Get out and explore Saskatchewan this winter, expert says

Winter is a time when some people stay indoors to keep warm, but it can also be a time when many get out and enjoy the great outdoors.

The Lost Girl’s Guide creator Ashlyn George says the snow that fell this year makes winter adventuring perfect.

“This year, I just got into winter biking,” George told the Greg Morgan Morning Show on Monday morning. “It’s new for me and I bought my first fatbike and it’s so much fun.”

George believes fatbiking has become so popular because the bikes allow people to get outside during the winter.

“In the summertime, there are a ton of bikers across the province and this just makes it much more friendly to be able to do it year-round,” she said. “Plus it’s really fun.”

Even though fatbikes are known for their fat tires, there are other things that distinguish them from regular bikes.

“They’re designed to be able to float over (the) snow and be able to move better on the ice,” George said.

She recommends going to visit the Richard St. Barbe Baker Afforestation Area, a network of groomed trails located south of Saskatoon.

“(When people) ride through this area, (they) don’t even realize that there’s a city only a few kilometres away,” George added. “It rivals trails that (someone) would find out in the mountains, but there’s no crazy elevation.”

Those in search of more elevation can check out the trails near Buffalo Pound Provincial Park.

“There are amazing trails out there as well,” she said. “There’s a great fatbike community out of Regina and Moose Jaw.”

Families looking for something to do could consider going cross-country skiing.

George suggests Eb’s Trails on the way to Prince Albert, just north of Duck Lake.

“They have 50 kilometres of groomed trails (and) there (are) two warm-up shelters on the trails,” she added. “One of shelters has an outdoor fire pit (people could use to) roast some hot dogs (or make) some hot chocolate.”

George went on to say they have trails designed for every experience level.

Although it’s a three-hour drive from Regina, people could visit the snow maze at Duck Mountain.

“It’s just been completed and it’s open now for the season,” George added. “Apparently, on Saturdays now, they’re even doing laser tag in the maze at dark.”

Anyone looking to go skating may want to visit the two-kilometre skating loop at Echo Valley Provincial Park.

“They actually flood the Aspen Campground, so (people) are actually skating through what’s the campground during the summer months,” George said.

She went on to say there are lots of winter activities at the park as well; a list of those can be found on the Sask Parks website.