(Canastota, NY – Jan. 7, 2014) Old Man Winter has settled in and the X-country ski equipment is ready for ages 4 and up at the Great Swamp Conservancy, 8375 N. Main St. Road of Canastota.
If you are a first timer, GSC volunteers will set you up and offer a few training tips. The flat geography of the area provides the ultimate easy skiing experience.
There is nothing like sliding on the snow under your own power, stopping at times to hear the winter birds or viewing the scenery and see how Mother Nature has draped the trees and land with a pure white blanket. And then you need to listen to the stillness of the GREAT outdoors.
While skiing cross-country at the GSC you never know what wonders of nature are around the next corner; deer, turkeys, ruffed grouse, squirrels, bunnies or foxes.
The experienced skier can get a workout if they use the east side trails and complete the four-mile loop. This is especially true if you break the trail!
So, the boots are warming by the fire in the GSC office building, and the skis and poles are in the events center.
A donation of $4 per person per day is suggested. Call ahead if you have a group larger than 6; otherwise the GSC is open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. each day except Sunday when it will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Skiers and snowshoers with their own equipment are always welcome. GSC members can use the ski equipment for free.
After your skiing experience, skiers are welcome to sit around the woodstove to warm up and share their stories.
For more info call the office at 315-697-2950 or email: greatswampconservancy@gmail.com