Enjoy The Perfect Day of Winter Activity in Sault Ste. Marie
Enjoy the perfect day of winter activity in Sault Ste. Marie with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking. Hiawatha Highlands is winter. Take the short 10-minute drive from downtown Sault Ste. Marie on any winter’s day and you’ll see why, cars fill the lot outside the iconic Soo Finnish building, skiers snapping into bindings, fat bikes being unloaded, and snowshoers gearing up to hit the Hiawatha Highlands trails. There’s always a friendly, energized atmosphere here, because whatever your chosen activity is, you’re about to experience winter the right way.
Cross-Country Skiing at Hiawatha Highlands
The favourite activity at Hiawatha Highlands is cross-country, also known as Nordic skiing. With over 50km of professionally groomed Hiawatha Highlands trails, for both classic and skate skiing, the area is one of the top places for Sault Ste. Marie cross-country skiing, offering options for every skill level.
The Pinder system features 10km of green and blue trails with gentle elevation, perfect for learning or refining your cross-country skills. The beautiful Red Pine system offers more challenge, with rolling hills and up to 15km of trail for a solid winter workout. The third system, the stunning Crystal Creek trail network, loops around the creek and waterfalls and offers up to 23km of green, blue, and black trails, including the extension to Mabel Lake a favourite among experienced skiers.
For night skiing enthusiasts, hit the 2 km Kinsmen-lit section of the Crystal Creek system for an evening workout, and join the seasonal lantern ski events. Upcoming dates are available on the Hiawatha Highlands website.
Snowshoeing Trails
Snowshoeing is a fantastic way to experience winter at Hiawatha Highlands. Over 9 km of trails run alongside the ski network, letting visitors explore the snow-covered forests at a more leisurely pace. The Pinder Trail is mostly flat, making it perfect for beginners or families, while the 4 km Crystal Creek Trail features steady climbs and descents for a rewarding winter workout. Be sure to check the ski trail map for the latest routes and conditions before heading out.
Fat Biking Trails
Fat Biking has grown in popularity in the last few years and there is now over 9km of trails at Hiawatha Highlands to enjoy. Trails are located within the Crystal Creek system (within Kinsmen Park) and are keenly maintained by the Sault Cycling Club. For a longer ride, you can choose to head out to Mabel Lake on trails shared with skiers. Fat Bikes are also now available to be rented at the clubhouse also.
PASSES, RENTAL AND CLUBHOUSE
Hiawatha Highlands has a cozy clubhouse where you can buy passes, refreshments, or warm up before or after your activity. The clubhouse is also where you can rent skis, poles, boots or snowshoes. Visit the ‘Passes’ page to get all the information on daily and seasonal passes and rental equipment.
Trail Maps & Visitor Information
Come and see for yourself why Hiawatha Highlands is one of the most popular places to experience winter in Sault Ste. Marie. And be sure to check out our ski page for information on other cross-country skiing areas, downhill and backcountry skiing areas!
Frequently asked questions
At Hiawatha Highlands, visitors can enjoy a range of winter activities, including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking. The trails cater to all skill levels, from beginners to experienced outdoor enthusiasts. For more winter adventure ideas in the area, check out Experience Winter in Sault Ste. Marie.
Absolutely. The Pinder trails are ideal for beginners, whether you’re learning cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. Crystal Creek and Red Pine trails provide more challenging terrain for advanced skiers and fat bikers. For a complete guide to winter trail options in Sault Ste. Marie, check out Experience Winter in Sault Ste. Marie.
Yes, the 2km Kinsmen section of the Crystal Creek trail is lit for evening skiing. Hiawatha Highlands also hosts seasonal lantern ski events for a unique winter experience.
While the trails at Hiawatha Highlands are for skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking, the region also offers dedicated snowmobiling trails nearby. For details, visit Snowmobiling in Sault Ste. Marie.