Murphys now closed

That’s it for Murphys Point Provincial Park for the 2022-2023 winter season. The park is now officially closed. Skiers can ski at their own risk until the trails are impassable and the gates can be closed (they’re snowed in).

The park website indicates that trails are closed. No trail conditions will be listed.

Please note that our club’s distance challenge is still open until next Sunday. You can ski anywhere you like and record the distance HERE.

And finally, since the season has officially ended, the free shuttle from Perth to Murphys is no longer running. Many thanks to Lanark Transportation for a productive partnership!

Trail conditions

For the latest trail conditions at Murphys Point, you can consult the ski club’s Facebook page. Our groomers update the conditions and let skiers know if they have groomed. You can also check out the Ontario Parks Snow Report page for any of the parks that are open for snow sports.

The constant temperature swings we have been experiencing are challenging for our groomers, so be sure to check out the latest conditions before heading out.

Also, don’t forget the Ski Club and Lanark Transportation have teamed up to provide FREE transportation between Perth and Murphys Point every Saturday! Check it all out here.

Loppet CANCELLED

Sadly, with the rain and freezing rain, followed by a quick freeze, we do not feel that we can get the access routes and race trails safe for Saturday morning. Therefore, the Tay Valley Loppet is CANCELLED for 2023.

A number of the event organizers skied last night and the trails were incredibly fast and hard packed.  Our grooming team have been out this morning trying to prepare as well as they can but the additional rain and freezing rain and freezing temperatures Friday evening will be more than we can handle in one night.

We will work on a refund method for the race fees and parking pass registration costs and we will let you know what options we have available.

We waited as long as we could to make this decision and we apologize to those who registered in the last day and this morning. Should you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact us.

We would like to thank our generous sponsors and all those who registered in advance and hope that all of you can join us next year.

Drew & Brent 
President & Loppet Coodinator
Tay Valley Cross Country Ski Club


Volunteers needed

Just a reminder that the TVCCSC Loppet will be held on February 11th 2023 and we are looking for volunteers. Email us at tvccsc.president@gmail.com.

As well, Renfrew County is hosting the Ontario Winter Games in communities throughout the Valley over the course of two weekends in February (Feb 2-5 and Feb 9-12).

Here is a note from the Ontario Winter Games organizers:
We are so pleased to be working in partnership with Cross Country Ski Ontario and Biathlon Ontario to host these games for youth athletes from all over Ontario. These games are 100% volunteer run and we are proud to showcase our communities, venues, and talent to deliver what we hope will be #thebestgamesever.

  • Cross-Country/Para Cross-Country Skiing will be held on Feb 10th and Feb 11th at Ma-te-way Park in Renfrew, Ontario.
  • Biathlon will be held on Feb. 10th and 11th at the Calabogie Highlands Golf Course in Calabogie, ON.

As neither of the host communities for either Cross Country/Para Cross Country Skiing or Biathlon have a local club, we are reaching out to clubs from around the area to assist us to fill the considerable volunteer roles both Provincial Sport Organizations have requested in order to run the events. Specifically, we are looking for both on-course and start/finish line volunteers in a number of areas.

To register as a volunteer, please go to: www.renfrewcounty2023.ca/volunteer. Once registered, search “Opportunities” to search available shifts. There are lots available!

First shuttle a success!

Thanks to the recent snowfall, this Saturday marked a return to skiing at Murphys Point! It also marked the first free shuttle bus from Perth to the Provincial Park. The Lanark Transportation shuttle bus picked up at 3 locations in Perth and delivered enthusiastic skiers to Murphys Point for an afternoon of skiing in brilliant sunshine and very good trail conditions.

The ride was smooth, relaxing, and right on time. Skiers engaged in a lively conversation along the route, discussing gear and sharing stories. Club member Brent Maguire said, “I am sold on this shuttle. I plan to take it again!”. 

Consider taking the Shuttle in the coming weeks. It’s easy, accessible, and reduces our carbon footprint in getting to the park. You may also get to know some of the other skiers you see on the trails. 

Check the Shuttle page for all the details.