Women on Skis

Come and join us in our 38th consecutive season for x-country ski outings in various ski areas around Ottawa/Gatineau. ‘Women on Skis’ welcomes a wide range of skiers: some experience on skis is expected. You will receive skiing tips, meet new friends, have fun skiing and enjoy après-ski lunches.

Our aim is to encourage women of all levels to get out and enjoy winter, to network with others who have similar interests and to experience some of the best cross-country trails in Canada.

Women on Skis is a non-profit program run by a group of experienced volunteer skiers who raise funds for local women’s health and social issues. In recent years we have supported St. Joe’s Women’s Centre, Hospice Care Ottawa, Cornerstone, Eco Equitable, Sexual Assault Centre and Elizabeth Fry. This year, 2020, we donated $1500 to Nelson House.

FEES: Registration for the season is $35. Individual sessions are $20 for the first day at Terry Fox Facility and $10 for each session following.

Additional trail fees apply at most sites (see the year’s schedule for details).

What to Wear and Bring on Outings:

Layers of clothing are preferable to allow flexibility depending on changes in temperatures. You should have freedom to move and be well protected from cold, snow and wind.
Your base layer should wick moisture away from the body. Cotton will NOT do this.
A small pack with waxes, scraper and a cork (see photo on right)
A small personal first aid kit with a whistle
Snack and liquid replacement
spare mitts and socks
money to cover trail fees and meal expenses, if applicable
ID including a daytime emergency phone number

At all locations you should have waxed, stretched, warmed up and be ready to ski by 10:00. The early birds will not stand around getting cold waiting for the slow pokes.

Any last minute changes will be posted on this website , on our Facebook page and on Twitter (@womenonskis) by 8 am the morning of the outing. You will also receive an email if you have opted to join our email list.

Register at your first outing or print a form off this website and mail it with payment to:

Women on Skis:

#606 – 80 Sandcastle Dr.,

Ottawa, ON, K2H 9E7

We look forward to seeing you on the trails.

Join our email group for all the latest scheduling

See our 2020 schedule

View some Google Photos from previous outings.

This year we will be supporting Nelson House which provides emergency shelter and social services for women and children who are fleeing abuse in their lives.

Suggestions for your wax supplies

From left to right
Waxes, Toko recommended because its roll up feature makes the waxes easy to use and the waxes have wide temperature ranges. There are other brands of ski wax, all good.
– base wax, sometimes referred to as binder wax. Use this on grip zone before applying kick or grip wax. Helps grip wax to stay on ski.
– blue, in a good year we ski with blue wax most days
– red, for slightly warmer days
– yellow, for warm days.
You can also get a green wax for cold days and klisters for icy days.
– cork for smoothing grip wax
– scraper for removing grip wax
– ski specific solvent for cleaning skis especially grip zone. Do not use other solvents. They may leave a residue.
– liquid glide wax, two sizes shown. Use on grip or kick zone of fish scale type “waxless” skis. Also, can be used on glide zones though not as good as having the glide zones hot waxed.
– brush for renewing, refreshing glide wax.
Not shown, small piece of fine sand paper and small sanding block for preparing grip zone.

Our thanks to Nakkertok Ski Club in supporting this program.