Outdoor adventures such as skiing and snowshoeing offer exercise, fun and relaxation and are two of the fun things to do in Gros Morne National Park in the wintertime. Those loving the outdoors should consider a winter holiday, a time to wipe away those winter blues created by cold temperatures and short hours of sunshine! Getting out under the sunny and sometimes not-so-sunny winter sky, in the crisp cool air, enjoy winter’s gift as it brings you a whole new world, a world that can energize your body, mind and spirit!
A treasure in summer and in winter, the campgrounds, mountains, hiking trails, and fjords of Gros Morne become another beautiful world as the first snow covers the ground. With winter temperatures averaging -10 degrees, an average snowfall of about 14 ft and a long ski season, Gros Morne is home to a spectacular landscape and an avenue to health, exercise, and fun. Making the most of the sunlight can be achieved through wonderful access to great things to do in Gros Morne National Park. The trails that served as sources of exercise, fun and relaxation in summer now serve as trails for snowshoeing and cross country skiing in winter.
The 52 kms of groomed cross-country ski trails begin at the entrance to the park with the 10.8 km Visitor Center Trails. Included in those trails is the Owl Trail which is lit every night until 10 p.m. Five kms of groomed ski trails near the community of Trout River at the Trout River Pond presents varying terrains and difficulty and great views of the Tablelands. Heading north and just past the community of Wiltondale, the 14.7 kms of Wigwam Pond to Stuckless Pond Trails take you through beautiful forest where you can rest for a while at a warm-up hut. As you continue driving north, the 7 km Shallow Bay Trails take you through forest and sand dunes and are fairly easy for the whole family. The 14.6 km ungroomed Berry Hill to Baker’s Brook Trails take you through forest and bog, have two warming shelters and can be added to your list of things to do in Gros Morne.
Two of the most adventurous things to do in Gros Morne are backcountry skiing and snowshoeing. Those backcountry routes, with two secluded backcountry ski huts available, are not marked and should only be attempted if weather and snow conditions are suitable. The three most travelled routes include the 7 km Burridge’s Gulch which is suitable for beginners, the 8.5km Southeast Pond to Bad Weather Pond and the 9 km Burridge’s Gulch Highlands which is more suited for the expert.
Strap on your snowshoes and enjoy the peacefulness of exploring a snow covered landscape, one of the favourite things to do in Gros Morne in winter. With little equipment needed, therefore inexpensive, you can enjoy one of the three well- travelled snowshoeing trails. On the way to Trout River for cross country skiing, take a detour and snowshoe the trail to the Lookout Hills. Here you will be protected from the wind but the scenic views will be breathtaking. The snow covered u-shaped valley, Burridge’s Gulch, make for some adventurous snowshoeing. Probably the most accessible snowshoeing route is the Gros Morne Mountain trail near Rocky Harbour with spectacular views of the Long Range Mountains and Bonne Bay.
Enjoy this brand new world!
