This has been one of favorite trips for 5 years running. Every year it is different with something new to experience and great people to experience it with. Join me on Family Day weekend as we embark on a 3-day trek around the Minnesing Wilderness Ski Trail in Algonquin.

http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/visit/recreational_activites/minnesing-wilderness-ski-trail.php

This trail has gentle hills and bridged river crossings making it accessible to snowshoes, backcountry skis, and pulks. We are going to take advantage of this by making a mixed trip. You choose how you carry your stuff and how you travel.

You, however, will not get to choose the pacing. We will go how fast I’m traveling. I will hike on snowshoes at a modest pulk/backpacker pace. The whole loop is 23 km with options to adjust the length depending on conditions. Be prepared for about 10KM a day, however snow conditions can change that up or down. This trip should be challenging but not punishing. We will also be traveling on ice whenever sensible.

RSVPs close Sunday, February 12, 2023 6:00 PM

We will meet at the west gate permit station at 9AM. Spending Friday night in a Huntsville hotel makes for an easier start on Saturday.

By signing up you are asserting you are in good condition. If you have never carried a full pack 5KM on snowshoes and spent nights out in the winter you should consider yourself not to be in good condition. Winter often makes everything much harder.

You are expected to be self sufficient (gear, food, and skills) unless you have made other arrangements.

The weather conditions are hard to predict. At this point I advise preparing for a temperature range of -30 - +5 C. I also recommend being ready for a foot of fresh snow and/or freezing rain. When I send out the logistics email about a week before we leave I should know much more about the conditions and we can all adjust as needed.

There are privies along the trail but they are far apart and I have found them sometimes frozen shut or rotted away. If you look on the map you will also notice mentions of cabins. Overnight camping is not permitted in them and they are subject to closure without notice (I saw this last few years). I will not make any efforts to locate our camps near a cabin or privy; you must be prepared to camp without these.

Logistics:

You must update the following spreadsheet with your details and keep it up to date. Failure to do may result in removal from the trip and a loss of your spot without notice.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1ltp7_Lt61GMo7Ogu1qSApOWgS2zTU3X7jKmTSKErm-s/edit?usp=sharing

Costs:

Permits are $12.43 a day or $24.86 per person. PayPal charges $1.41 which means I require $26.27 for a reservation.

Cars should split the fuel costs evenly among all of the passengers and drivers. Additionally there is a daily parking fee of $13 that should be split by each car. You may also want some cash for food along the drive.

Itinerary:

Saturday
9AM Meet at Algonquin West Gate permit station to register.
9:30 AM, leave for Minnesign Trail
10:15 Start hike on trail
4:30 PM Make camp
5:58 Sunset

Sunday
Hike some more. Try to get within 5-10KM of trailhead.

Monday
Hike out and head home.

Please note: Winter conditions increase risk for all participants. Persons who are under-prepared not only risk harming themselves but also risk harming others through the extra demands they place on them. For that reason, based on my judgement, I may ask those who I am concerned are not adequately prepared to not to come along at any time, even at the trailhead. If you are concerned about your level of preparation please consider the Introduction to winter course (class and trip). I also welcome questions, the earlier the better, and will do my best to help ensure you are adequately prepared. Let us all make this a challenging, fun, and most importantly, safe trip.