With lots of unique things to do in Newfoundland, visitors flock to the province each summer when the icebergs are plentiful, the cultural landscape is alive, the ocean can be enjoyed and quaint little communities dotting the coastline can be viewed. When cold weather sets in, the visitors often stay home – it’s too cold! But with many things to do in Newfoundland in winter, take advantage of its pristine outdoors, wide open spaces, and average winter temperatures hovering around 0 degrees Celsius, all because of a temperate marine climate.
For outdoor enthusiasts, some of the most adventurous things to do in Newfoundland are offered when winter covers the landscape. Strap on your skis or snowboard, take to the hills and enjoy the most popular things to do in Newfoundland. The province, both the island of Newfoundland and the ‘big land’ Labrador, offers thrilling winter skiing experiences. When looking for things to do in Newfoundland in winter, consider any of the three alpine ski hills in the province. With many Nordic ski clubs across the province, take a look at a few of those found in Western Newfoundland.
In Labrador, Smokey Mountain is the fun place to be. Smokey Mountain Ski Club is located about 5 kms from Labrador City. With its 1000 ft vertical drop and nothing but natural snow, snowboarders and downhill skiers have their choice of 19 groomed trails accessed by three lifts. For Nordic skiing, phenomenal cross country skiing awaits you at the Menihek Nordic Ski Club where approximately 40 kms of the best cross country ski trails are groomed daily.
With plenty of adventurous things to do in Newfoundland, choose Marble Mountain Ski Hill this winter. Located in the town of Steady Brook, on the west coast of Newfoundland, the ski hill has a 1700 ft vertical and enjoys an average snowfall of 16 feet. Skiers and snowboarders will enjoy spectacular skiing on all of its 39 trails. The Blomidon Cross Country Ski Club offers some of the best cross country skiing in Newfoundland. The cross country ski club is located just minutes from Corner Brook and has about 42 kms of groomed trails. If you enjoy night skiing, you will have access to approximately 6.5 kilometres of lit cross country trails and the lower downhill slopes at Marble Mountain are lit on Friday evenings.
Within driving distance of Marble Mountain, you will find The Whaleback Nordic Ski Club in Stephenville and has 40 kms of groomed trails. East of Corner Brook you will find the Pasedena Ski and Nature Park which has over 18 kilometers of wilderness trails.
Last but not least is the White Hills Ski Club located near Clarenville on the east coast of Newfoundland. With a 607 ft vertical and 17 runs, the ski area is spread out over 55 acres of land. Access to the runs is with a triple chair lift and a magic carpet lift for beginners. Don’t forget the Terrain Park for the young and young at heart snowboarders! You might want to take in some Nordic skiing while there; if so glide along the 40 kms of groomed cross country trails.
Don’t allow cold temperatures to keep you away from a spectacular winter destination- Newfoundland!