Trail at The Forks now open for skating, warming huts almost ready

Sharpen those skates — the Red River Mutual Trail at The Forks is now open.

And skating is not the only activity to take place on the trail, which runs along the Assiniboine and Red Rivers with two large skating rinks in The Forks Historic Port.

According to The Forks, in the first six weeks of the new year an Iron Man Curling Bonspiel will take place along with Festival du Voyageur events, two winter cycling competitions and a winter version of Bike to Work day.

Even as temperatures in Winnipeg plunge, Paul Jordan, Chief Executive Officer of The Forks, still expects to see people coming out to spend time on the trail.

"We love how Winnipeggers are embracing winter and wanting to enjoy more outdoor events," Jordan said. "Our calendar is packed with fun-filled events at The Forks, and the cold of winter doesn't seem to be slowing us down."

Next up to open after the trail are the 2015 warming huts, including pop up restaurant RAW: almond, which is taking on a new design this year. The huts are expected to open around the third week of January.

Over at The Forks' Arctic Glacier Winter Park, free family programming is scheduled to begin on January 18. It is expected to include horse drawn wagon rides, aboriginal art and storytelling and snowboarding lessons.

The trail includes a walking path and an area groomed for cross-country skiing. It is expected to remain open until the end of February or beginning of March.