D is for Do You Showshoe?

It has been a challenging winter up here in the North Country. Since January 1, it hasn't been above freezing all month, and most of the month has had daily high temperatures in the teens and nights below zero. We've had more than a few nights that were -20, plus some substantial wind chills to boot. This winter we've also gotten about 80" of snow so far - well above average. Leaves us wondering if the Adirondacks have been transported to the upper reaches of Canada - but last I looked, we were still here in upstate New York where we belong!

All of this cold and snow has been wonderful for the outdoor winter sports - when you can stand the cold! Skiing is great, with most areas boasting all trails open. The snowmobilers are whizzing around the trails and open fields, and many cross country areas are in full-swing. We haven't had this good of a winter season in several years, and everyone is out to enjoy it while they can (because as my mother-in-law likes to tell us - spring is coming!

We have also been seeing a lot of press about snowshoeing this year. So, I ask, "Do you snowshoe?" We don't - but this seems like a great winter to learn. There are lots of snowshoe areas available in the Adirondacks, and lots of places to take a few lessons.

Snowshoeing in the Adirondacks: http://www.adirondacks.com/snowshoeing.h... is a great place to start if you are looking for basic information or for an exhaustive list of places to snowshoe. This page begins with some snowshoe techniques and then goes on to list Adirondack ski and snowshoe centers, many with links to websites and e-mail. The list is really great because it includes information about the types of trails, difficulty, and if equipment rentals and lessons are available. If you are thinking of giving this sport a try - this is a great starting place.

Or here at Adirondack Sports and Fitness: http://www.adksportsfitness.com/back_iss... for a few more links to snowshoe sites.

The Adirondack Mountain Club:http://www.adk.org/education_programs_sn... is another terrific snowshoeing resource. They give lessons at both Adirondack Loj located near Lake Placid and at the Lake George site. In fact, an "Introduction to Snowshoeing" is begin offered in Lake George on February 8. This beginner workshops costs $50, but hurry to register by February 3: 518-668-4447.

Friends Lake Inn: http://www.friendslake.com/ located in Chestertown, has just opened a Snowshoe Center with 32 km of wooded snowshoe trails and rentals. It is open weekends from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. and all holiday weeks. They will be having an Adventure Day on Monday, February 17 with free snowshoe demos, "How-To" clinics and raffles. That day there will also be a morning interpretive walk, a fondue luncheon, and an evening full-moon snowshoe party complete with a bonfire and hot cider. And for those who may not know of Friends Lake Inn, Irene and I think it is one of the best restaurants that we've ever been to. Great food, superb wine list and a real Adirondack atmosphere. Call them at 518-494-4751 for more about their regular and special events.

Go To Page: 1 2

Articles in this Topic    Discussions in this Topic