province with the most elevation gain. The provincial park has 37 kilometres of groomed trails that loop through the trees around Adam Lake and James Lake.

Mystery Mountain Winter Park

Thompson

If you’re looking for a truly northern experience, then head up to Mystery Mountain Winter Park. It's Manitoba’s most remote winter park, located 22 kilometres north of Thompson and is great for thrill-seeking downhill skiers. In addition to 18 ski runs, the winter park also features a half-pipe, a tobogganing area, and 25 kilometres of cross-country ski trails.

Bittersweet ski trails

Assiniboine River Valley

The picturesque Bittersweet ski trails sit in the Assiniboine River Valley, southwest of Portage la Prairie. The area has 21 kilometres of classic cross-country ski trails and 12 kilometres of skate trails with sections for beginner and expert skiers. Along the trail is a ski hut, perfect for a mid-ski rest or lunch break. The Oak Meadows Trailhead, where the trails begin, also has a Nordic Centre with seating and hot drinks to help warm you up at the end of your day.

Asessippi Ski Resort

Asessippi Provincial Park

Very few things make your thighs burn like a full day of downhill skiing or snowboarding, especially at Asessippi Ski Resort. Asessippi, near Inglis, Manitoba, has over 25 downhill runs to choose from, ranging from beginner to expert-level difficulty, that hit the spot for every rider.

Windsor Park Nordic Centre

Winnipeg

For first-time cross-country skiers there's no better place than Windsor Park Nordic Centre in Winnipeg. They rent skis on-site and also offer lessons, ski programs for kids and weekly meetups welcoming new and experienced cross-country skiers. The centre grooms their 15 kilometres of trails daily and has a club house where you can unwind and grab a hot chocolate after a good cross-country workout.

Springhill Winter Sports Park

Springfield

If you want to practice your moves in a terrain park, Springhill Winter Sports Park is a great option. The area is small but packs a lot into it’s snowy area. The hill offers opportunities to practice tricks and jumps on ramps, bars and a half pipe. The hill also has a snow tube park open on weekends for those who prefer to sit and slide. And it’s only ten kilometres from Winnipeg’s Perimeter Highway, making it an easy afternoon outing from Manitoba's capital city.

Grand Beach Provincial Park

Not just a summer destination, Grand Beach Provincial Park has 18 kilometres of groomed trails for both classic cross-country and skate-style skiing. Five kilometres of the trails are also shared use, with groomed trails running alongside multi-use trails for walking, snowshoeing or fatbiking.

Riding Mountain National Park

Riding Mountain National Park has 23 cross-country ski trails across the park which range from easy to difficult. Some of the difficult trails are more remote, up to 40 kilometres away from the main townsite of Wasagaming. So make sure to pack water, a snack and any extra supplies if you're planning a ski excursion on these trails.

Ski Valley
West

Minnedosa

Ski Valley in Minnedosa is top-notch for downhill adrenaline seekers, with nine runs for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. It’s a one-stop shop with equipment rentals, lessons, and on-site dining, making it particularly convenient for day trips and group outings.

Close-up of girl's face on a chilly Winnipeg winter day with fur hood and scarf.

About The Author

Hi! I'm Kit, a Franco-Manitobaine from the Interlake and a champion of the phrase "there's no place like home." If you see me out exploring the province, say hi! Or reach out at kmuir@travelmanitoba.com.

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