Getting to Bear

Garcia · 02-06-2026, 02:45 PM

I haven't been to Bear Island in the winter for decades but am thinking of going out there this year. I would walk or cross country ski. Anyone know a good place near Sheps to get out onto the ice?

welch-time · 02-07-2026, 09:49 AM

Can't you use a boat ramp at Sheps or Y Landing? I've been out to our camp on Welch twice this week (~4 miles round trip XC ski). I use the Glendale boat ramps. Walk right onto the ice.
Walking out would be a lot of work due to the depth of the snow, drifting, etc. XC is the way to go. Last year we walked out with spikes / crampons before the heavy snow.

Mark

Pine Island Guy · 02-09-2026, 01:02 PM

Shep's has a ramp on the peninsula that Island Services uses. (on the right facing the boatyard from the water). You will see plenty of snowmobile tracks leading out on to the water and can probably find one to walk to Bear on. I use x-c skis (as others have said) and it's great, especially after breaking a trail in the snow the first time!d

It is a perfect winter for island time! -PIG

02-06-2026, 02:45 PM	#1
Garcia Senior Member Join Date: Aug 2017 Posts: 705 Thanks: 148 Thanked 336 Times in 205 Posts	Getting to Bear I haven't been to Bear Island in the winter for decades but am thinking of going out there this year. I would walk or cross country ski. Anyone know a good place near Sheps to get out onto the ice?

02-07-2026, 09:49 AM	#2
welch-time Senior Member Join Date: Oct 2016 Location: Welch Island Posts: 121 Thanks: 7 Thanked 67 Times in 32 Posts	Can't you use a boat ramp at Sheps or Y Landing? I've been out to our camp on Welch twice this week (~4 miles round trip XC ski). I use the Glendale boat ramps. Walk right onto the ice. Walking out would be a lot of work due to the depth of the snow, drifting, etc. XC is the way to go. Last year we walked out with spikes / crampons before the heavy snow. Mark Last edited by welch-time; 02-07-2026 at 11:51 AM.

02-09-2026, 01:02 PM	#3
Pine Island Guy Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: pine island of course! Posts: 411 Thanks: 261 Thanked 251 Times in 115 Posts	Shep's has a ramp on the peninsula that Island Services uses. (on the right facing the boatyard from the water). You will see plenty of snowmobile tracks leading out on to the water and can probably find one to walk to Bear on. I use x-c skis (as others have said) and it's great, especially after breaking a trail in the snow the first time!d It is a perfect winter for island time! -PIG

The Following User Says Thank You to Pine Island Guy For This Useful Post:
Garcia (02-09-2026)