The Trustees of Reservations Offer Accessible Winter Family Fun for School Vacation

Planning to staycation during February school vacation week? If so, The Trustees of Reservations (The Trustees) have you covered with community-based programs and activities for all ages designed to expand your family’s horizons. Whether it’s learning to snowshoe, identifying animal tracks, or making maple sugar, The Trustees have programs to teach you and your kids something new this winter across western MA!

In the Hilltowns

Nordic Skiing at Notchview: Notchview Reservation, Windsor
Daily in-season | 8AM – 4:30PM
Join TTOR for their 45th year of winter fun at New England’s largest Nordic (cross country) ski center, skiing or snowshoeing on 25 miles of groomed and backcountry trails spread over 3100 acres. Perfect for families, with ski and snowshoe equipment rentals available for all ages, as well as a lunch café and lessons on weekends. For conditions: www.xcskimass.com or call 413-684-0148.

Nordic Ski Lessons: Notchview Reservation, Windsor
Winter Weekends | 11 AM
Learn the basics or finer points of Nordic skiing. Proper technique can make a big difference in the enjoyment of this sport. Groups lessons at 11AM or individually by appointment. Members: $20 for group lessons and $45 for individual lessons. Nonmembers: $25/$50. For more information: 413-684-0148.

Snowshoe Shenanigans – A Valentine Special! Notchview Reservation, Windsor
Saturday, February 14 | 10AM – 12PM
Bring the one(s) you love and enjoy a snowshoe-focused winter celebration. Try the Adult 1KM, 3-person relay race and Kid’s Obstacle Course–all on snowshoes! They’ll also have hot cider, snacks, and a bonfire. Trustees of Reservations or Hilltown Land Trust members: $10/ $25 family of 3+; Nonmembers: $15, $35/family of 3+. Includes day pass to Notchview – stay and play! For more information: 413-628-4485 x4.

Spruce-Fir Boreal Forest Snowshoe Trek & Track –Tamarack Hollow Nature & Cultural Center & Notchview Reservation, Windsor
Sunday, February 15 |10AM-1PM
Snowshoe the high elevation Spruce-Fir Boreal forests of Windsor and learn about the unique ecology of the upper elevations of Massachusetts. Identify Balsam fir, Spruce and Moosewood trees, as well as Snowshoe Hare, Moose and Ruffed Grouse signs and tracks. Trek is 2-3 miles roundtrip. Snowshoe rentals available at Tamarack Hollow for $5. Trek is $10 suggested donation per person. Free for Trustees of Reservations members. *In the event of “no snow” this will be a hike. Register by emailing: aimee@gaiaroots.com. Co-sponsored by Notchview Reservation & The Trustees of Reservations.

In the Pioneer Valley

Hot Cocoa Snowshoe Hike: Little Tom Reservation, Holyoke
Sunday, February 15 | 10AM – 1PM
Enjoy a beautiful winter hike before taking a break with a tasty treat. The hike will be approximately 2-3 miles in length and will take about 2-3 hours. Generally moderate terrain with a few short steep sections. Beginners welcome. Members: FREE, Nonmembers: $5. Snowshoes will be available for rent. For more information: 413-532-1631 x10 to register or westregion@ttor.org.

In the Berkshires

Hot Chocolate Saturdays: Bartholomew’s Cobble, Sheffield
Saturdays, mid-December through mid-March | 9AM – 4PM
Hot cocoa tastes better after some chilly exploring of winter’s wonders. Join the fun by grabbing a pair of snowshoes, getting some fresh air and exercise, and chatting over a cup of hot cocoa in the Visitor Center. Snowshoe rentals are available in adult and children’s sizes. Sign up for a Trustees membership and snowshoe rentals are FREE! For more information: 413-229-8600 or bcobble@ttor.org.

Frosty Snowshoe—Toasty Yoga: Tyringham Cobble, Tyringham
Sunday February 15 | 1PM – 4PM
Cure your cabin fever. Explore the fields, trails, and summit views of Tyringham Cobble. We’ll follow this moderate snowshoe with toasty yoga in front of the fireplace in John McLennan’s swanky barn/music studio at nearby Ashintully Gardens. Great for beginners. Pre-registration required. Snowshoe rentals must be reserved at www.tracyremelius.com. Members: $25; Nonmembers: $30. Snowshoe rentals available for $5 as supplies last. For more information: 413-243-3582 or tracyremelius@gmail.com.

Ski and Snowshoe Trek at Field Farm: Field Farm, Williamstown
Sunday, February 22 | 1PM – 3 PM
Bring your cross-country skis and or snowshoes for a group excursion around Field Farm’s fields and woodlands. Gentle terrain. Hot chocolate and marshmallows afterwards. Members and children: FREE: Nonmember Adult: $5. Rain cancels. Registration: 413.532.1631 x10 or westregion@ttor.org.

The Trustees own and manage 112 properties across the state located in 75 communities from Provincetown to Williamstown that include mountains, beaches, forests, working farms, gardens, and historic homesteads. Visit their website or download their Go Trustees app to find a Trustees of Reservations property to explore near you!

-Submitted by Mark Wamsley; Photo credit: (c) Sienna Wildfield