Skiing at Stokely Creek Lodge – Feb 11 – 13, 2024

This will be my quickest post, ever!

I just returned from 3 nights at Stokely Creek Lodge in Goulais River, Ontario. It is a back-country lodge with an extensive cross-country ski trail sytem, perfectly groomed for both classic and skating. There is also an extensive snowshoe trail system.  My friend, Marcy and I spent 3 nights at the lodge and had 4 days of wonderful skiing.  We have been skiing there together for 29 years. This was our first time back since 2020.

The entire midwest is snow-free, due to abnormally warm temperatures, but there is snow at Stokely. It is located east of Lake Superior, creating the best chances for snow anywhere.

I mostly used my classic, no-wax skis, as waxing was challenging due to the high ice content in the snow. I even managed to skate ski for the first time in 4 or 5 years. Wow, was that challenging. I had to re-teach myself how to do it, but succeeded. Marcy skiied and also used her snow shoes.

The food was absolutely fabulous. Somehow, my clothes still fit me ! In addition to enjoying great meals, we also got to meet many skiers from across the US and Canada.

Now, I will finish packing and loading the RV. We are heading south tomorrow. Yayyyy!!!! First stop, Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Walking towrd the lodge from the parking area. Home Run Hill is to the left.
Stokely Creek Lodge, Goulais River, ON
View of King Mountain from the beginning of Evans Lake Trail, Stokely Creek Trails, Goulais River, ON
View of Evans Lake from Evans Lake Trail, Stokely Creek Trails, Goulais River, ON
Waterfall off of Julie’s Trail. I have never seen this because it is usually frozen in the winter.
Stokely Creek Trails, Goulais River, ON
Stokely Creek, less frozen than usual. Skiing The lower Stokely and Eva’s Way trails follow the rushing creek. They are the easiest trails, but 2 of my favorites.
Stokely Creek Trails, Goulais River, ON
Trail marker for the Voyager Hiking trail which runs through the area.
Stokely Creek Trails, Goulais River, ON
The Roth loop, an easy, peaceful trail.
Stokely Creek Trails, Goulais River, ON
Marcy is obviously very happy to be skiing at our favorite place again.
Stokely Creek Trails, Goulais River, ON
Skiing back toward the lodge from the Lower Stokely trail, at the end of the day. Stokely Creek Trails, Goulais River, ON