Snowshoe Adventuring

Go with the Flow

By Laura Clark

I used to obsess about winter snowfall amounts, but not as much anymore now that I have taken up snowshoeing and learned to go with the flow. Unlike skiing, snowboarding or fat biking, snowshoeing can be undertaken in conditions that would turn other activities into a serious slog. Plus, you can always meander sideways off an icy trail onto nice, woodsy snowpack without danger of disturbing the environment.    

Other advantages include the fact that beginners do not need to learn specific skills: If you can walk you can snowshoe, and the soft surface is kinder on stiff body parts and minimizes risk if you do stumble. The height of the snow, which insures you lift your feet higher than on pavement as well as the weight of the snowshoes, will give you a greater cardiovascular workout at a much slower pace. And, best of all, equipment is minimal and can be handily stowed in your car.

If you are hesitant about venturing out into the woods alone, the Dion-NeviTREK Snowshoe Series offers a smorgasbord of events, with snowshoe rentals available for you to sample ($5 cash only, day-of); availability may be limited so email the race director. Runners, hikers and walkers are welcome, and the lengthier events generally have a shorter option. 

One of the friendliest events is the Gore Mountain Citizen Series XC Ski & Snowshoe Races on Wednesday evenings at 6pm at the North Creek Ski Bowl on January 10, 17, 24, 31 and February 7, 14, 21, 28. Think Camp Saratoga or Adirondack Runners trail series, as these are casual and friendly community gatherings where many folks attend weekly. Everyone is welcome to snowshoe (run or walk), cross-country ski (classic or skate) from 1.25K, 2.5K, 3.75K or 5K, although some of the skiers get in bonus laps while the shoers are still competing. Afterwards, participants can relax in the Joe Minder Lodge and compete for a selection of amazing raffle prizes. Exercising under the lights in a groomed stadium course with a gentle snowfall is truly a magical experience, and the popularity of this series continues to grow. For info and notifications, visit: goremountain.com.

For an old-timey, backwoods experience, try the Cock-A-Doodle-Shoe 5K/10K Snowshoe Races at The New Land Trust in the Town of Saranac on Sunday, January 14. Based from a cabin deep in the woods, has something for everyone whether it’s the beautiful scenery or the fun, balanced and sometimes challenging course. One of the highlights is the Kids Snowshoe Scramble 0.5-mile run, which attracts a sizeable contingent of enthusiastic youngsters. Afterwards, there is a half mile warmup hike to The Meadow where the longer treks begin. Per the race, “We will not cancel due to cold weather or heavy snowfall” so that should tell you something! For info and registration (no day-of), visit: cockadoodleshoe.com.

Thursday Night Winter Racing at Cole’s Woods in Glens Falls returns at 6pm on January 18, 25 and February 1, 8. The free community event is open to snowshoe runners and walkers and cross-country skiers (skate and classic), with all skill levels welcome. Winter Racing is organized by the Friends of Cole’s Woods, partnered with the City of Glens Falls. For info, conditions and cancelations, visit: friendsofcoleswoods.org.

The Brookhaven Snowshoe Race at Brookhaven Winter Park in Porter Corners (10 min. from Saratoga Springs) will host two 5K races, one on Sunday, January 21 and the other on Saturday, March 2. The event features a 5K snowshoe race and 2.5K snowshoe race; walkers/hikers welcome at both distances. Take the opportunity to visit, as the Town of Greenfield winter park offers free cross-country skiing for all levels, with 20K of groomed trails – thanks to a team of volunteers – and snowshoeing all winter (donation box by the ski bench). At Brookhaven, you can warm up and purchase a meal and refreshments at The View Restaurant. The snowshoe trails are a mix of wide and singletrack, with forays into the surrounding woods, conditions permitting. Many local families participate, so bring the kids! 

Do target the January 21 event as the race will be held in conjunction with the Brookhaven Family Winterfest, with XC skiing with instructors, snowshoe demos, a sledding hill, snowman building, and fun games for prizes, no matter what the weather or snow conditions – and The View will have drink and food specials. More info, visit: greenfieldny.org. Register: runreg.com.

On Saturday, January 27, the DAR Snowshoe Scramble, in Goshen, Mass., is a no-frills event directed by Amy Rusiecki, Beast Coast columnist in Ultrarunning Magazine. She is hoping for a 10K if snow conditions permit. The route is a mix of snowmobile and narrow, forested trails with no big climbs, but a gradual uphill and a rewarding downhill to the finish. Participants are encouraged to bring their favorite tasty goodies to share. To add to the fun, there will be a club/team/friends team competition, with the fastest four on each team scoring a home-baked goodie. Visit: runreg.com.

The fifth annual Gurney Lane 5K Snowshoe Race will be held at Gurney Lane Recreation Area in Queensbury on Sunday, January 28. On Sunday, head over to Gurney Lane Recreation Area and enjoy a wooded, hilly 5K. The route resembles a carefully threaded maze and is fun to navigate as it is so well marked. There’s a heated warming area with bathrooms, a pavilion with a fire pit, as well as a playground and a small sledding hill for the kids. This Winter Races event, presented by Town of Queensbury, will be a great day as there will be Fat Tire Bike Group Rides and Races in the afternoon, with some demos available, courtesy of Grey Ghost Bicycles. Come out and run/walk and then try some fat tire riding. To register, visit: runreg.com. For fat bike info, go to: bikereg.com.

Rest up for the Frigus Snowshoe Festival at Moreau Lake State Park on Saturday, February 3. It offers snowshoeing for the entire family with a kids one-miler, 5K, 15K, 26.2 marathon, and 30-hour Ultra. None are a walk in the park as Moreau is notorious for its gnarly trails and it is best to arrive armed with a course map as there are plenty of twists and turns. The 5K has 750’ of elevation gain, with the other options boasting 2,300’ per 15K loop. There is a 10-hour marathon cutoff, but those attempting the 15K loops have a generous time cushion.  Poles can be helpful and be prepared with water and snacks for energy. There’s also a run across the frozen lake to the finish (weather permitting). For details, visit: endurancesociety.org. 

If you’d like to try snowshoeing, join us at the 25th annual of the Saratoga Winterfest 5K Snowshoe Race at the Saratoga Spa State Park on Sunday, February 4. To celebrate Winterfest’s 25th year, we will once more have new T-shirts! Winterfest was the first Capital Region snowshoe race, and pretty much got the snowball rolling south of the Adirondacks. It’s roughly the well-known XC running course, with beautiful views and variety depending on the snow. It includes a few uphills, but most are wide and gradual – a good beginner’s trek or a fun run of the spa park in winter. Visit: runsignup.com.

Winterfest is linked to the 20th annual Camp Saratoga 8K Snowshoe Race at Wilton Wildlife Preserve & Park on Saturday, February 10. If you preregister for both races, there is a discount with one T-shirt for both races. Camp Saratoga is an 8K route on wide groomed ski trails and narrow singletrack trails – ideal variety for snowshoeing! Afterwards, relax with hot chocolate and s’mores cooked over a bonfire. Go to: runsignup.com.

The Brave the Blizzard 5K Snowshoe Race at Tawasentha Park in Guilderland on Sunday, February 18, offers participants a low-key and fun opportunity to try out snowshoeing. Whether you’re experienced or this is your first time, the park has a nice mix of fields and woods – and in the absence of snow, it’s held as a trail run. As an AREEP event, you can enjoy the festive atmosphere with music playing and Frosty the Snowman cheering for you! Visit: zippyreg.com.

On Saturday, February 24, the sixth annual Stone Bridge Caveman 6K Snowshoe Race, an old favorite event is back! It’s held at Natural Stone Bridge & Caves in Pottersville, just 30 minutes north of Glens Falls. Home of the largest cave entrance on the East, the run/hike/walk highlights their 14 miles of groomed and singletrack snowshoe trails. Enjoy views of Trout Brook with frozen waterfalls, southern Adirondack mountains from the top of Catamount, and dark hemlock forest groves. Starting at 900’ elevation, you climb to 1,445’ just before halfway, then back down with several flats. Afterwards, warmup around the bonfire, sip hot chocolate and toast marshmallows. If no snow, it may be a trail run/walk. Register: itsyourrace.com.

The grand finale weekend kicks off with the second Brookhaven Snowshoe Race on Saturday, March 2, see above for details. It is followed by Garnet Hill Snowshoe 5K Snowshoe Race at Garnet Hill Lodge & Outdoor Center in North River. The fun course features twisty trails where you can see your friends coming and going through the trees. Garnet Hill is well-known for their late season snow so bring your cross-country skis to explore the other trails afterwards. Visit: runreg.com. 

Other snowshoe racing choices include Winona Forest Snowshoe Series in the Tug Hill Region, ongoing (runreg.com); Millstone Madness Snowshoe Race in Barre, Vt. on Feb. 3 (cvrunners.org); and US National Snowshoe Championships, in Eau Claire, Wisc. on Feb. 9-11 (trailrunner.com).

No excuses now – get off your couch and get out there! Since snow can be fickle, make sure you check conditions ahead of time. Some events will change to a trail run/walk if conditions warrant. In addition to the individual sites listed, for weekly race updates by Thursday evening, search Facebook (Dion WMAC Snowshoe Series) and visit: dionnevitrek.com. 

Laura Clark (snowshoegal133@gmail.com) of Saratoga Springs is an avid trail runner, ultramarathoner, snowshoer and cross-country skier. She is a children’s librarian at the Saratoga Springs Public Library.