Editor’s Note: Listings in Trail Mix are free. Email: outdoor@recorder.com. The deadline is Tuesday by 8 a.m. Questions? Call 413-772-0261, ext. 276. Weather may cancel or force the rescheduling of some of these events. Additionally, space is often limited. Please contact organizers to ensure you can attend. This is particularly important if registration is required.
Winter Trails Day offers older children and adults new to snow sports the chance to try snowshoeing and cross country skiing for free, and to discover the great fitness and social benefits of these easy-to-learn winter sports. On Saturday, Jan. 7, from 1 to 4 p.m., snow permitting, join Northfield Mountain staff for a fun and free event. Free clinics for first-time skiers begin at 1, 2 and 3 p.m., and run 45 minutes. Twenty-minute-long snowshoe clinics are offered at 1:30, 2:30 and 3:30 p.m., for those who have never tried the sport. Clinic participants must arrive 30 minutes before their scheduled start time to sign in and pick up equipment. This event is appropriate for ages 8 and older. Registration is required by calling 800-859-2960.
Moonlit Snowshoe Adventure
On Sunday, Jan. 8, from 5:30 to 8:00 p.m., join Northfield Mountain staff for a winter snowshoe adventure by the light of the moon. Algonquin tribes knew the January full moon as “squochee kesos,” or “the sun has not strength to thaw moon.” Maintain your New Year’s fitness resolutions and explore the magic of the mountain. Brief stops along the trails will focus on fitness benefits of hiking or snowshoeing, Native American moon names and winter ecology. No prior snowshoeing or night hiking experience required. A hot drink by our wood stove makes the perfect ending to this invigorating winter evening. Bring water and a trail snack and wear light-weight waterproof pants, warm socks and dress in warm layers that can be shed as we get moving. Warm footwear is essential. If there is not enough snow for snowshoeing, this winter adventure will be a hike along our forested trails. The program is free and appropriate for anyone 12 years old and older. Snowshoes are available to rent for $16. Call to register at 800-859-2960.
Introduction to Snowshoeing
for Women
Learn how to snowshoe with other active women and put your new-found skills to work exploring Northfield Mountain’s snowshoe trails. Snowshoeing is great exercise and incredibly easy to learn. On Saturday, Jan. 21, from 12:30 to 4:00 p.m., we’ll begin indoors with a brief session on equipment and then venture outside, exploring some of our favorite trails, as well as the natural history of this special season. Tips on equipment and clothing, invigorating exercise and sharing hot chocolate and tea around our wood stove will complete the afternoon. Note that we will be snowshoeing for two miles over moderately hilly terrain (elevation gain of 300 feet). No prior snowshoeing experience is necessary. Bring water and a trail snack and wear light-weight waterproof pants, warm socks and dress in warm layers that can be shed as we get moving. Warm footwear is essential. Snowshoes are available to rent for $18. All levels of experience are welcome for this free, moderately strenuous outdoor adventure. The program meets inside behind the Visitor Center. Appropriate for women ages 16 and older. Please call to register at 800-859-2960.
Snowshoeing for 55 and Over
On Thursday, Jan. 26, from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., join Northfield Mountain staff for snowshoeing if you are 55 years old or older. This winter ramble on the trails will include searching for signs of historical human uses and the animals that now make their homes on the mountain. Later, participants will gather for a hot cup of tea or cocoa around the wood stove. No prior snowshoeing experience is necessary. If there is not enough snow for snowshoeing, the winter ramble will be a hike through the surrounding field edges and forests. Bring water and a trail snack and wear light-weight waterproof pants, warm socks and dress in warm layers that can be shed as we get moving. Warm footwear is essential. The program meets inside behind the Visitor Center. This is a free event, but snowshoe rental is $18. Register by calling 800-859-2960.