A Wonderful Winter Experience at Duck Mountain

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A Wonderful Winter Experience at Duck Mountain

Duck Mountain Provincial Park in Saskatchewan may not be on everyone’s radar, but it’s an absolute gem during the winter months. This park boasts stunning cross-country ski trails, cozy cabins for a warm retreat, and the natural slopes at Duck Mountain Ski Hill. I decided to spend a night alone in a rustic cabin along the trails, combining an afternoon of skiing and snowboarding. It turned out to be a fantastic weekend immersed in nature.

A Cabin Experience in the Woods

The charming little cabin is nestled among pine, aspen, and cedar trees. Stacked neatly on either side of the cabin is a pile of firewood, ready for anyone in need. The door is left unlocked, and inside, it’s tidy and equipped with the basics for guests to relax. While there’s no running water, electricity, or modern heating, a cast iron stove turns the cabin into a cozy ‘sauna’ to warm up after a day in the cold.

You don’t need to pack much, as the cabin comes with pots, plates, candles, sleeping mats, and even a few books and games. It’s a simple yet memorable experience.

Skiing at Duck Mountain

This area is located on the eastern edge of Saskatchewan, in the Manitoba mountains, marking the end of the Boreal forest. Even though it’s further south than Saskatoon, the scenery here makes you feel like you’re in the north. The rolling hills are perfect for cross-country skiing, snowboarding, and even snowmobiling.

Upon arrival, I quickly lit a fire to chase away the -30°C chill. Although skiing kept me warm, I noticed my body temperature dropping as I started to sweat. Thankfully, with dry wood and some bark, the fire blazed up quickly.

A Stop at the Ski Club Cabin

The cabins here are maintained by the Kamsack Ski Club, which is essential for those enduring the harsh winter cold while providing a genuinely enjoyable experience. The cabin is a great spot to take a break, sip some tea, and warm up before continuing your adventure.

Sunrise Splendor

The next morning, I was greeted by a stunning pink sky. Feeling a pang of regret to leave, I tidied up the cabin and prepared to head out by noon. On my way back, I encountered only one other skier, the club president, who was making his rounds.

Exploring Duck Mountain Ski Hill

With the morning still young, I swapped my ski boots for snowboard boots and continued my journey at Duck Mountain Ski Hill. This is one of the few ski resorts in Saskatchewan, just a 15-minute drive from the starting point. Today also marked the opening of the tubing area, which I was eager to try out first.

Wearing my helmet and goggles, I felt the exhilarating chill as I launched myself down the tubing hill, twisting and turning in a thrilling ride. After a few runs, I decided it was time to challenge myself with some snowboarding.

Epic Slopes Await

According to the trail map, Duck Mountain features 22 runs ranging from easy to difficult. Notably, there’s no need for artificial snow; it’s all natural. On this particular day, the snowfall was so heavy that I sank deep into the snow up to my knees. Still, the experience of gliding down the ‘Morning Glory’ — an addictive black run — left me with a smile that wouldn’t fade.

As my trip came to a close, I felt an overwhelming urge to shout out in the vastness, embracing the freedom and exhilaration all around me. Duck Mountain truly is a magnificent gift from nature.

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