Issue link: http://digital.canadawide.com/i/201540
getaways Gone Skiing Better known as a summer festival hot spot, Ness Creek gamely switches into glide when the snow flies by Allan Casey T he low-slung skyline of Saska toon is still in the rearview, the familiar fork in the road coming up fast. From long habit on these trips north, I almost veer onto Hwy. 11, the mainline to the boreal ski trails I know best. But no, I am not going that way. Not this time. Maybe not ever again. I'm turning my back on Her Majesty's pretty little national park. I am boycotting. Je refuse. I ain't gonna work on Lizzie's Farm no more. Whew. OK, I got political there for a sec. It's just the morning caffeine stirring up revolutionary fervour. I'm fine now. But hey, if you're like me and have a pair of skinny skis you like to ride through the winter for exercise and low-impact 14 W e s t w o r l d p14-19_Getaway_OutAbout.indd 14 >> winter 2013 (this page) Some 20 kilometres of groomed cross-country ski trails cut through the boreal forest at Ness Creek. (opposite, from top) A horse-drawn sleigh ride at one of the site's various events; set by quads, not snowmobiles, the trails' packed sides make for good poling. enjoyment of the Canuck wilds, you may share my Nordic outrage at the current state of the skiing nation. I am referring, of course, to the news we received one black day at the start of the 2012/13 ski season. Just as the snows of November were beginning to fall, the federal government announced it would no longer maintain ski trails in our national parks. (top) Gordon Olson, Allan Casey 13-10-18 10:15 AM A