Hiking/Snowshoeing

TOP OF THE HILL

DISCOVER ALPINE’S NETWORK OF SNOWSHOE, CROSS-COUNTRY SKI AND HIKING TRAILS

LAST SEASON, OUR CLUB EXPERIENCED A WINTER UNLIKE ANY BEFORE DUE

TO THE PANDEMIC. THERE WAS A NOTICEABLE SHIFT AMONG OUR MEMBERS

LOOKING FOR OTHER WAYS TO ENJOY THE CLUB AND ITS PROPERTY. WE SAW

A HUGE INCREASE IN PARTICIPATION IN OUR NON-SKI ACTIVITIES INCLUDING

SNOWSHOEING, HIKING, SKATING, TOBOGGANING AND THE NEWLY INTRODUCED

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING. THIS CREATED A NEW SENSE OF OPPORTUNITY FOR A MEMBERSHIP EXPERIENCE BEYOND THE LIFTS AND CLUBHOUSE. If you have yet to discover our incredible network of snowshoe trails that span the beautiful Escarpment terrain up, across and down our property – sometimes sharing with our neighbours Craigleith Ski Club – there is no time like the present! These trails have been built and maintained by our snowshoe committee, which is made up of enthusiastic member volunteers always looking for ways to expand and improve upon their work. The trails are well marked and the committee has built beautiful bridges and installed handrails in certain areas, not to mention cutting new trails for your outdoor recreational pleasure. From beginner to advanced, there is a trail route for all – stay tuned to the weekly e-doodle newsletter for our ‘Route of the Week.’ TRY OUT CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING!

We are very excited that we have a new activity open to Alpine members as of last season: cross-country skiing! Craigleith and Alpine are working together to expand our trail system for our members, which now includes a machine-groomed and tracked trail for classic and skate skiing at the top of the hill. Members may hike up or park at the top (corner bend at Side Rd. 21 and 4th Line) to access the trail. The ~4km route loops along ‘Farm Road’ to the top of Craigleith Ski Club and back.

Our snowshoe committee is enthusiastic and driven to continue to improve upon our trail system to provide new opportunities for you to get out there and enjoy the view! They have even put together a new smartphone app to help you navigate the trails, which you can read about on page 38.

SNOWSHOE TRAILS FUNDRAISER

Do you hike, snowshoe or cross-country ski in the Collingwood or the Blue Mountains area?

Thanks to Nicola Ross, the author of the best-selling Loops & Lattes series of hiking guides, you can get out and explore your surroundings while supporting Alpine’s own trail system!

Purchase this local trail guide “Collingwood, the Blue Mountains & Beaver Valley Hikes” and a portion of the proceeds will come back to Alpine to support improving our trail system.

You can purchase a copy or copies of any of the six guides in the series online at www.loopsandlattes.ca. The funds raised will be used by our snowshoe/trail committee to support the amazing work they do. The guides cost $29.95 + 5% tax each.

This offer is only good for online purchases at www.loopsandlattes.ca. To take advantage of this offer to support our trails: 1. Click on www.loopsandlattes.ca. 2. Choose the guide(s) you would like to purchase. 3. Proceed to the checkout and fill in the Billing Information. 4. When you arrive at Shipping Information there is a box where you can write a message. 5. Write ‘ALPINE’ in this box. 6. Complete your transaction.

This book is full of beautiful, scenic loops and is a best-selling guide locally and around Ontario. A great gift idea for hikers as well as friends and family of hikers.

If you have questions or concerns about the purchase, you can contact the author, Nicola directly at hikeloopsandlattes@gmail.com.

TRAIL BEHAVIOUR:

• Open to badge-holders only • We ask all members taking to the trails to please stay physically distanced when passing other hikers • Please stay off of ski trails • Dogs must be on a leash and supervised at all times on Alpine property (no exceptions).

Please pick up after your pet • Masks are recommended while using the trails and required when physical distancing cannot be maintained • Cross-country trail is not groomed 7-days-aweek – conditions may vary THE ‘BEST OF’ SNOWSHOE!

For a bit of fun, our snowshoe committee has put together a ‘best of’ trail list:

Most challenging ascent: The Steeps Prettiest after fresh snow: Crossover Best route for kids: River Route Most scenic view: Bliss Point at the top of The Steeps trail – a beautiful view of Georgian Bay Longest route: The Switchback to Enchanted Forest then the Bruce Trail to Lost Loop to Bluebird and then back down the North Trail Best one-hour run/workout: Switchback to Enchanted Forest to Bruce Trail, turn around at the Bench then back to the Farm Road and over to the Alpine Express for your return Best beginner route: Switchback to Forest Gump to Farm Road and then back down the Switchback Best Shortcuts: Shortcut, Feeling Lazy Shortest route from Loree Forest to top of Alpine Express: Downward Dog to Robin’s Run Most enjoyable challenging 1.5-hour route: Over the Hill to Crossover to Woodpecker, back along the Bruce Trail to Ridge Run then down to the River Route and home

Over the past year, Alpine member Jack Williams has designed a digital trail map app to help members navigate the trails around Alpine and Craigleith. You can see your location live as you explore the trails and hike with more confidence.

Download and try it out today!

Available on iPhone & Android

Download the app by scanning the QR code or searching ‘SnowTrails’ in your App Store.