Massie Ski Trail

Posted: June 5, 2007

Article and photographs by Allsion Kennedy

If you visit the Massie Ski Trail after a heavy snowfall you can expect to break trail at some point. Don't worry, all your hard work will be worth it. Located only a ten minute drive from Owen Sound, the Massie trails are a great opportunity to lose yourself in the forest.

A mix of deciduous, cedar and spruce plantings afford the trail plenty of protection. It is quiet and calm on the trails even during a heavy snowstorm. The Owen Sound Cross Country Ski Club maintains the 10 kilometres of trail which they have been developing over the last decade. This year, the Club has committed to groom the trails once a week.

A main trail runs diagonally between two concessions while a series of loops extend off it. The trails are well marked, especially with reference to the front and back entrances; however, be sure to print the handy map off the Internet and bring it along on your journey.

The blue, yellow, pink and red loops are all relatively short options that can be combined to extend your skiing experience. Be prepared, the loops have several large hills. Check the map for names like bobsled, 2 tears, hairpin, easy rider and snake bends. If the trails have been groomed, the hills can get quite quick. If hills are not your forte, don't despair. Both the bypass and double bypass trail allow skiers to use the trails while avoiding the big hills.

An old logging road and the Bruce Trail serve as the main basis of the trail - they cut through the Grey Sauble Conservation Authority land where the trail is located. The trail passes a lake at one point. Skiers must use a log bridge to cross a small stream.

Massie has an amazing variety of trees. In some sections, overhanging boughs create a winter wonderland for skiers. The landscape changes quickly from enchanted forest to uniform reforestation. These rows on rows of trees can also be intriguing following a large snowfall.
Despite it's proximity to Owen Sound, Massie is somewhat of a well kept secret. The trails are generally quiet. If you are skiing in the early morning, you may see deer or other wildlife.
This year's mild winter hasn't given the ground a chance to freeze. You can expect some wet sections, especially on the yellow loop. For up to the minute trail conditions, visit the Owen Sound Cross Country Ski Club's website at www.owensound.org/ski/ and check the bulletin board. Current conditions are posted there. For further information, contact Chris Hughes at (519) 376-8046.

Massie Cross Country Ski Trail Uses: While this trail is a primarily a cross country ski trail, it is also becoming a popular mountain bike destination during the green season.

Trail Length: approximately 10 kilometres including a main trail and several short loops of varying difficulty

Directions: Take Highway 6 south of Owen Sound to Rockford. Turn east on the Derry Line, at the stoplights in Rockford, and head towards Bognor. Three concessions from Highway 6 watch for a green sign that indicates the turn to Massie. Turn south on Massie Road. After crossing one more concession and climbing a hill, watch for the trail entrance on the right hand side. Parking is available along the road and is plowed to accommodate up to 15 cars.
Groomed/ungroomed in winter: Skiers should expect a wilderness skiing experience. Trails are maintained by the Owen Sound Cross Country Ski Club and will be groomed once a week.

Membership: Membership is available and helps to support trail maintenance. Singles are $18, families are $25, students are $12 while patrons are $10. A donation box is located at the trail head for day use fees.

Trail highlight: Great hills for those who enjoy picking up a little speed. Optional bypass trail allows more conservative skiers an option.

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