We skied the hills today to check for freezing/depth, and they are coming along nicely! Most other puddles have begun to freeze as well, so we are hoping these sub-zero temps can get us there this week.
We’ve received a few questions!! And we have a few answers:
– What does “Caution” mean? This means skiable, but far from ideal, and if you click on the trail, it goes to a second window with further details on why the caution or closed selection.
– Can I get my membership yet? Yes! You can get it in person starting tomorrow (Monday) at the Lodge! Also, we should have online purchasing setup early this week.
– Are rentals available, and how many sets? Plenty!! We seldom run out, and have gear ranging in all sizes in ski gear (skate and classic) as well as snowshoes.
– Do you sell used gear or new gear? No, this isn’t something we keep an inventory of.
Today there were a lot of snowshoers out, and even a couple of brave skiers tried the base that is there. The Legacy Loop is a great place to walk without snowshoes as it sees the most traffic, so don’t feel the need to wear snowshoes if you don’t want to (ideally someone will have broken trail for you!). The trails do have a solid (but shallow) base, and ideally this week the mild temperatures will trend below zero and give us the snow required to trackset, but patience is key this week. After the weekend, a few reminders:
– When snowshoeing on the ski trail (if you are reading a trail map that says “multiuse area” this is ski trail) please walk in a line off to one side – preferably not the side with the classic trackset.
– When crossing the ski trail on the south side of meteorite loop, keep an eye out for skiers and the classic trackset and step over it if possible.
– All three parking lots have been cleared. The snowshoe entrance from the lower parking lot requires a touch more work, but it is workable, so feel free to use it! But the easiest way to snowshoe currently is to depart from Legacy Park!
– The new snowshoe trail has orange markers, while the old one has green circles. The snowshoe system includes Legacy Loop, Meteorite Loop, and Striders Loop. With that being the easiest to hardest. Not to fear, all are a great walk!! Striders Loop is just the most narrow, with some small creek crossings (1-2 feet). Legacy and Meteorite Loop both have bridges and are between 6 – 10 feet in width depending on location. The distances of each are included on the sign. If there are any obstructions or trees down, please let us know and we’ll have someone in to remove them.
– Things to look out for while snowshoeing are Legacy Park, The Artesian Well, MacVarish Pond (Ducks Unlimited site), The Water Cistern base (confed trail historic site), Wishbone’s Pond, Fred’s Meteorite, and on the back end of Meteorite Loop, hidden beside the stream is a beautiful spring! Small offshoot trail to the spring will come in the next couple of weeks, but it is currently flagged.
– The orange trail markers have snowshoes that will be pointed straight or in the direction you need to walk to connect to the next portion of the trail.
Event Info
Don’t forget our Loppet Weekend on the 26th and 27th of the month, and people are encouraged to head to MYSA Nordic Spa on the 28th to complete the Nordic experience!! More details to come on the specific events (Trivia, Morning Ski / Breakfast, Snowshoe Orienteering, Sunset Ski + Live Music).
Patience is the word of the week 🙂
Striders Trail Team!
Great website!
This new site is great, lots of information! Thank you for all the hard work and dedication to the trails, you all rock