Hilltown Families 
Winter Trails Day in the Hilltowns
Winter Trails Day at Notchview in Windsor, MA
Free Outdoor Snow Sports Fun For All
The Trustees of Reservations invite everyone to try out a snow sport on Winter Trails Day. Free events will take place at Notchview on Route 9, Windsor, MA on Saturday, January 9th, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
- SNOWSHOE: Snowshoes will be available for free to try out for up to two hours.
- CROSS-COUNTRY SKI: Free cross-country ski lessons will be offered for beginner and intermediate skiers at 10:30 AM and again at 1:30 PM.
- SKI CLINIC: At 11:00 AM there will be a waxing clinic covering both waxable and no-wax skis. Find out why no-wax skis should be waxed.
- HIKE: At 1:30 PM The Trustees volunteers will lead a one-hour “Winter Woods” snowshoe hike.
- ORIENTEERING: Families can venture out for a Nordic orienteering game where they ski along Notchview’s scenic trails, following a map to reach marked locations. Each location has a unique punch code to record on a game card. Prizes will be awarded based on the number of locations recorded.
“Winter Trails Day is a great opportunity for someone thinking about trying cross-country skiing or snowshoeing to jump in,” according to Jim Caffrey, the superintendent of Notchview Reservation. “Outdoor exercise is a great way to beat the winter blues and pick up your spirits. Nordic skiing is a low-impact, healthy sport for men and women of all ages. The lessons will cover everything from the basics: how to dress; how to get your skis on and off and how to get up after falling; to more advanced topics like proper form and balance. Plenty of skiers will be on hand to provide advice and support.”
Winter Trails Day is a national initiative to showcase the health benefits of snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. These low-impact aerobic activities incorporate strength and endurance training, and can help people stay active and healthy throughout the winter months when other sports are impossible to pursue.
To enjoy winter sports, wear sturdy, waterproof winter boots, and dress in layers with a windproof shell or parka as the top layer. A winter hat is also recommended. Snowshoe bindings are designed to strap on over regular boots. Rental ski packages including skis, boots and poles are available in advance from Berkshire Outfitters in Adams, MA, 413 743-5900, or from your local ski shop.
ABOUT NOTCHVIEW
Notchview’s 3,108 acres offer 40km of trails (27km groomed), of mostly single-track trails for classical skiing. Skate skiing is available on 10 km of groomed trail, and 2 km of trail are available for dog owners and multi-use. Snowshoe rentals are available for non-skiers, who can trek alongside the groomed tracks. Hot drinks and snacks are available at Notchview. Lunch is available from nearby stores or bring your own. Admission is free weekdays and $5 on weekends for members of The Trustees of Reservations and is $11 per day for non-members. For more information contact Notchview at http://www.notchview.org or 413-684-0148. Ski conditions are available from the Notchview phone or at www.xcski.org or www.xcskimass.com. Notchview is open daily from sunrise to sunset, year-round.
ABOUT THE TRUSTEES OF RESERVATIONS
Notchview is one of more than 100 Trustees of Reservations properties across the state. The Trustees of Reservations is an independent non-profit supported by 100,000 people who value a love of the land, the outdoors and the distinctive charms of New England and who share a vision of celebrating and protecting these special places for everyone, forever.
There is another Winter Trails Day happening in Western Mass on January 9th too:
Date: Saturday January 9th, 2010
Time: 1:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center
99 Millers Falls Road
Northfield, MA 01360
Phone: 800 859-2960
E-mail: northfield@gdfsuezna.com
Web: http://www.firstlightpower.com/northfield/ccski.asp
Program: Open to all ages. Free to all first time skiers and snowshoers. Make your own memory!
FREE instructional clinics will be provided for first time skiers and snowshoers, FREE skiing and snowshoeing for first time participants, FREE rentals for first time skiers and snowshoers. We are expecting quite a turnout for the 15th anniversary of Winter Trails Day. Call 800 859-2960 now to reserve your rental equipment and your place for first time fun in one of our memorable moment introductory learn to ski or snowshoe clinics.