2026 Highlands Ski-Orienteering
Saturday, February 21, 2026
First Start 4:00 pm
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Cross-country skiing in the Collingwood/Blue Mountains area is the best! You can enjoy dozens of kilometres of winding forest trails, challenging hills and - if you're lucky - a spectacular view of Georgian Bay.
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What could possibly make it better? A map and some flags in the forest, of course, so we're planning some ski-orienteering! Our event director is Angus Doughty, the creative course setter behind last spring's Collingwood Waterfront Map Adventure.
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We're excited to host this event on a new ski-orienteering map at Highlands Nordic, which has a 30 km groomed cross-country ski network and 8 km of snowshoe trails that could come into play in your route choices. Highlands is a wonderful winter playground with lots of variety and maybe (!!) the occasional hill.
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This event will be a point-to-point format for individual skiers. You will ski to all checkpoints marked on your map in numerical order from the start to the finish of your race course.
Short and Long course distances will be offered. The Short Course race will take place entirely in daylight. Long Course racers will finish after sunset (5:58 pm) and get an exciting taste of night ski-orienteering. Long Course participants will be required to carry a headlamp with an output of at least 200 lumens.​
MEETING LOCATION
Box Lunch Room (lower floor behind the staircase)
Highlands Nordic Chalet, 1182 Concession 10 S, Clearview Township, Duntroon, ON L0M 1H0
COURSES AND CATEGORIES:
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Course information is approximate since skiers will choose different routes between checkpoints, and their total time will depend on snow conditions, as well as their navigation and skiing experience. When the course designs are complete, we'll update this section with approximate distances and might make slight adjustments to the time limits.
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Long Course: 2 hours maximum to finish.
Women age 16 - 49, Open age 16 - 49, Masters Women (50+), Masters Open (50+)​
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Short Course: 75 minutes maximum to finish
Adult Women, Adult Open, Junior Women (18 and under), Junior Open (18 and under)
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This course is suitable for participants with cross-country skiing experience (skate or classic) who are comfortable using trail maps to navigate. At the competitive level, most ski orienteers use skate skis but either technique is acceptable.
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Participants will start individually at 1-minute time intervals. SportIdent electronic timing will be used.
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Notes
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A Participant's age category for this event is based on their age on December 31, 2026.
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REGISTRATION
Please register online in advance to reserve a map. We won't be able to accept entries on the day of the event.
Highlands Nordic Season Pass holders get discounted entry fees.​
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**Note that registration closes on Thursday, February 19 at 11:59 pm.**​
ENTRY FEES​​​
EARLY BIRD
By January 24
ADULT: $40
JUNIOR: $30
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ADULT WITH SEASON PASS: $30
JUNIOR WITH SEASON PASS: $20
rEGULAR
By February 16
ADULT: $45
JUNIOR: $35
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ADULT WITH SEASON PASS: $35
JUNIOR WITH SEASON PASS: $25
LATE
By February 19
ADULT: $50
JUNIOR: $40
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ADULT WITH SEASON PASS: $40
JUNIOR WITH SEASON PASS: $30
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Entry fee includes a copy of the race map, map sleeve, refreshments, indoor event headquarters, access to chalet facilities, special event trail fees and insurance. Skiers who do not have a Highlands Nordic Season Pass will be given a Day Pass, which will be available at 3 pm. Organizers will be placing orienteering flags along the ski trails throughout the day so it is preferred that participants not ski on the Highlands trails between 12 noon and the start of the event. Skiers are welcome to warm up near the chalet.
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Entry fee does not include online transaction charge or HST.
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Skiers who do not have a SportIdent electronic timing card can rent one for $3.
PARTICIPATION WAIVER
Before you participate in your first Dontgetlost Adventure Running event in 2026, you'll need to sign our online Waiver. Please save volunteer time by signing it now. A Parent or Guardian must sign the online Waiver for any participant who will be under 18 on the day of an event. Thank you!
Sign the Minor Waiver (Parent or Guardian)
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PARKING
Please park in the main parking lot, which is straight ahead as you enter Highlands Nordic. If it is full, there is an overflow parking lot just north of the main lot. Turn right instead of heading straight into the main lot.)
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WASHROOMS
There are washrooms on the 2nd floor of the Highlands chalet.​
SCHEDULE
Subject to minor changes
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15:00 - 16:00 Race Check-in, Box Lunch Room, Highlands Nordic Chalet (Lower Floor, behind the staircase)
There will be a Course Planner Briefing before each race begins.
16:00 First Start for the Short Course. Racers will start individually at 1-minute intervals.
16:00-16:30 Long Course Starts. Racers will start individually at 1-minute intervals.
Post-Race in Box Lunch Room: Light refreshments, compare routes with other skiers, Awards
REQUIRED GEAR
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Cross-country ski gear
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Whistle
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SportIdent electronic timing card (may be rented for $3)
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Appropriate clothing for the conditions
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Method of carrying map while skiing (We will provide a plastic sleeve.)
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Long Course participants: Headlamp, at least 200 lumens
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HIGHLY RECOMMENDED GEAR​
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Cell phone - for safety, not for navigation except in an emergency
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Compass (Free loaners will be available.)
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Extra warmth layers in a small backpack
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Water / snack
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CONTACT
Angus Doughty
Thank you to OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS!
