Imagine a back-country ski route stretching in a large arc between the groomed trails at Madawaska Nordic and the trails at Dacre Heights. The 38km distance is significant, and the rugged terrain and rampant vegetation make passage difficult in spots. Yet there are numerous trails that wind through this area, and the Madawaska Highlands are largely unspoiled. A carefully planned route could be a wonderful and challenging ski.
Skiing from Dacre to Calabogie is hardly a new idea. Ask any older local and they've either done it or they know someone who has. Thirty years ago, when Dacre Heights was operating, skiers could catch a lift to the top and then navigate through some farm fields and snowmobile trails over to a long string of lakes. Following the lakes led to the unplowed section of Kennelly Mountain Road which brought them to the old Club 45 hunt camp. Then, a series of logging roads and ATV trails would take them to the Calabogie area. The route was direct, easy to navigate, largely cleared, and almost all through private lands. Unfortunately, numerous "No Trespassing" signs have sprouted up since that time.
In 2017 a new route was envisaged. Much longer than the original route, it avoids all private property by remaining exclusively on crown land and a few unopened road allowances. The location is isolated, the terrain is challenging, and some of the hills are suited to expert skiers only. Portions of the route are now mapped, cleared, and blazed. Beyond the Mad Nordic trails none of it is groomed.
Mad Western has three distinct sections, which are described below. It can be accessed by vehicle from either end as well as three intermediate locations, two of which offer parking. The names of the sections and trails are provisional. Cell coverage is intermittent, so preloading of map data is advised. As of 2022 less than half of the trail has been cleared and is ready for use.
Fergus
The easternmost section begins at the Madawaska Nordic's parking area on Crestview Drive. It follows Red Pine all the way out to the loop, and then Blue Jay for a few hundred meters to the Fergus trail. This trail passes among some destruction caused by the 2018 tornado, and soon dips down to crosses a small arm of the Constant Creek swamp through a narrow path. This swamp, although magical, is difficult to traverse so the going is slow. After emerging from the swamp the trail climbs up and over a large hill with a challenging descent. It then crosses a stream to follow an old logging road that connects to Ferguson Lake Road. Total distance from the Mad Nordic parking area on Crestview Drive to Ferguson Lake Road is 6.6 km. Parking is possible at this location just where the road widens.
| Red Pine | 3.6 km | Groomed ski trail | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Blue Jay | 0.6 km | Explored | Cleared | Blazed | Signed | |
| Fergus | 2.5 km | Explored | Cleared | Blazed | Signed | |
Mountainside
The second section includes four trails which cover a distance of 7.4km between Ferguson Lake Road and Centennial Lake Road. After crossing the road, Fergus leads another 800m to connect to Woody's. This old hydro road and dirt bike trail climbs over a few hills as it follows alongside a creek for a little over 2km before ending at Mountainside Hunt Camp. The next trail, Pipe Dream, leads south from the camp. After crossing a small creek, it climbs a long and gentle rise, and then descends into a series of small swamps. Eventually it joins an old logging road and the route turns right. The Shaw Road trail is gently rolling for almost 2km, and terminates after a long gentle descent at Centennial Lake Road. There is a small unplowed parking area at the end of Shaw Road, and limited parking is possible a few dozen meters from this location along Chimo Road South.
| Fergus (part 2) | 0.8 km | Explored | Cleared | Blazed | Signed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Woody's | 2.4 km | Explored | Cleared | Blazed | Signed |
| Pipe Dream | 2.4 km | Explored | Cleared | 95% Blazed | Signed |
| Shaw Road | 1.8 km | Explored | Cleared | Blazed | Signed |
Jackrabbit
This final and most challenging section is not blazed and requires navigation by GPS. At 23km it is by far the longest section of the route. There are several alternate routes, and parts of the central portion are not yet explored. If you are interested in skiing this section it is recommended that you do it as part of a trip organized by the Madawaska Nordic Ski Club.
GIS data
The following GIS files are available (KML format).