Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/81685
16 OFF THE BEATEN PATH: There's no better way to make the most of winter than by delving deep into the snow-covered wilderness. And while traditional hiking can be tricky (on account of all those drifts!), it's a snap with a pair of snowshoes strapped to your feet. In addition to providing a tangible link with the region's earliest residents, snowshoeing allows you to really soak up your surroundings, by giving you up-close access to nature at its most serene. In Riding Mountain National Park (http:// www.pc.gc.ca/pn-np/mb/riding/activ/) — where the province's southern-most tract of boreal forest is preserved — you can learn about regional ecology and culture while following Brulé Trail to scenic Kinosao Lake. For a longer trek, venture along Grey Owl Trail to the historic log cabin used by the famed naturalist while he was working to restore beaver populations in the park in 1931. SHRED SOME POWDER: If you're looking for a somewhat speedier mode of travel, you could always traverse the same terrain using skis, instead of snowshoes. Though we don't have too many mountains to speak of, we still have plenty of opportunities for both downhill and cross-country skiing in Manitoba. At Asessippi Ski Area & Resort (www.asessippi.com), choose from 25 downhill runs, as well as snow tubing, snow biking, and cross-country and uphill skiing (Yes, you can actually ski uphill or on hill-less snow with the gas powered Uphill Ski Fan) at nearby Rivendell. Holiday Mountain Ski and Golf Resort (www.holidaymountain.com), Manitoba's first — and oldest resort — offers 11 trails, two lifts and a tow carpet, as well as cozy chalet-style cabins with ski-out/ski-in access. And at Falcon Ridge Ski Hill (www. falcontrails.mb.ca), you can take part in the season-ending Slush Cup Puddle Run, during which skiers, tubers and boarders try to make it across a giant puddle at the foot of the slopes. There's also plenty of great runs to be found at Stony Mountain Ski Area (www.skistony.com), Mystery Mountain Winter Park (www.mysterymountain.ca), Springhill Winter Sports Park (www.springhillwinterpark.com), Ski Valley (www.skivalley.ca) and Thunder Hill Ski Area (www.skithunderhill.ca). The Bear Essentials! Book your arctic safari adventure of a lifetime! A C TIVITIES