With the holidays upon us, Moose Mountain Provincial Park proves to be the destination of choice for those who are looking for a little something seasonal to do.
Besides the more than 100 km of snowmobile trails ready to go (though there has been some water flow across some of the trails,) MMPP also has many other activities for the winter outdoor sportsperson.
Cross-country skiing is a popular activity to take part in at the park.
The park maintains more than 50 km of ski trails for visitors, of which 30 km are groomed from your skiing enjoyment.
While any of the ski trails are accessible 24-hours-a-day, it should be noted that only the stretch of trail that runs through Fish Creek campground (4.5 km) is lighted.
With a 12 cm base of snow currently, conditions are excellent for cross-country skiing.
For those who don't mind roughing it, winter camping is also open in group camping areas A and B at the park.
These sheltered areas include access to bonfire pits, outhouses, and trails directly from the sites.
Camping in the winter is free of charge, though the park does request you register your information at the park office for safety reasons.
For those interested in downhill speed, the toboggan run is groomed and open for use.
The downhill run, which is quite an exhilarating ride, is also just a short distance from a warming shack as well as outhouse facilities.
The skating rink, which is located near the base of the toboggan run, has not yet opened for the season, and due to thin ice conditions, it is not recommended that people walking, skiing, snowmobiling, or skating, go on the surface of any of the lakes in the park at this time.
Of course snowshoeing is another popular winter activity, as is winter hiking.
Special designated as snowshoe trails, Beaver Lake (4.5km), Youell Lake (2.9km) and Peninsula (3.2km) trails are all in good condition with several cm of fresh snow.
Last but not least, for snowmobile trails, Center Trail, Bennett Trail, Gillis Trail and Boundary Trail east of Stevenson, have been repaired and groomed.
Be aware of wet areas, especially along Stevenson.
Long Lake Trail, Horse Lake Trail, Nixon Trail, Harmon Trail and Boundary Trail west of Stevenson, are all currently under repair.
Ashley Lake Trail has been permanently closed for the year.
As stated above, the ice conditions on water bodies are presently unsafe for traffic of any kind.
The park wishes to remind all visitors to avoid venturing out onto ice-surfaced ponds and lakes.
Snowmobile access to the designated trails can be found at both ends of Center Road, and south end of Bennett Trail.
A new shelter at north end of Bennett Trail has been added for the season, so make sure to stop by and warm up before continuing your adventure!
Trail maps are available at the Park Office, located at the administration chalet, Kenosee Lake Mini-Mart and the Kenosee Inn
