Cross Country Ski Network, Snowshoe Trails & Aerobic Corridor

Morin-Heights, who maintains a cross-country and snowshoe trail network of 162 linear kilometres, of which 60 km are trackset, is a member of the Réseau de ski de fond des Laurentides.

Click here for Cross-Country Ski conditions

Approximately 80% of the trails cross private property, and it is primarily due to landowner’s goodwill that such a magnificent network exists. The majority of these trails are for winter use only from November 15 to April 15th.

With the exception of the Aerobic Corridor, Basler and other short sections of trails, the network is single track set, with a recommended direction of travel to ensure safety. The narrow width of most trails combined with hilly terrain provides a unique attraction not found in many other centres. It is for these reasons that Morin-Heights remains a classic style network.

X-country & Ski and snowshoe map

The Map of Cross-country ski and Snowshoe trails is on sale for $2 at ski centres, in various local businesses and at the Town Hall.

Ski & snowshoe rentals
 Ski Morin Heights: 231 Bennett Road: 450-227-2020
 Simon River Sports: 43 Lac-Écho Road 450-226-7821

Gooming

Trackset trails are maintained by two snowmobiles and are limited by terrain and snow conditions. It takes a minimum of 16 machine-hours to reset the network in ideal conditions. This can increase dramatically due to snow depth, type and frequency of storms.

Backcountry Trails

The extensive 90 km of backcountry trails are cleared in autumn but are ungroomed during winter. Two-way traffic is permitted on backcountry trails; however, skiers should plan their route accordingly if it includes a section of trackset trail with a recommended direction of travel.

Skiers venturing on to backcountry trails should:

• hold a valid cross-country ski pass or day ticket
• possess solid skiing and map-reading skills
• be prepared and equipped accordingly
• be in good physical condition
• ski with a partner
• or inform someone of their itinerary and expected time of return.

Morin-Heights does have a search & rescue team, but the size and ruggedness of the network makes search and evacuation difficult in the best of conditions. Cell phones do not work in many areas.

In case of emergency call 9-1-1.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoers are invited to try out the new 12 km of snowshoe trails maintained by the Municipality of Morin-Heights as well as an additional 12 km of trails at Ski Morin Heights. Please consult the service centres for information or to obtain the map.

Dogs and Walkers

Dogs and walkers are forbidden on ski trails. However, they are allowed on snowshoe trails proviging ther are on a leash and that their owners must clean up after them.

Several incidents, some of which were serious, have resulted from encounters between skiers and dogs. Additionally, imprints left in the snow by dogs, walkers and snowshoers make it very difficult to ski. Gliding and wax adhesion are affected by damaged snow surfaces, resulting in aggravating slippage and added track-setting costs. Proper ski and poling tracks are vital for skiers and a large portion of trail fees are contributed specifically to grooming.

Access points to the Network

The main point of service is maintained by the Municipality:

• AEROBIC CORRIDOR: 50, Lac-Écho Rd.

Situated on the Aerobic Corridor with access to the cross-country ski network, it is opened:

Weekends, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.;
Weekdays 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Services offered: Tickets and season’s passes (Aerobic Corridor only), maps, waxing table, information and parking.

Directions:
Exit 60 of Highway 15 North. Take Route 364 W., towards Morin-Heights for 8 km. When you are at 1st set of traffic lights in Morin-Heights, turn onto Village Rd., left again on Lac-Écho Rd.

Telephone: 450-226-1220 (from December to March)
Fax: 450-226-8786
Off season: 450 226-3232

Other Access points:

• SKI MORIN HEIGHTS
  227, Bennett Rd., 450 227-2020
  Snowshoe network. Snowshoe, Ticket office, Snack-bar, Camping & Cabins. Cross-country and Telemark ski rentals.

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• CLUB DE SKI VIKING SKI CLUB
  Private club; parking for members only.

Parking

Free parking is available at the designated centres indicated on the map.

Parking By-law 430 states that it is prohibited to park on streets and roads at all times between November 15th and April 15th. Offenders will be fined accordingly.

Trail Tickets & season’s passes

All skiers and snowshoers must purchase and display a valid day ticket or season’s pass to use the networks. Revenues from tickets and or passes are used to maintain and develop the trail network. Tickets and passes are on sale through all access points.

Patrollers are on the trails to provide assistance and check tickets and passes.

Agreements with neighbouring networks permit ski trail access to the Viking and St-Adolphe-d’Howard networks, but skiers must park in one of the Morin-Heights designated parking areas.

Tickets may be purchased at all participating centres. Purchase your passes at the Aerobic Corridor Pavilion. For the current fee structure consult the Cross-country ski and Snowshoe flyer.

Rules and Regulations

1. Call 9-1-1, in case of an emergency.
   
2. Dogs are forbidden on cross-country ski trails.
   
3. Cross-country ski trails are for cross-country skiing only (snowshoeing, walking, and snowmobiles, etc. are forbidden).
   
4. Park in designated areas.
   
5. Visibly display a valid trail ticket or pass.
   
6. Ski in the recommended direction for your safety and respect the signage.
   
7. Never leave alone, and plan to be off the trail one hour before sunset.
   
8. Check trail difficulty and conditions and plan accordingly.
   
9. Do not litter, damage trees or fences, and do not make a fire.
10. Take skis off when crossing roads
11. Check ice conditions before crossing any lakes

Accommodations and Spas:

Morin-Heights has many types of accommodations to offer. Consult the Tourism section of the website for a detailed listing.