A Whirlwind Season
At Trackers Skishoes, we try to
get out on the snow as much as possible to demo skishoes and show people the
beauty of skishoeing. Sometimes, it may be part of a large, formal event, while
other times, we strike out on our own in unexplored areas and preach the
skishoe gospel to anyone who asks about them. In doing this, we come across
some interesting and fun locations, sometimes unexpectedly. Here are a few from
last season (2017-18).
Tannersville, NY
In the heart of New York’s
Catskill Mountains, Tannersville lies in the shadow of Hunter Mountain, the
well-known downhill ski resort. It comes after a drive from the east on Route
23A through spectacular, gorgeous terrain. A mere quarter mile west of town you
find Mountain Trails Cross Country Ski Center with its dizzying array of
trails. They encourage snowshoeing here, and you can go on the trails (staying
out of the ski tracks, of course) or venture off trail through the woods. When
the Panther Pass and Eagle Flight trails are open to the Upper Reservoir, it
takes the fun to another level. And a school next door with a nice downhill
bank leading to ball fields adds to it as well. A few hotels, including the
Mansion Inn, line the main street, and be sure to hit Pancho Villa Mexican
Restaurant.
Inlet, NY
Inlet has the unique distinction
of having Fern Park, a network of trails, within its town limits, complete with
a sledding hill and ice hockey rink. To generate interest in the trails and
celebrate its history, the town holds its Frozen Fire & Lights Festival
every winter. One of the main events is the cardboard sled race, and later,
fireworks shower over Fourth Lake. The park’s trails cover the Fern Mountain
Recreation Area, and you can venture on and off trail on skishoes all over it.
Hills Creek State Park, PA
Located near Wellsboro, the park
holds its Winterfest every winter to get people out for some winter fun. The
hub of activity seems to be the main area of the park on the northeast side of
Hills Creek Lake. From here, you can do loops on Tauschers Trail, Yellow Birch
Trail, and Lake Side Trail around the lake. While you’re at it, take in the
sledding hill. Anything goes here – skis, snowshoes, or skishoes.
Greek Peak, NY
Having grown up in Greene, about
40 miles east, I learned to downhill ski at Greek Peak as a kid. Back then, it
was a bare-bones day resort with nothing but ski slopes and a few restaurants.
Now, it features a host of overnight lodging and even the Greek Peak Nordic
Center wrapped around Hope Lake. The center features a host of wooded trails
and open areas for skiing and skishoeing. When you’re done, you can take in the
restaurants in Hope Lake Lodge next door or the main ski lodge close by.
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