What to Wear Skiing in Manitoba

Bundle up, we're going skiing! Even though you'll be working up a sweat on the trails in Manitoba, dressing for the weather will still ensure you get the most of an outdoor outing. Here are a few essentials to consider when heading out for a day on the trails or the slopes.

Essential Gear for Cross-Country Skiing

Cross-country skiing is all about movement, so skip the bulk and go for breathable layers that let you glide, not overheat.

• Base layer: Moisture-wicking long underwear (wool or synthetic preferred over cotton)
• Insulation layer: Lightweight fleece or wool for warmth
• Outer layer: Windproof and breathable jacket and pants (not heavy ski gear)
• Socks: One good pair of wool socks, no extras needed
• Toque: Covers your ears and fits snugly under a hood if needed
• Neck warmer or balaclava: Keeps the chill out without getting in the way
• Mittens (not gloves): Better heat retention for cold fingers
• Footwear: Cross-country ski boots that allow good ankle movement
• Ski buddy: Always go with a friend, especially on unfamiliar trails!

Essential Gear for Downhill Skiing or Snowboarding

You’ll be sitting on lifts, speeding downhill and maybe wiping out a few times, so aim for warmth, waterproofing and protection.

• Base layer: Lightweight or midweight long underwear (wool or synthetic preferred)
• Mid-layer: Fleece or wool pullover for added insulation
• Ski/snowboard jacket: Waterproof and insulated
• Ski/snowboard pants or bibs: Waterproof, breathable and snow-proof
• Socks: Tall wool or synthetic ski/snowboard socks (one quality pair is enough!)
• Helmet: Keeps your head safe and warm (often available for rent)
• Goggles: Essential for snow, wind and glare (or sunglasses on clear days)
• Neck gaiter or balaclava: For wind protection and added warmth
• Gloves or mittens: Insulated and waterproof, mittens are warmer though gloves offer dexterity

Now that you're bundled up like a pro, you're ready to hit the trails. Here are 11 spots to ski in Manitoba this winter.

Whiteshell Provincial Park

Falcon Ridge Ski Slopes in the beautiful Whiteshell area is perfect for beginners and families. It boasts 12 alpine ski runs, a tube run and has rentals and lessons available. Once you've had your fill of the slopes, head into the charming chalet complete with a huge stone fireplace and a menu of comfort foods to fill you up for your next run.

The area around Falcon Trails Resort is also a great place to go if you want to try cross-country skiing 30 kilometres of trails that include flat straights on the frozen lake as well as more challenging areas with small climbs and descents.

Turtle Mountain Provincial Park

Boissevain

In the southwest corner of the province, Turtle Mountain Provincial Park is one of the cross-country skiing spots in the province with the most elevation gain. The provincial park has 37 kilometres of groomed trails that loop through the trees around Adam Lake and James Lake.

Check out Turtle Mountain Adventure Huts for off-grid micro-cabins complete with a wood burning stove and located only 5 minutes from the Adam Lake trailhead. For a more adventurous weekend, book the backcountry James Lake cabin for a ski-in-ski-out experience. Located about 5.5 km one way from the trailhead, the James Lake Cabin is spacious and can sleep up to 12 people and is stocked with firewood and some basic cooking supplies. Contact the Boissevain District office at 204-534-2028 to book.

Mystery Mountain Winter Park

Thompson

If you’re looking for a truly northern experience, then head up to Mystery Mountain Winter Park. It's Manitoba’s most remote winter park, located 22 kilometres north of Thompson and is great for thrill-seeking downhill skiers. In addition to 18 ski runs, the winter park also features a half-pipe, a tobogganing area, and 25 kilometres of cross-country ski trails. In need of a bit of advice? Ask about lessons—they offer options for both skiing and snowboarding.

Paint Lake Provincial Park, about 30 minutes south of Thompson on Hwy 6, is home to cross-country ski trails perfect for beginners. Relatively flat, there are two short loops between 1 to 2 km that take you through the campground for lake-side views. North of Thompson, there is a a 9.5 km trail system groomed for both classic and skate skiing.

Flin Flin Ski Club Trails

The Flin Flon Ski Club maintains over 25 kilometres of scenic, groomed trails that wind through rocky outcrops and snow-covered boreal forest. Whether you're classic skiing or skating, you'll find peaceful stretches, gentle hills and just the right amount of challenge. With a cozy chalet at the trailhead and well-marked routes for all levels, it's a northern gem worth checking out.

Bittersweet Ski Trails

Assiniboine River Valley

The picturesque Bittersweet ski trails sit in the Assiniboine River Valley, southwest of Portage la Prairie, about 90 minutes from Winnipeg. The area has 21 kilometres of classic cross-country ski trails and 12 kilometres of skate trails with sections for beginner and expert skiers. Along the trail is a ski hut, perfect for a mid-ski rest or lunch break. The Oak Meadows Trailhead, where the trails begin, also has a Nordic Centre with seating and hot drinks to help you warm up at the end of your day.

Asessippi Ski Resort

Asessippi Provincial Park

Very few things make your thighs burn like a full day of downhill skiing or snowboarding, especially at Asessippi Ski Resort. Asessippi, near Inglis, Manitoba, has over 25 downhill runs to choose from, ranging from beginner to expert-level difficulty, that hit the spot for every rider.

Windsor Park Nordic Centre

Winnipeg

For first-time cross-country skiers there's no better place than Windsor Park Nordic Centre in Winnipeg. They rent skis on-site and also offer lessons, ski programs for kids and weekly meetups welcoming new and experienced cross-country skiers. The centre grooms their 10 kilometres of trails for classic and skate skiing daily and has a clubhouse where you can unwind and grab a hot chocolate after a good cross-country workout.

Springhill Winter Sports Park

Springfield

If you want to practice your moves in a terrain park, Springhill Winter Sports Park is a great option. The area is small but has a lot to offer experienced skiiers and snowboarders. The hill offers opportunities to practice tricks and jumps on ramps, bars and a half pipe. The hill also has a snow tube park open on weekends for those who prefer to sit and slide. Located only ten kilometres from Winnipeg’s Perimeter Highway, Springhill is it an easy afternoon outing from Manitoba's capital city.

Grand Beach Provincial Park

Not just a summer destination, Grand Beach Provincial Park has 18 kilometres of groomed trails for both classic cross-country and skate skiing. Five kilometres of the trails are also shared use, with groomed trails running alongside multi-use trails for walking, snowshoeing or fatbiking.

Birds Hill Provincial Park

Birds Hill Provincial Park is home to cross-country, skate and skijoring trails for all ski levels. Looking for a beginner trail? Start with the Chickadee Trail, a flat, friendly 4 km loop that’s ideal for building confidence. Feeling ready to leave up? The Lime Kiln Trail adds some gentle climbs over 8 km, making it a solid pick for anyone wanting to train for more challenging terrain. Skiing with your pup? Head out on the Group Use Road #1 Trail or the Spruce Trail for a fast-paced ski with your furry friend.

Riding Mountain National Park

Riding Mountain National Park has 23 cross-country ski trails across the park which range from easy to difficult. Some of the difficult trails are more remote, up to 40 kilometres away from the main townsite of Wasagaming. So make sure to pack water, a snack and any extra supplies if you're planning a ski excursion on these trails. Entry to the park is free from December 12, 2025 to January 15, 2026 thanks to the Canada Strong Pass.

The park is also home to wide variety of accommodation options—from boutique hotels like Lakehouse and Arrowhead Family Resort in Wasagaming to cozy Parks Canada oTENTiks, and Elkhorn Resort and Klar So Nordic Spa in nearby Onanole, you can turn your ski adventure into a weekend getaway!

Ski Valley

Minnedosa

Ski Valley in Minnedosa is top-notch for downhill adrenaline seekers, with nine runs for all levels of skiers and snowboarders. It’s a one-stop shop with equipment rentals, lessons, and on-site dining, making it particularly convenient for day trips and group outings.

Original blog by Kit Muir.