Author: Hardwick Trails

Saturday Ski Program January 17

Posted on By Hardwick Trails
Events

What beats hot cocoa and a home made chocolate chip cookie at the end of a morning of delightful x-country skiing? Not much!! Ever wonder how nordic skiing might add to your enjoyment of winter, or become an exciting new family pursuit? Perhaps you already know how much fun nordic skiing is, but wish you could improve your skills?

Head to the cabin behind Hazen for the Hardwick Trails “Loan and Lesson” program, this Saturday, January 17. Pick up your loaner equipment at 9:00 AM, and join a 9:15 lesson with two instructors. Note: Young children must be accompanied by an adult.

Saturday morning at 10:00 AM we are hosting multi-generational games for the community – on skis! This is a wonderful way to have fun together, while honing your nordic skiing skills. If you need an equipment loan for this activity, be fully outfitted at the cabin behind Hazen. We have skis, boots and poles for the littlest of you (really!) up to tall adult sizes.

If you have mastered some skiing skills and want to try them out on the trails, email http://hardwicktrails.com by this Friday, January 16 at noon and we will recruit a volunteer guide to show you around.

In case of extreme cold, or poor snow conditions we may elect to cancel a Saturday session. For any question regarding the weather or trail conditions, please check the “Hardwick Trails” Facebook page or our web site (https://hardwicktrails.com) before heading to the cabin.

We welcome all folks from our neighboring communities, so if you can repost this notice outside of the Hardwick/Walden FPF, please consider doing so!

Almost Game Time…on Skis!

Posted on By Hardwick Trails
Events, Skiing

Saturday morning at 10:00 AM the Hardwick Trails folks are hosting multi-generational games for the community – on skis! This is a wonderful way to have fun together, while honing your nordic skiing skills. If you need an equipment loan for this activity, head to the cabin behind Hazen by 9:45 to be fully outfitted. We have skis, boots and poles for the littlest of you (really!) up to tall adult sizes. 

The first five people who arrive at the cabin for this event will be treated to their choice of a colorful Skida neck warmer! All participants are invited to the cabin at the end of their gaming adventure to enjoy hot cocoa and freshly made chocolate chip cookies. 

Of course, if you are part of our “Loan and Lesson” offering that runs from 9:15-10:00 you are more than welcome to top that experience off by joining in the fun. Three instructors are looking forward to sharing their love of nordic skiing with you!

Hope to see you there!

Ski Season Begins!

Posted on By Hardwick Trails
Experiences, Mountain Biking, Skiing, Snowshoeing

The Hardwick Trails Committee has been making full use of this early ski season, regularly grooming our extensive trails network. These trails are open to all community members. We just ask that if you are walking or snowshoeing on the trails, you avoid the ski tracks which are created for classic skiers. As in the past, the blue/Shepard’s trail is for skiers and snowshoers only.

Loans of snowshoes or skis (classic or skate), boots and poles are available to community members of any age on Saturday mornings, between 9:00-11:00 AM, in the cabin behind Hazen Union school starting January 10. You can head out for a morning on our trails or consider a week loan option.

We are excited to again offer free Saturday morning beginner ski lessons for Hardwick area community members (snow/weather dependent). They will start this coming Saturday, January 10, and go through to February 14. Experienced instructors will share their love of skiing with those who are new to the sport or would like to improve their skills. Beginner nordic ski lessons are from 9:15-10:00 AM, gathering at the log cabin behind Hazen Union.  If you would like to borrow equipment for a lesson, arrive 15 minutes early to be fully outfitted. Young children must be accompanied by an adult. Family participation is encouraged! 

This year we are excited to expand the options for furthering your skill development beyond this introductory level. We offer three options:

Option 1: We will host multi-generational games (on skis!) out in the Hazen field from 10:00-10:45. Remember playing Red Light/Green Light with your neighborhood friends? Now imagine adding some skis on your feet!  Playing games is a great way to improve your skiing comfort level – and have a hoot in the process! No pre-registration is required.

Option 2: Participants will head out on our trails in small groups from 10:00-11:00AM, based on your skill level and with the help of an experienced skier. We ask that participants pre-register for this option so that we can ensure the availability of volunteer guides. Email how many in your party will be participating and your estimated skill level to [email protected]  by the Wednesday preceding the Saturday offering and look for confirmation. 

Option 3: For those who want to develop their skate skiing ability, we will offer several clinics in the 10:00-11:00 time slot. Look for notice of this offering and a sign-up process.  

Lessons may be canceled due to adverse weather or trail conditions. Check the Hardwick Trails website (https://hardwicktrails.com/) or our Facebook page by 8:30 AM on the morning of the lesson for notice of cancellation.

The goal of the Hardwick Trails and Recreation committees is to increase the number of people using the trails during the upcoming winter months, and ensure that access to equipment is not a barrier. The Hardwick trails are one of the hidden treasures of our community – here for you to explore in all their quiet beauty.