https://ccsam.ca/members/gwickens/activity/ Activity feed for Gary Wickens. Wed, 10 Jun 2026 14:07:47 -0500 https://buddypress.org/?v=11.4.0 en-CA 30 hourly 2 469263d411c72dda07d0e1c1960310f2 https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/12530/ Fri, 20 Feb 2026 22:42:05 -0600 We were pleased to find the classic trails freshly groomed at BHP this afternoon. It should be a great weekend for skiing [when not watching the Olympics]. Thank you trail groomer! Your dedication to the trails is greatly appreciated.

]]> 0 c0ee0b9510992e14ef2be14a2dbac3ce https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/10852/ Fri, 01 Mar 2024 16:13:42 -0600 Friday a.m. Birds Hill Park classic trails have firmed up nicely overnight. Enjoy your ski !

]]> 0 c614f43a4660ab6ffe1d42cef335c014 https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/10814/ Fri, 23 Feb 2024 15:24:38 -0600 I was on the Aspen Friday a.m. The trail is icy but the tracks are still very well formed. Yes , gliding is very quick.
I did find that I had to lift my skis quite a bit as debris is starting to accumulate in the tracks. Looking forward to a skiff of snow to cover some of this stuff. In the meantime caution is advised when running over twigs,…Read more

]]> 0 89a1e26b591417a4bcf62f33ebf4f8f0 https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/10786/#acomment-10789 Thu, 15 Feb 2024 20:54:08 -0600 You are right Allan. Beautiful job of grooming under marginal conditions. Thanks BHP!

In reply to - Allan H posted an update in the group Birds Hill Provincial Park Thursday Feb 15 , all trails groomed at BHP ]]> dec052ad30ec303a0b1bd8c0dc87fc62 https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/10778/ Wed, 14 Feb 2024 18:04:49 -0600 The classic tracks at BHP are fast but in need of renewal. If there isn’t enough snow to groom with the Pisten Bully, I’m wondering if the park can access the light weight grooming implements that are pulled behind the snowmobile. ie. the same thing that was done last year when the PB was out of action. Thank you.

]]> 0 6165971451365268f9bfa0b9e4d2a057 https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/10076/ Mon, 10 Apr 2023 15:40:08 -0500 I was out at 7:20 a.m. Mon. -1c. Chickadee had lots of footprints so I turned around and did West Bluestem in reverse direction. Still in pretty good shape and icy/crusty at that time of day. Lots of double poling and a very satisfying ski with effortless glide.
Good snow base so who knows how long it will last.

]]> 0 dee341f135c65bedffa1fa8dcfc7e657 https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/10049/#acomment-10051 Fri, 07 Apr 2023 23:41:16 -0500 We were out this morning and skied in beautiful weather on freshly groomed trails. I would also like to give a big thank you to BHP for making the decision to groom the trails even though there are melting temperatures in the days to come. It’s been a fantastic ski season at Birds Hill – partly due to the weather, partly due to the excellent and…Read more

In reply to - B&P posted an update in the group Birds Hill Provincial Park Friday, mid/late-afternoon… classic tracks still excellent. Thanks park staff and groomers for such a great job! ]]> 861605d1050cac73fbbbdb3853eee480 https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/9917/ Fri, 17 Mar 2023 22:44:36 -0500 I was at BHP Fri. 3:30-4:30. You may be bucking a 40-60 km headwind heading up the hill to the tower but the skiff of fresh snow has covered a lot of the debris. Some new stuff coming down but a net reduction in debris. There’s about 1 cm of new snow in the tracks with a little more in open areas.
It looks like a great weekend to hit the trails…Read more

]]> 0 5150b618e8e45fecc7cfb2cc85281380 https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/9807/ Sat, 25 Feb 2023 21:55:22 -0600 I was out at BHP Sat. p.m. Chickadee and Blue Stem have been groomed over the last few days and are in great shape. Thanks BHP!
The other trails have been skier tracked only since last weekend’s snowfall.

]]> 0 0a07dc88e4b900697bba8ea8391beb83 https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/9719/ Sun, 05 Feb 2023 17:25:34 -0600 Sunday morning . Classic trails are in great shape! Yesterday’s light snowfall has been worked in by skiers and glide is really good. The sun is shining and everyone is smiling!

]]> 0 aba753c5f6e09ba734322a08df9a8ccf https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/9586/ Thu, 12 Jan 2023 21:59:02 -0600 Good news for skate skiers. GUR was freshly combed today.
Classic trails? Let’s hope that BHP can freshen them up tomorrow.
Why wait for -25c? Let’s go skiers!

]]> 1 8556fa91e776dd1d2fcac0520310d26a https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/9415/ Sat, 24 Dec 2022 21:06:55 -0600 As Kevin has reported BHP classic [only] trails were groomed yesterday p.m. Within a few strides you will know that the Pisten Bully is back as well. Deep firm tracks that haven’t deteriorated one bit since they were set. Good glide at -20c and next to nothing for wind.
This is what we’ve been missing!

]]> 1 9a336cd8d755ab204192830ee981219e https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/9298/ Tue, 06 Dec 2022 20:10:45 -0600 Trails are still skiable but getting sloppy with the gradual build up of snow in the tracks.
They could use a redo this week if the equipment is available. Lots of snow on the sides of
the trails to work with. Thanks BHP!

]]> 0 97818470c897922b4facb88c83085348 https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/9240/ Fri, 25 Nov 2022 16:53:40 -0600 The 3 classic trails that have been groomed continue to provide excellent skiing at BHP. Firm tracks with very little debris. Thanks to BHP for deploying the snowmobile based grooming equipment in the absence of the PistenBully. As we know , the PistenBully makes durable tracks that are second to none but under low snow conditions , the snowmobile…Read more

]]> 3 c415b9922324ee4860e73c537c3a9d51 https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/8966/#acomment-8969 Fri, 15 Apr 2022 22:28:45 -0500 I was thinking to myself as I was heading back to town , I wonder if people were able to make it through from the West Entrance. Sure enough they did. Ha ha. Glad that they did as now there are skiable trails to continue the ski season. Perhaps the roads will improve with traffic as the ski trails will.
I will be leaving this area and will…Read more

In reply to - d baniak posted an update in the group Birds Hill Provincial Park So, I set off to the park for the 11:00 trail breaking/packing happening. Hwy 59 to the park was icy but passable. I took the turn in to to West […] ]]> 4090c96461dbb0836a4467acc1b6a871 https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/8965/ Fri, 15 Apr 2022 17:08:34 -0500 Road Conditions Report
I went out at 11 on Fri. to participate in the trail breaking but unfortunately the roads in BHP haven’t been plowed. I went in from the East Gate and around the corner from the stop sign. I soon came upon a guy who was stuck and being pulled out by a tractor from the ranch. That was it for me.
My advice to fellow skiers is…Read more

]]> 1 d5fc3473d4aab8426115ea3b9370fd9c https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/8953/ Sun, 10 Apr 2022 15:30:36 -0500 Sun. a.m. update. 8:30 plus 2. Tracks and trail surface still frozen. Starting to soften up by 9:30.
Did E. Aspen from Chickadee lot to crossover to E. Bluestem. First 300 m had walkers but thinned out after. Good double poling. W.Bluestem even better.
Plus 10 this afternoon. Good time to stay home to watch the Back 9 of the Masters – the best…Read more

]]> 0 efb75d00d504319bb14e4700a22700ce https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/8948/ Fri, 08 Apr 2022 16:02:10 -0500 Went Fri. 8:30 a.m. -2. Aspen from Chickadee parking lot to crossover to Bluestem. East Bluestem to tower back to parking lot via incoming Chickadee. Trail surface was still frozen from overnight. Only a few skiers had been ahead of me on Bluestem. Could use some more to help work in the tracks .
Who knows how long this will last as there’s a good…Read more

]]> 0 7c0ded81b4a4d16fc7d1e6da4d448f75 https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/8944/ Tue, 05 Apr 2022 18:04:49 -0500 BHP trails [Aspen,Bluestem] still a go as of this a.m. if you like high speed double poling on ice[which I do]. Not sure what tomorrow will bring though. Best track is on West Bluestem followed by East Bluestem and Aspen from Chickadee to stable.

]]> 0 80009c55d184e5432458ca68e0250cfb https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/8929/ Sat, 02 Apr 2022 16:27:22 -0500 Was at BHP at 7:25 this a.m. -1 with a skiff of snow on the icy tracks. Made for a bit of kick to go with the glide on Aspen and Bluestem. Both trails have gotten progressively better this past week due to skier traffic. Unfortunately walker traffic has had the opposite impact. They have moved from Chickadee onto East Aspen and Bluestem. New use…Read more

]]> 0 a553b5b0d74f8d1383e06bd0ec5f7528 https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/8878/ Wed, 16 Mar 2022 17:20:58 -0500 Wed. 10:30 a.m. Some of the classic trails groomed ! Aspen , Chickadee and Bluestem at least 1 track on each by snowmobile with 4 ft. leveller and light weight track setter. Thank you groomer!!
Not sure about Esker and Lime Kiln [didn’t appear to be groomed from the restaurant ] and definitely no grooming on GUR.
Anyway we had an excellent ski…Read more

]]> 0 db12221f5a5d96ba65195077ec5c15fc https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/8841/#acomment-8850 Sun, 13 Mar 2022 17:20:32 -0500 We went on the Aspen Sun. at 9:30 based on your report. It was great! The snow was soft and velvety under our skis as we followed the tracks made by Mystery Groomer. -15 with sun shining and everyone smiling. Glide was good as well.
Perfect conditions for a midMarch Sunday Ski !

In reply to - d baniak posted an update in the group Birds Hill Provincial Park So I hit the trails March 12 at noon. An attempt at grooming the right track on Aspen using a single track apparatus was mostly successful, […] ]]> f5f8c51397fff9b897522fbfce411f1b https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/8789/ Fri, 04 Mar 2022 18:04:40 -0600 We had a great run on Esker this a.m. The tracks have held up very well since last week’s grooming and they are very quick! Go now if you can get there before it snows.
The GUR has been groomed since Wednesday.

]]> 2 60a974799a8f2e5a5f91a9f3aa4f801b https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/8735/ Tue, 22 Feb 2022 22:46:19 -0600 -22 , no wind , sun is shining and freshly groomed trails. Thanks BHP. It should be a great week of skiing with no blizzards in the forecast.

]]> 0 1a03fc40b911e00c8fe0eb539c837166 https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/8709/ Sat, 19 Feb 2022 17:21:14 -0600 Blizzard beaters take note. As of 10:30 Esker tracks were not blown in at all since yesterday’s grooming and Chickadee only a little more so in open areas. Big thank you to BHP for grooming the trails twice this week despite forecasts of snow soon to follow.

]]> 0 06bda5ca254f357f5ea510bb66c33985 https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/8630/ Wed, 09 Feb 2022 21:24:57 -0600 I just got back from BHP [Wed. 3 pm]. Hwy. 206 was icy and windblown but the ski trails were not. I did the West Bluestem and it was excellent . A bit crusty underneath from yesterday’s melt but the tracks had a thin cover of new snow which had been worked in by previous skiers. Thank you trail breakers!
A really good glide at -9 and a fun ski!

]]> 0 38279af58f17e4fd43e692ea22d6f56b https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/8487/ Mon, 24 Jan 2022 22:35:04 -0600 I just got back from BHP. -23c , sun is shining , no wind in the trails , fresh tracks – what could be better?
Thanks BHP! Let’s get those tracks polished up for Wednesday. -1 expected!!
I’d also like to thank the Mystery Groomer who set the single track on Sunday. You made my day!

]]> 0 7e9adb70290707feda88659d4a328a81 https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/8340/ Fri, 14 Jan 2022 18:13:41 -0600 I just noticed on the Manitoba Parks Interactive Map that the cross country ski trails at BHP, including all classics plus the GUR, have been groomed as of today! Looks like a great afternoon for a ski.
See you out there!

]]> 0 6dcd72c073357921aa05041d9eeab48a https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/8093/ Fri, 24 Dec 2021 21:48:45 -0600 As has been mentioned, the classic tracks at BHP are in need of a grooming after recent snowfalls. They are a bit sloppy but this was offset this p.m. by the glide which was really good. It was also nice to see all the skiers who came out today to enjoy the trails – the most I’ve seen this season.

]]> 0 dbef702507295641fbe9501e89574170 https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/8014/ Thu, 16 Dec 2021 22:04:24 -0600 Today completes 4 weeks since the BHP classic trails were first groomed on Nov.18. Last year first groomed on Dec.23. Tracks are holding up well , especially in forested sections. If you can work around a bit of debris in places , you will have a very enjoyable ski [95% good].
My preferred route – Chickadee parking lot to Esker , around Esker and…Read more

]]> 0 fe12d8769922d0fa7cb0d05238b7d75e https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/7877/ Tue, 30 Nov 2021 01:25:41 -0600 I’ve been going out to BHP every day on the West Blue Stem. I start at the Chickadee parking lot and head west past the warm up hut until reaching thicker sections of leaves and debris. Then I turn around and go back to the parking lot. You have to lift your skis and step out of the tracks at times but overall it’s a very enjoyable ski with good…Read more

]]> 0 fd36af2805ad85adc47c28d90f06c06d https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/7820/#acomment-7822 Thu, 25 Nov 2021 00:39:49 -0600 Agreed Brent. The BHP groomer did a great job in getting the trails ready last week. Thank you. Unfortunately a few melting days have caused the tracks to deteriorate in places and strong winds have caused a fair bit of debris to come down from the trees. One area to avoid is Bluestem from stable parking lot [some pavement showing and many…Read more

In reply to - Brent posted an update in the group Birds Hill Provincial Park Lime Kiln Tuesday evening. A number of rocks poking through, strips of mud especially on the return portion of Esker. You could say “early season […] ]]> ebe5494c30e480bad7af4934bb66ca73 https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/6986/ Tue, 16 Feb 2021 15:24:25 -0600 Cranberry Portage is experiencing the same warming trend as southern MB. Daytime highs in the mid teens peaking at low single digits this weekend. Both trails were groomed yesterday. Mild weather skiers are invited to get back out there to enjoy some great skiing!

]]> 0 7257ed5ef86d236a1c38c596c97256d8 https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/6397/ Sat, 16 Jan 2021 13:22:07 -0600 The snow keeps coming – another 10-15 on Thurs. with more on its way! Al , the trail groomer, has been very busy and has fresh tracks on the trails for the weekend. Skiers will enjoy the snow in the trees and a smooth trail surface – even the notoriously uneven Athapap North trail. Summer trail damage [I’m on your wavelength Chris from Sandilands]…Read more

]]> 0 cf19ab25ebaaa02a59360c715fa8a0cc https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/6380/ Wed, 13 Jan 2021 01:45:05 -0600 The Athapap North and South trails were groomed for classic today. Skiers are invited to experience the best combination of mid January temperatures and trail conditions that we’ve experienced in many years.

]]> 0 8971ecb5eea9d4ee4ac46915be68435b https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/6166/ Sat, 02 Jan 2021 18:49:38 -0600 According to Brenda , trails in Cranberry Portage are recently groomed for classic , the tracks are firm and quick with ideal temps for skiing. With daytime highs never below -15 for the next 2 weeks , now’s the time to enjoy these beautiful trails. -30 is on its way eventually. Let’s go skiers!

]]> 0 aef54077b0fa87420d6f7e18d7b63851 https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/6060/ Tue, 29 Dec 2020 19:25:35 -0600 Skied the west Bluestem this a.m. Classic tracks were still good – not too much wear and tear.

]]> 0 6d16fd6fd2ae9c83b71ee974452aaf70 https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/6059/ Tue, 29 Dec 2020 19:22:06 -0600 0 7d3d5fcaa9752ea4f78f7d457d6deb92 https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/5855/ Wed, 23 Dec 2020 19:36:46 -0600 I was at BHP this a.m. hiking on the Cedar Bog . I was pleasantly surprised to find the ski trails starting from the Chickadee parking lot freshly groomed. Way to go Birds Hill Park maintenance staff! I’ll be back this p.m. to give these trails a go.
Concerning the conflict between user groups , a large stop sign with a list of winter hiking…Read more

]]> 0 720a4a261a7e7cb4554a519726bc5c41 https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/5677/ Fri, 11 Dec 2020 17:48:04 -0600 Cranberry Portage trails are still skiable despite melting temperatures earlier this week. Once again it’s hold off on the Caution hills and the Yellow loop until more snow comes down to slow it down a bit.
Great weekend for snowshoeing one of the 4 trails if you find the ski trails too slick.

]]> 0 6aae01d1070457ee885117db8e19f8f9 https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/5651/ Fri, 04 Dec 2020 21:04:53 -0600 0 a555138ab7a95a0c99bda4f4246d9256 https://ccsam.ca/where-to-ski/information/activity/p/5284/ Wed, 18 Nov 2020 20:04:44 -0600 Good news from Cranberry Portage. CPHSTA members have taken advantage of the 45 cm. snowstorm from 1 week ago to prepare the trails for skiing. This is the earliest ever for the forested trails.
Those in the neighbourhood can try the hilly intermediate level Athapap North trail across from the Park Office. Drive down Main [Portage Rd] , cross the…Read more

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