NOTICE: To club members and the general public using Murphys Point:
In consultation with the staff at Murphys Point Provincial Park, we have closed new membership registrations. Existing memberships are still valid and park day passes are still be available. This action is to ensure everyone who comes to Murphys Point can park safely and access the trails. Parking during peak hours on weekends is reaching capacity.
COVID-19 has affected many things over the past year. An interest in outdoor activities has been discovered by many and renewed by others. Popularity in cross country skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking has exploded like bicycling did last summer. Our membership has tripled compared to last year with other local clubs also experiencing significant growth and limiting membership.
Unfortunately this means parking can be tight on weekends when the snow is good and the weather is nice. We do not want to have to turn people away because the lot is full.
In an effort to reduce crowding and increase spacing, if you are able, please consider skiing during the week. If you ski on the weekend, please consider starting earlier in the day or using the second parking lot at Silver Queen Trail / Lally homestead (2.5 km west of the main park entrance). If you have younger kids, please consider starting at Lally homestead. Its small hills, open field, and proximity to the parking lot are more kid-friendly. Night skiing always has parking available for a friend or two, but keep the group below 5 to comply with social gathering limits (club members only).
Please note that the club is increasing the frequency of grooming to ensure the best possible conditions throughout the week.
If you have membership questions, please use our site’s contact forms. Other local ski clubs are still welcoming new members (as of January 25) including Triangle Ski Club near Brockville, the Summerstown Trails near Cornwall, and West Carleton Nordic at Fitzroy Park.
We welcome you to join us on the ski trails but please avoid gathering in groups in the parking lot, chalets, or on the trails. We don’t want to lose access to the trails we enjoy so close to home.
Sincerely,
Drew Lampman
President of the Tay Valley Cross Country Ski Club
Tay Valley Cross Country Ski Club 