2025 Highlands Ski-Orienteering
Saturday, February 8, 2025
4:00 pm Start - Short Course
4:30 pm Start - Long Course (headlamp required)
2024 Scenic Caves Ski-O Results
2024 Scenic Caves Ski-O Splits ** Split Rankings are not accurate.
2024 Scenic Caves Ski-O Photos
Cross-country skiing in the Collingwood/Blue Mountains area is the best! You can enjoy dozens of kilometres of winding forest trails, challenging hills and - if you're lucky - a spectacular view of Georgian Bay.
What could possibly make it better? A map and some flags in the forest, of course, so we're planning some ski-orienteering for you! Our event director is former North American ski-orienteering champion, Dr. Mark Tarnopolsky.
We're excited to host this event on a new ski-orienteering map at Highlands Nordic, which has a 30 km groomed cross-country ski network and 8 km of snowshoe trails that could come into play in your route choices. Highlands is a wonderful winter playground with lots of variety and maybe the occasional hill.
This event will be a point-to-point format for individual skiers. You will ski to all checkpoints marked on your map in numerical order from the start to the finish of your race course.
Short and Long course distances will be offered. The Short Course race will take place entirely in daylight. Long Course racers will finish after sunset (5:41 pm) and get an exciting taste of night ski-orienteering. Highlands Nordic has solar-powered lights along many of their trails and Long Course participants will be required to carry a headlamp with an output of at least 200 lumens.
MEETING LOCATION
Rockside Room
Highlands Nordic Chalet, 1182 Concession 10 S, Clearview Township, Duntroon, ON L0M 1H0
COURSES AND CATEGORIES:
Course information is approximate since skiers will choose different routes between checkpoints, and their total time will depend on snow conditions, as well as their navigation and skiing experience.
Long Course: 12 - 16 km and maximum 2 hours to finish.
There will be a map exchange partway through. The 1st map will take participants farther into the trail system. The 2nd map will be the Short Course.
Women age 16 - 49, Open age 16 - 49, Masters Women (50+), Masters Open (50+)
Short Course: 4 - 6 km and maximum 1 hour to finish
About 16 controls, none beyond Larry's Glacier
Adult Women, Adult Open, Junior Women (under 18), Junior Open (Under 18)
This course is suitable for participants with cross-county skiing experience (skate or classic) who are comfortable using trail maps to navigate. At the competitive level, most ski orienteers use skate skis but either technique is acceptable.
Participants will start individually at short time intervals. SportIdent electronic timing will be used.
Notes
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A Participant's age for this event is their age on December 31, 2025.
REGISTRATION - Opening Soon!
Please register online in advance to reserve a map. We won't be able to accept entries on the day of the event.
Highlands Nordic Season Pass holders get discounted entry fees.
**Note that registration closes on Thursday, February 6 at 11:59 pm.**
ENTRY FEES
EARLY BIRD
By January 19
ADULT: $40
JUNIOR: $30
ADULT WITH SEASON PASS: $30
JUNIOR WITH SEASON PASS: $20
rEGULAR
By February 2
ADULT: $45
JUNIOR: $35
ADULT WITH SEASON PASS: $35
JUNIOR WITH SEASON PASS: $25
LATE
By February 6
ADULT: $50
JUNIOR: $40
ADULT WITH SEASON PASS: $40
JUNIOR WITH SEASON PASS: $30
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Entry fee includes a copy of the race map, map sleeve, refreshments, indoor event headquarters, access to chalet facilities, special event trail fees and insurance. Skiers who do not have a Highlands Nordic Season Pass will be given a Day Pass, which will be available at 3 pm. Organizers will be placing orienteering flags along the ski trails throughout the day so it is preferred that participants not ski on the Highlands trails between 12 noon and the start of the event. Skiers are welcome to warm up near the chalet.
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Entry fee does not include online transaction charge or HST.
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Skiers who do not have a SportIdent electronic timing card can rent one for $3.
PARTICIPATION WAIVER
Before you participate in any Dontgetlost Adventure Running event in 2025, you'll need to sign our online Waiver. Please save volunteer time by signing it now. A Parent or Guardian must sign the online Waiver for any participant who will be under 18 on the day of an event. Thank you!
Sign the Minor Waiver (Parent or Guardian)
PARKING
Please park in the main parking lot, which is straight ahead as you enter Highlands Nordic. If it is full, there is an overflow parking lot just north of the main lot. Turn right instead of heading straight into the main lot.)
WASHROOMS
There are washrooms in the chalet near the Rockside room.
SCHEDULE
15:00 - 16:00 Race Check-in, Rockside Room, Highlands Nordic Chalet
There will be a Course Planner Briefing before each race begins.
16:00 First Start for the Short Course. Racers will start individually at short intervals.
16:30 First Start for the Long Course. Racers will start individually at short intervals.
Post-Race in Rockside Room: Light refreshments, compare routes with other skiers, Awards
REQUIRED GEAR
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Cross-country ski gear
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Whistle
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SportIdent electronic timing card (may be rented for $3)
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Appropriate clothing for the conditions
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Method of carrying map while skiing (We will provide a plastic sleeve.)
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Long Course participants: Headlamp, at least 200 lumens
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED GEAR
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Cell phone - for safety, not for navigation except in an emergency
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Compass (Free loaners will be available.)
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Extra warmth layers in a small backpack
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Water / snack
CONTACT
Mark Tarnopolsky
Thank you to OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS!
