New Skiers
I am new to backcountry skiing. Is this a problem?
Do you have cross country ski experience? If not, are you reasonably fit and generally active? Do you want an opportunity to get outside for great exercise and fresh air in the winter? If so, backcountry skiing is for you!
Backcountry skiing is excellent for cyclists looking for cross training in the off season. Runners will also find it a refreshing alternative to suiting up for a long run on a winter weekend.
If you are occupied by summertime activities like sailing, hiking or canoeing but find yourself in need of a way to get outside in the winter, backcountry skiing with Five Winds will set you up for a few weekends of activity with good company in the beautiful Ontario near north.
How do I get started?
On your first Sunday skiing with Five Winds you’ll be placed in one of our slower groups. We want you to have a good time, to give you an opportunity to get used to our trails and to find out about the equipment. On the bus ride back home, the ski organizers will speak to you and to your tour leader to find out what kind of a group you should ski in the next time. Our goal is to get you to the right group as soon as possible, but safely.
I have lots of backcountry ski experience. Do I still have to join a slow group?
Talk to us. We want everyone, you and the others you are skiing with, to have a safe and enjoyable day. Sometimes that means being safe rather than sorry and our trails take some getting used to. After each ski day the group organizers ask the group leaders if anyone in their group could ski faster (or should ski slower). In no time at all you’ll find your place.
Do you offer cross country ski lessons?
Snow permitting in early January, we plan a couple of Saturday car-pool outings to a golf course not far from Toronto. We gear up like it’s a regular ski day but ski only for the morning, have a bite of lunch on the trail and then return. It’s a good way to get a taste of what backcountry is like, a good opportunity to check out the gear Five Winds members use, a good time to ask questions and a good time in general!
I don’t have any equipment. Can I rent?
Give us a call and we’ll try to guide you. You can rent cross country equipment from Mountain Equipment Co-op.
I am not a member. Can I still ski with Five Winds?
One Sunday each month hold a number of seats for non-members to ski as our guests at no extra cost. Check the schedule for these dates and sign up early to get your seat on the bus!
How do I reserve a seat on the bus?
Call the bus line (416-201-4684) to reserve your seat. The ski organizers will pick up the messages. Let them know it is your first time and leave your number so someone can call you back. We want to find out about your experience and answer any questions you may have about what to expect on your first day and what you should bring with you.
Then, you download and complete the membership application form. Mail the completed form to
Five Winds Back Country Ski Club
c/o Director, Membership
18 Randolph Road
Toronto, ON
M4G 3R7
or bring it with you on your first Sunday.
That’s all you have to do. We collect your form, your membership fee and the bus fare for that week on the bus.
Do you allow snowshoes?
Yes, we invite snowshoers to join us one Sunday each month. Snowshoeing is a great way to get out and see the beautiful country around our trails.
The snowshoers head out as one group, using the trail maps to guide them but not using the trails. Since on the one hand, snow shoes can be used to go anywhere and on the other hand they really hack up ski trails, snowshoers go their own way.