For Immediate Release: October 25, 2005
Contact:
Andy J. Flynn | Public Relations | Adirondack Park Agency
contact@apa.ny.gov | (518) 327-3000
PAUL SMITHS -- Ski and snowshoe at the Adirondack Park Agency Visitor Interpretive Center (VIC) in Paul Smiths this winter. The VIC features about 9.5 miles of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails for people of all abilities, not including the trail to the summit of Jenkins Mountain. The Shingle Mill Falls Loop is 0.7 miles, not including the 0.4 miles to get there via the Heron Marsh Trail. In all, the Shingle Mill Falls Loop from the VIC building is 1.5 miles. The Hemlock Trail and Heron Marsh Loop are both 0.8 miles, and the Tamarack Ski Trail is 2.1 miles. The longest is the Esker Ski Trail at 4 miles. Trails are groomed, and cross-country ski tracks are set by VIC staff throughout the ski season. The western trailhead of the Jackrabbit Ski Trail is located at the Paul Smiths VIC. This scenic trail travels through the woods from Paul Smiths to the hamlet of Lake Clear. There are several snowshoe trails on the 2,885-acre property, including an 8.2-mile round-trip up scenic Jenkins Mountain. Skis or snowshoes are required on all trails, except the 0.8-mile Barnum Brook Trail, where walking is allowed during the winter. The Northwoods Snowshoe Trail is 2.2 miles roundtrip from the trailhead. The Boreal Life Snowshoe Trail is 1.3 miles. People may also ski on the snowshoe trails.
This is the second season people will be allowed to snowshoe on the Paul Smiths VIC ski trails. Snowshoers are asked to give skiers the right of way and stay to one side of the ski tracks. The trails are open from dawn to dusk, and the building is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Dogs are not allowed on the VIC trails in the winter season.
The popularity of snowshoeing continues to grow throughout the Adirondacks, and the Paul Smiths VIC offers unique opportunities for people to learn about this fun sport. For example, the second annual Friends and Families Snowshoe Day will be held from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 28 at the center. A fun day on snowshoes is planned as the Adirondack Mountain Club, Adirondack Lakes and Trails Outfitters and the VIC team up. Several naturalist and guided walks will leave from the building on a variety of trails. Children's games and activities will also be planned during the day. People may bring their own snowshoes or rent snowshoes for free. Preregistration is not required.
As part of the fifth annual Wild Winter Weekend, held on the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday weekend, the Paul Smiths VIC will be hosting the Chilly Ski Festival from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 15. This family-oriented day will showcase cross-country skiing at the VIC, fun competition for prizes, learn-to-ski workshops and a ski-waxing clinic. Chili, cornbread and beverages will be available. Admission to the Chilly Ski Festival is $5 per person ($15 per family), and the entry fee includes ski rentals, hot beverages, attendance at the workshops, and eligibility for prizes. People register at the door.
Rentals and clinics will be offered by outdoor recreation experts from the High Peaks Cyclery Mountain Adventure Center of Lake Placid. The Chilly Ski Festival is co-sponsored by the Adirondack Park Institute and the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.
Cross-country skiing is a healthy way to experience the Adirondack wilderness. More than 2 million Americans enjoy this wild winter sport every year, and the Chilly Ski Festival is a perfect springboard for beginners wishing to try on a pair of skis.
Skiing veterans and neophytes are welcome at the Chilly Ski Festival, where there are activities for adults and children. A New York State Department of Environmental Conservation forest ranger and Adirondack Mountain Club educators will provide skiers with information about safe, low-impact backcountry recreation. Kids can paint fresh snow with natural dyes and compete in the "Coolest Hat Contest." And skiers who complete one or all four loops are eligible for prizes from the Saranac Lake Area Chamber of Commerce.
Between ski loops, families warm up by eating plenty of chili and corn muffins. Vying for the coveted Golden Crock-Pot Award, volunteers, staff and the public enter their favorite chili recipes in the Wild Winter Weekend Chili Cooking Contest. One Crock-Pot at a time, VIP judges taste and rate the finest homemade chili in the Adirondacks.
The Wild Winter Weekend gives residents and visitors of the 6-million-acre Adirondack Park a chance to explore the woods on skis and snowshoes. Firsthand experiences of entering a pristine forest and watching the natural world in winter help foster a spirit of stewardship. For more information about the Chilly Ski Festival, contact the Paul Smiths VIC at (518) 327-3000. The VIC activities this winter will be:
December 2005
Dec. 1: Exploring Nature with Little People. 10 a.m. - noon. This is a unique program with a hands-on approach that introduces young children to the natural environment. Held every other Thursday until June for preschoolers ages 3-5 years. Preregistration is required. Cost: $4/child ($2/child for Adirondack Park Institute members). Call the Paul Smiths VIC at (518) 327-3000.
Dec. 3: Saturdays are for Kids: Skulls Skins & Signs. 10-11:30 a.m. Kids ages 6-11 will enjoy this program as we use the VIC's collection of skins and skulls. We will then take a walk to look for signs of these animals. Preregistration is required. Free. Call the Paul Smiths VIC at (518) 327-3000.
Dec. 11: Natural Ornaments. 1-3 p.m. Bring the family out for this perennial favorite, and craft an ornament out of natural materials. Amaze yourself with some of the creations. Drop in. Free. Call the Paul Smiths VIC at (518) 327-3000.
Dec. 15: Exploring Nature with Little People. 10 a.m. - noon. This is a unique program with a hands-on approach that introduces young children to the natural environment. Held every other Thursday until June for preschoolers ages 3-5 years. Preregistration is required. Cost: $4/child ($2/child for Adirondack Park Institute members). Call the Paul Smiths VIC at (518) 327-3000.
Dec. 17: Saturdays are for Kids & Adults: Family Sleigh Rides. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. This favorite holiday event is back. Take a sleigh ride with the Paul Smith's College horses, and sing a few holiday songs along the way. Reservations are encouraged. Free. Call the Paul Smiths VIC at (518) 327-3000 after Dec. 1 to make your reservations.
Dec. 18: Holiday Handle Basket. 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. Kids and adults can join Clear Creek Weavers and create a holiday basket made out of red and green reeds. You may want to bring a bag lunch or a snack. Preregistration is required. Cost: $10 per basket ($8 for Adirondack Park Institute members). Call the Paul Smiths VIC at (518) 327-3000.
Dec. 31: New Year's Eve Snowshoe Walk. 1-3 p.m. Join a naturalist as we walk a trail looking for animals and their signs. In the event that there is not enough snow, we will walk instead of snowshoe. Snowshoes will be provided. Wear boots. Preregistration is required. Free. Call the Paul Smiths VIC at (518) 327-3000.
January 2006
Jan. 5: Exploring Nature with Little People. 10 a.m. - noon. This is a unique program with a hands-on approach that introduces young children to the natural environment. Held every other Thursday until June for preschoolers ages 3-5 years. Preregistration is required. Cost: $4/child ($2/child for Adirondack Park Institute members). Call the Paul Smiths VIC at (518) 327-3000.
Jan. 7: Saturdays are for Kids: Snowshoes on Snowshoes. 10-11:30 a.m. Kids 5-12 are welcome to come out and search for snowshoe hares on snowshoes. We will look for signs of these fuzzy mammals and learn some interesting factoids. Preregistration is required. Free. Call the Paul Smiths VIC at (518) 327-3000.
Jan. 13: Night Hike. 6-8 p.m. This will be a hike on snowshoes to explore the winter woods. Snowshoes will be provided. Afterwards, we will warm ourselves around a campfire. Preregistration is required. Free. Call the Paul Smiths VIC at (518) 327-3000.
Jan. 14: Saturdays are for Kids: Birdfeeder Workshop. 1-2 p.m. Do you want to help the birds out this winter? People of all ages are invited to construct a wooden birdfeeder to take home. Preregistration is required. Cost: $3/feeder (Adirondack Park Institute members free). Call the Paul Smiths VIC at (518) 327-3000.
Jan. 15: Chilly Ski Festival. 10 a.m. - 3 p.m. Cross-country skiing, fun competition for prizes, children's activities, learn-to-ski workshops and a ski-waxing clinic. Chili, cornbread and beverages will be available for purchase. Wild Winter Weekend Chilly Cooking Contest. Admission is $5 per person/$15 per family, and the entry fee includes ski rentals, hot beverages, attendance at the workshops, and eligibility for prizes. Register at the door. Call the Paul Smiths VIC at (518) 327-3000.
Jan. 19: Exploring Nature with Little People. 10 a.m. - noon. This is a unique program with a hands-on approach that introduces young children to the natural environment. Held every other Thursday until June for preschoolers ages 3-5 years. Preregistration is required. Cost: $4/child ($2/child for Adirondack Park Institute members). Call the Paul Smiths VIC at (518) 327-3000.
Jan. 21: Packbasket Workshop. 9:15 a.m. - 5 p.m. Clear Creek Weavers are back to help you make your own traditional Adirondack packbasket. Bring a bag lunch. Space fills quickly. Preregistration is required. Cost: $50 medium/$60 large (Adirondack Park Institute members subtract $10). Call the Paul Smiths VIC at (518) 327-3000.
Jan. 21: Marcy Dam/Avalanche Camp Ski Trip. 10 a.m. High Peaks Audubon Society will lead a ski trip from South Meadow on the Marcy Dam Truck Road 3 miles to Marcy Dam and, conditions permitting, another mile to Avalanche Camp. An easy ski, this trip will include the beautiful views of Mount Colden and Avalanche Pass from Marcy Dam. From Marcy Dam, Avalanche Camp is a moderate uphill on the hiking trail, and, if the snow is right, a wonderful, controllable glide down. Bring appropriate layers of apparel for the weather and temperature, water, lunch or snacks. Meet at South Meadow parking lot (left turn off Adirondack Loj Road to the end). Preregister by contacting Pat and John Thaxton at (518) 576-4232 or (212) 475-5317 (voice mail).
Jan. 21: Winter Stars and Constellations. 7-9 p.m. Join Ed Gucker, a retired astronomy professor from SUNY Brockport, for this evening lecture and star gazing. We will start inside with a lecture about the winter sky and then go outside to view the stars through a telescope. Participants are encouraged to bring binoculars. Preregistration is required. Free. Call the Paul Smiths VIC at (518) 327-3000.
Jan. 22: Sunday Movie Matinee: "Winged Migration." 1-2:30 p.m. This is a documentary from Jacques Perrin about the migration of several different bird species. This movie will be shown in the theater, and popcorn will be available. Registration is not required. Donations of $2/adult and $1/child are suggested. Call the Paul Smiths VIC at (518) 327-3000.
Jan. 28: Friends and Families Snowshoe Day. 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. A fun day on snowshoes is planned as the Adirondack Mountain Club, Adirondack Lakes and Trails Outfitters and the VIC team up. Several naturalist and guided walks will leave from the building on a variety of trails. Children's games and activities will also be planned during the day. Bring out the family and try out snowshoeing. Preregistration is not required. Free use of snowshoes. Call the Paul Smiths VIC at (518) 327-3000.
Jan. 29: Stories in the Snow. 1-2:30 p.m. Join a naturalist on snowshoes to search for tracks and learn the "stories in the snow." Preregistration is required. Free. Call the Paul Smiths VIC at (518) 327-3000.
February 2006
Feb. 2: Exploring Nature with Little People. 10 a.m. - noon. This is a unique program with a hands-on approach that introduces young children to the natural environment. Held every other Thursday until June for preschoolers ages 3-5 years. Preregistration is required. Cost: $4/child ($2/child for Adirondack Park Institute members). Call the Paul Smiths VIC at (518) 327-3000.
Feb. 16: Exploring Nature with Little People. 10 a.m. - noon. This is a unique program with a hands-on approach that introduces young children to the natural environment. Held every other Thursday until June for preschoolers ages 3-5 years. Preregistration is required. Cost: $4/child ($2/child for Adirondack Park Institute members). Call the Paul Smiths VIC at (518) 327-3000.
Feb. 17: Night Hike. 6-8 p.m. This will be a hike on snowshoes to explore the winter woods. Snowshoes will be provided. Afterwards, we will warm ourselves around a campfire. Preregistration is required. Free. Call the Paul Smiths VIC at (518) 327-3000.
Feb. 18: Saturdays are for Kids & Adults: Mini Packbasket Workshop 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. Kids 9-14 and adults can join Clear Creek Weavers to create a mini packbasket. This basket is 7 inches high and would be perfect to dress up that special teddy bear. Preregistration is required. Cost: $22 per basket ($20 for Adirondack Park Institute members). Call the Paul Smiths VIC at (518) 327-3000.
Feb. 19: Sunday Movie Matinee: "The World of Raptors." 1-2 p.m. This is a great guide to North America's birds of prey and features the majestic power and beauty of falcons, hawks and eagles. This movie will be shown in the theater and popcorn will be available. Registration is not required. Donations of $2/adult and $1/child are suggested. Call the Paul Smiths VIC at (518) 327-3000.
Feb. 25: Ice Fishing Demonstration. 1-3 p.m. Families are welcome to join Adirondack sportsman David MacDowell as he shows us the ins and outs of this popular winter sport. Fishing supplies will be provided. Hot dogs and hot chocolate will also be provided. Call the Paul Smiths VIC at (518) 327-3000 for details on where to meet. Drop in. Donations are suggested.
Feb. 26: Esker Trail Ski Trip. 1-3:30 p.m. Join a naturalist for a ski trip around the Esker Trail. After our 4-mile loop, enjoy a cup of hot chocolate in our building. Due to the terrain, people need to be at least intermediate-level skiers. Bring your own skis. Preregistration is required. Free. Call the Paul Smiths VIC at (518) 327-3000.
March 2006
March 1: Adirondack Armchair Traveler Series. 1:30 p.m. Enjoy slide show programs about destinations around the world in the comfort of a Paul Smiths VIC theater chair. Tri-Lakes residents share their photographs and stories from trips made in recent years. Topic TBA. Free. Drop in. Call the Paul Smiths VIC at (518) 327-3000.
March 2: Exploring Nature with Little People. 10 a.m. - noon. This is a unique program with a hands-on approach that introduces young children to the natural environment. Held every other Thursday until June for preschoolers ages 3-5 years. Preregistration is required. Cost: $4/child ($2/child for Adirondack Park Institute members). Call the Paul Smiths VIC at (518) 327-3000.
March 8: Adirondack Armchair Traveler Series. 1:30 p.m. Enjoy slide show programs about destinations around the world in the comfort of a Paul Smiths VIC theater chair. Tri-Lakes residents share their photographs and stories from trips made in recent years. Topic TBA. Free. Drop in. Call the Paul Smiths VIC at (518) 327-3000.
March 15: Adirondack Armchair Traveler Series. 1:30 p.m. Enjoy slide show programs about destinations around the world in the comfort of a Paul Smiths VIC theater chair. Tri-Lakes residents share their photographs and stories from trips made in recent years. Topic TBA. Free. Drop in. Call the Paul Smiths VIC at (518) 327-3000.
March 16: Exploring Nature with Little People. 10 a.m. - noon. This is a unique program with a hands-on approach that introduces young children to the natural environment. Held every other Thursday until June for preschoolers ages 3-5 years. Preregistration is required. Cost: $4/child ($2/child for Adirondack Park Institute members). Call the Paul Smiths VIC at (518) 327-3000.
March 22: Adirondack Armchair Traveler Series. 1:30 p.m. Enjoy slide show programs about destinations around the world in the comfort of a Paul Smiths VIC theater chair. Tri-Lakes residents share their photographs and stories from trips made in recent years. Topic TBA. Free. Drop in. Call the Paul Smiths VIC at (518) 327-3000.
March 29: Adirondack Armchair Traveler Series. 1:30 p.m. Enjoy slide show programs about destinations around the world in the comfort of a Paul Smiths VIC theater chair. Tri-Lakes residents share their photographs and stories from trips made in recent years. Topic TBA. Free. Drop in. Call the Paul Smiths VIC at (518) 327-3000.
March 30: Exploring Nature with Little People. 10 a.m. - noon. This is a unique program with a hands-on approach that introduces young children to the natural environment. Held every other Thursday until June for preschoolers ages 3-5 years. Preregistration is required. Cost: $4/child ($2/child for Adirondack Park Institute members). Call the Paul Smiths VIC at (518) 327-3000.
APA facility
The New York State Adirondack Park Agency operates two VICs, in Paul Smiths and Newcomb, which are open year-round from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. They offer a wide array of environmental educational programs, miles of interpretive trails and visitor information services. Admission is free. The Paul Smiths VIC is located 12 miles north of Saranac Lake on Route 30. For more information, call (518) 327-3000. A complete list of Paul Smiths VIC winter activities is available on the centers' Web site: www.adkvic.org.