By Ernest Ogunleye, Kawartha Zone patroller (eogunleye1745@outlook.com)
As an alpine skier, I have been a patroller for four years at Lakeridge Resort. Every year, I have said I would pay a visit to Kawartha Nordic for a cross-country skiing experience. One of those years they had no snow, but the other years I could not get my act together. This year, I decided to seize the initiative and visit the founding location of the Kawartha Zone.
I drove north of Peterborough on February 22, 2026, to a rendezvous with a new skiing discipline. The weather conditions were perfect, with no wind, great snow, superb visibility and a ski-friendly temperature. I met up with Kawartha Nordic Patrol Leader, Mark Wickham, and he graciously took me through a quick course in cross-country skiing. In no time at all, I was gilding along tracks, making turns, powering through uphill sections and negotiating downhill sections with controlled descents. All this within a training area next to the Kawartha Nordic Lodge.
Incidentally, the facilities were excellent, including a heated spacious two-tier lodge with eating and changing spaces. What really blew me away were the separate and heated washrooms.
During this visit, the facility was holding a poker run. What’s a poker run? Organized by Kawartha Nordic Club, this event raises funds for groomer operations. It’s a great excuse to encourage club members to explore several of the many different and often under-utilized trails on the property. The CSP participated in the event to support this worthy cause.
Other CSP patrollers were patrolling different trails at the same time as Mark and I.
With our backpacks fastened, Mark and I ventured out. During my patrol with Mark, I participated in the Poker Run event, interacted with many skiers, and observed the vibrant community spirit and safe environment at Kawartha Nordic. The scenery was beautiful, with snow-laden trees and birds resting peacefully. Mark even spotted a deer, though it was too quick for a photo. I did see it in all its glory just before it disappeared back into the forest.
I also met Brenda Koenig (a CSP patroller) at the lodge. Mark and I met Chris Davies (a CSP patroller) on the trail as we travelled in different directions. I will need practice to reach Brenda Koenig, Chris Davies and Mark Wickham’s skiing level. However, I am happy to say with what I was taught I felt able to ski with confidence.
We ended our day back at the lodge in the CSP office area, where my reasonably priced ski rental equipment was returned. As the sun began to wane, I bid farewell to Mark Wickham and embarked on my journey home.
Thank you for arranging and hosting my visit, Mark. I thoroughly enjoyed it and recommend a visit by other CSP members to Kawartha Nordic. I just hope it does not take you four years to make the trip.
Those interested in visiting can contact Patrol Leader at Kawartha Nordic Mark Wickham (mark.wickham@skipatrol.ca).
To learn more about Kawartha Nordic, including trail maps and operating hours, please visit www.kawarthanordic.ca
Photos provided by Ernest Ogunleye.