In this Issue
January 2006

NORDIC NOMAD
Sprouting into Winter
By Tim Kane

Tim Kane

TIPS FOR THE TRAILS Hydrate well before heading out on the trails, and at regular intervals during your ski. It increases your endurance. Bring energy bars or trail mix along, too. Always tell someone where you are skiing and for how long. Guide to Area Cross Country Ski Centers

WEST HAWLEY – With more than a foot of snow in the woods of most western Massachusetts Nordic areas, and possibly more expected next week, early winter is shaping up to be a classic experience.

One of my favorite cross-country skiing and snowshoeing centers in this neck of the woods is called “Stump Sprouts” located on a beautiful mountain top farm in West Hawley. Owned by Lloyd Crawford, who is a founder of the Western Massachusetts Cross Country Ski Areas Association (WMCCSAA), the center already boasts a great snow base. And the prices could not be better with very reasonable trail fees of $10 for adults, and $7 for ages 7-12. Kids under seven ski for free. Full rentals will run you $12 for adults and $7 for kids under 12. You can’t beat that, folks.

“We do skiing because we love it,” says Lloyd, who runs the winter paradise with his wife Suzanne and two kids Kate and Nick. “But the bread and butter is the lodging. We have groups in every weekend for retreats, workshops and weddings.”

In fact, Crawford’s place is so popular that lodging for the winter is nearly booked solid, so call now if want to stay over there. One group that will visit in a few weeks, he says, will celebrate its 25th consecutive year of staying over there. Sounds like a lot fun.

I skied Stump Sprouts last season and found it remarkably rustic yet very professionally run. With the 450-acre property just south of the Mohawk Trail offering elevations ranging up to 2,000 feet, Stump Sprouts has reliable snow conditions similar to that of Prospect Mountain in Woodford, Vt. A challenging yet forgiving 25 KM of trails designed primarily for classical skiing and snowshoeing wind through the property and out into the adjoining Mohawk State Forest. There’s an absolutely gorgeous lookout vantage point, and back at base camp there’s a lodge and fireplace to warm your feet and devour some really cool home cooked meals.

To get to Stump Sprouts, follow Interstate 91 to Exit 26 in Greenfield. Take Route 2 West for 18 miles into Charlemont. From the intersection of Route 2 and 8A south in Charlemont, take 8A six miles south. Turn right on West Hill Road and come up one mile.

UPCOMING EVENTS
Many centers will be celebrating a national winter trails program during the first week of January in an effort to introduce people to winter sports. Below is calendar of events for that program as well as other upcoming activities.

WINTER TRAILS PROGRAM:
Jan. 7 - Winter Trails Day *** Free skiing, snowshoeing after 1 p.m. Northfield
Jan. 7 - Winter Trails Day *** Try snowshoeing two hours for free. Notchview
Jan. 7 - Winter Feels Good *** Free snowshoeing, skiing after 1 p.m. Stump Sprouts
Jan. 8 - Passholder Potluck*** dusk. Stump Sprouts
Jan. 8 - Ski Fest 2006*** Free skate/classic instruction, wax clinic, fun. Notchview

OTHER JANUARY EVENTS:
Jan. 11 - Moonlight skiing*** 7-9 p.m. Notchview
Jan. 13 - Full moon skiing*** Maple Corner Farm
Jan. 14 - Freestyle race*** 9 a.m. start. Notchview
Jan. 14 - Moonlight snowshoe***guided 2 mile trek. Northfield
Jan. 14 - Guided moonlight skiing*** Followed by snacks and music. Canterbury
Jan. 27 - Intro to snowshoeing for seniors***9-11:30 a.m. Explore with Naturalist. Northfield
28 - Snowshoeing workshop***Ages 10 and up. Wildlife tracking. Northfield
28 - Clinic for women*** 10-4, includes lunch. Stump Sprouts
All Skiers Clinic - A good basic clinic for new and old skiers will be offered from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Feb. 4 at Stump Sprouts. Lloyd says local Nordic expert Kathy O’Rourke will go over the most effective techniques for poling, gliding, striding, snowplows, turning and downhill control while trying to correct those old bad habits that hold us back and put unnecessary strain on muscles and joints. This is for advanced beginner/intermediate levels. The $48 fee includes lunch and a trail pass. Rental equipment extra. Register with Kathy (413) 625-9426.

Read previous columns from the Nordic Nomad.