EAST HARDWICK – What a fabulous cross-country ski season! The Hardwick Trails winter sports crew have been busy. The dedicated volunteer trail groomers have worked hard to keep up with this year’s abundant snowfall; a host of ski instructors and Saturday morning cabin-tenders have helped outfit folks and guided them safely onto the trails.
Thirty-eight people, spanning multiple generations, have taken part in the Saturday morning Loan and Lesson sessions this year, while a handful of others have taken advantage of equipment loans and headed to the trails on their own.
Over the next two Fridays, Hazen Union students participating in a wellness program will be trying out our ski inventory as they, too, explore the trails.
Next Saturday, Feb. 22, the Hazen Union cabin (behind the school) will be open from 9 to 10 a.m. for ski or snowshoe loans, which can be kept for the duration of the school vacation. They will need to be returned by the morning of March 2 in readiness for a new community event.
On Sunday, March 2, the Jeudevine Memorial Library is hosting Snow and Show. At 2 p.m., the community is invited to pick up skis or snowshoes at the cabin and either head to the trails or join in a winter fun-fest on the Hazen Union field, including family-oriented games designed for all ability levels.
Also, if you have ever wondered what the appeal is with fat tire biking, come find out! The Hardwick Recreation Committee is organizing a demonstration at the Hazen Union parking lot trailhead to reveal why so many are falling in love with this new(ish) winter sport. A limited number of free demos will be available, thanks to Riverside Cycles bike store. Snow and Show participants can then head to the library at 3:30 p.m., to enjoy cocoa, snacks, games and an animated movie, which will begin at 4 p.m.
Finally, the Hardwick Trails committee will close out its winter programming on Saturday, March 15, by once again transporting skiers to the Craftsbury Outdoor Center for a morning of free access to their beautiful trails. Free equipment loans will be available there. Here is the google link to the registration for that event: forms.gle/fvz7VqYbrZ6zS7dD9. Alternatively, you can email [email protected] and we will send you the link. We are so grateful for the Craftsbury Outdoor Center’s generosity in hosting us at their world-class center.
