Category: Experiences

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.

Sketching with Susan Sawyer on the Hardwick Trails

Posted on By Hardwick Trails
Events, Nature

When: Aug 16, 2025, 9 AM
Where: Green Mountain Tech and Career Bldg. N. Main St. Hardwick

Join Susan Sawyer for a Drawing-in-the-Woods event on the Hardwick Trails on Saturday, Aug. 16 at 9:00.
Susan is an artist-teacher-naturalist whose love of the outdoors is contagious. Her gentle instruction makes an event with her a joy.

Susan says:

“On this walk, we’ll look for interesting plants to look at and draw, from the smallest ferns and horsetails to the biggest trees. Expect some botany and some drawing instruction.
Bring something to sit on (or take a chance on finding the perfect log or rock).
Paper and clipboards will be available, as well as pencils and hand lenses.
Bring your own sketchbook if you have one.”

NOTE THE MEETING SITE DIRECTIONS BELOW.
Parking for this event is at the Green Mountain Tech and Career Center building. Continue past the entrance to Hazen Union School about a quarter mile. The GMTCC building is on the left. Look for an event sign at the driveway entrance.

This free event is sponsored by the Hardwick Trails Committee. Questions? Call Norma Wiesen 802-472-6517.

 

Adaptive Sports Partners

Posted on By Hardwick Trails
Adaptive Sports, Experiences

For the second consecutive year, Adaptive Sports Partners and the Hardwick Recreation Committee are joining forces to ensure that the trails of Hardwick remain open and accessible to all. Striving to eliminate barriers and promote inclusivity, the partnership is offering a series of free programming sessions tailored for athletes with disabilities. Every Monday throughout the summer, individuals of all abilities are invited to participate in biking, mountain biking, and hiking activities, fostering not only physical well-being but also a sense of community and belonging. The schedule is as follows: biking on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., mountain biking on Hazen Trails from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., and hiking from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.

Come one, come all, is the resounding call as Adaptive Sports Partners extends a warm invitation to individuals with physical, developmental, emotional, and behavioral disabilities. With sessions scheduled every Monday, participants can embark on exhilarating biking adventures along the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail and the Hazen Trails, or opt for serene hikes amidst nature’s embrace. The inclusivity doesn’t end on the trails; Adaptive Sports Partners will also be present at the Hardwick Spring Fest, providing an opportunity for curious minds to explore adaptive equipment and engage with the team. To secure a spot or seek further information, prospective participants are encouraged to reach out to Program Manager Kerry Hussey at kerry@adaptivesportspartners.org or dial 802-427-4116. In the heart of Hardwick, a community united by the joy of sports and the spirit of inclusivity awaits.  Additionally, we are seeking volunteers to help support this program; we provide all training! Join us in making a difference in the lives of others.