Every Sunday morning throughout the winter months, a coach bus departs from Toronto, whisking a diverse group of skiers and nature enthusiasts into the wild heart of Muskoka and the Gibson River forests. This weekly expedition is a hallmark of the Five Winds Backcountry Ski and Snowshoe Club—a non-profit volunteer organisation that has been dedicated to maintaining over 200 kilometres of untouched wilderness trails for more than fifty years. As the club faces an uncertain future, its mission to keep the spirit of backcountry skiing alive is more crucial than ever.
A Legacy of Adventure
Founded in 1973, Five Winds stands apart from the commercial ski resorts that dominate Ontario’s winter recreation scene. This club offers no groomed paths or fixed routes, instead inviting its members to navigate unmarked terrain through sheer determination, shared knowledge, and a deep-rooted appreciation for the outdoors.
Jeff Mooallem, the club’s director, emphasises the importance of community and tradition. “Many of our members have been skiing these routes for decades, bridging generations and keeping a small piece of classic Canadian winter culture from fading away,” he states. However, as the club’s long-time members age and awareness of backcountry skiing dwindles, Mooallem expresses concern for the club’s survival. Before the pandemic, the weekly bus carried between 60 to 80 enthusiasts; now, that number has dwindled to an average of just 30.
The Origins of Five Winds
The club’s roots trace back to Michael Naughton, a British Army officer and Second World War commando, who, after relocating to Toronto in the 1950s, fell in love with Ontario’s vast wilderness. His outdoor adventures led him to form a small group of friends, inspired by the legendary Norwegian ski pioneer Herman (Jackrabbit) Smith-Johannsen. This meeting sparked a passion for bushwhacking ski trails through Muskoka’s pristine forests, ultimately culminating in the establishment of Five Winds.
As members expanded and refined the trail network, they created a unique experience that prioritises exploration and connection with nature over commercialism.
Embracing the Wilderness
Unlike conventional ski resorts, Five Winds encourages newcomers to start with snowshoeing, gradually transitioning to skiing under the guidance of seasoned club members. This mentorship not only fosters a sense of community but also instils a deeper understanding of the wilderness. Kyra Bell-Pasht, a lawyer working in climate advocacy, joined the club during the pandemic, seeking both physical activity and social connection.
“The land is so beautiful and pristine. We all feel very protective of it, so we take care of it as best we can,” Bell-Pasht remarks. Her experiences in the backcountry have been transformative, offering a stark contrast to groomed trails. “On Five Winds trails, you don’t see another soul except the group you’re with. It’s total immersion in wilderness. Quiet. Unspoiled. These backwood trails feel like an escape.”
Year-Round Stewardship
Trail maintenance is a year-round effort, with club members dedicating their time to clearing paths, rerouting sections, and repairing crossings during the shoulder seasons. This labour-intensive work is not just about upkeep; it’s a social affair. Bell-Pasht often participates in clean-up crews that combine trail maintenance with canoe camping, hiking, and foraging for mushrooms. “I fell in love with the landscape and what the club was all about—staying active, appreciating nature, and meeting people with shared interests,” she shares.
The club currently has around 90 members, each contributing an annual fee of £70, with concessions for students. Recruitment largely hinges on word of mouth, with many discovering Five Winds through casual encounters in other outdoor pursuits, such as hiking the Bruce Trail.
A Sense of Discovery
For Mooallem, the true reward of the club lies in the unexpected moments that unfold in the wilderness. “We talk a lot about the sense of discovery,” he explains. “Whether it’s encountering a beaver dam or spotting heron nests high in the treetops, these experiences remind us of the joy of exploration.”
He fears that many people have lost this sense of adventure, opting for controlled environments that lack the surprises of the natural world. “Out here, we feel like explorers. Like kids again,” he adds, capturing the essence of what Five Winds represents.
Why it Matters
The Five Winds Backcountry Ski and Snowshoe Club is not merely a recreational organisation; it embodies a profound relationship with nature, community, and tradition. As fewer individuals engage with this authentic form of skiing, the club’s efforts to sustain its legacy become increasingly vital. In an age dominated by commercial outdoor experiences, the club stands as a bastion of traditional winter culture, reminding us of the beauty and serenity that can be found in the untamed wilderness. Preserving this heritage is essential not only for the current members but for future generations who seek to understand and enjoy the unspoiled landscapes of Canada.
