By Lisa Cook
Did you get to ski last weekend? Wasn't it gorgeous out there? Notchview was buzzing with lots and lots of skiers, and yet I found myself all alone at times on the trails. I guess we all spread out pretty good!
I feel like we have a lot of people who are new to skiing among our ranks this year. It's so easy to send our children out for an afternoon on the trails, then hunker down in the cozy lodge with a good book and a cup of cocoa. But, I'd like to encourage you to get out there and experience all that skiing at Notchview has to offer. There are trails for every ability level - yes, even brand new skiers - and plenty of people who are more than happy to offer a ski tip or two. If skiing doesn't seem like your thing, then how about snowshoeing? Snowshoe rentals are available! Just check with the person manning the desk inside the visitor's center.
Here are my top ten reasons you should give cross-country skiing a try...
1. There are no age limits for cc skiing.
2. It is a lifelong activity.
3. Your whole family can enjoy it together.
4. It is a great way to stay active all winter.
5. There is nothing quite as peaceful as a snowy forest - and no better way to enjoy it than on skis.
6. Notchview is one of the nicest cc skiing places anywhere.
7. Cross-country skiers are a community.
8. You'll meet new people and make new friends.
9. Inspiration will surround you as you see little tykes chugging up a hill or senior citizens speeding down one.
10. Trying something new and stretching yourself will make you feel really good.
I can almost hear you saying that you don't have equipment. Don't let that stop you! There are a couple of places locally that offer ski rentals and sales. Just ask anyone at Bill Koch and we'll be glad to offer some recommendations.
Now, no more excuses. I'll look forward to seeing you on the trails!
Friday, January 27, 2012
Thursday, January 19, 2012
Snow!
By Lisa Cook
Ah, our first week on the snow... Despite the biting wind and freezing temperatures I'd say it was a perfect day to be out on the trails. The crew at Notchview did a fantastic job packing, grooming, and tracking the forest pathways in anticipation of the crowds that gathered there over the weekend. The snow covered branches created a beautiful winter wonderland among the trees. I hope you were able to get out there and enjoy it.
Now that we are skiing I wanted to bring your attention to a NENSA program that's pretty fun. It's called Ski for Ks. Basically, you keep track of how many kilometers your child skis this season and at the end of the winter you send in your totals to the NENSA office. They'll, in turn, send your child a pretty cool patch. Patch colors are determined by how many kilometers your child skis. My girls did this last year and it was fun keeping track of how far they'd skied. Check out the link here. You'll find everything you need to know in order to participate.
Other fun things are coming up in Bill Koch too, so be on the lookout for email updates. In the meantime get out there and enjoy this beautiful weather. Winter may be the longest season in our neck of the woods, but the skiing still doesn't last long enough...
Ah, our first week on the snow... Despite the biting wind and freezing temperatures I'd say it was a perfect day to be out on the trails. The crew at Notchview did a fantastic job packing, grooming, and tracking the forest pathways in anticipation of the crowds that gathered there over the weekend. The snow covered branches created a beautiful winter wonderland among the trees. I hope you were able to get out there and enjoy it.
Now that we are skiing I wanted to bring your attention to a NENSA program that's pretty fun. It's called Ski for Ks. Basically, you keep track of how many kilometers your child skis this season and at the end of the winter you send in your totals to the NENSA office. They'll, in turn, send your child a pretty cool patch. Patch colors are determined by how many kilometers your child skis. My girls did this last year and it was fun keeping track of how far they'd skied. Check out the link here. You'll find everything you need to know in order to participate.
Other fun things are coming up in Bill Koch too, so be on the lookout for email updates. In the meantime get out there and enjoy this beautiful weather. Winter may be the longest season in our neck of the woods, but the skiing still doesn't last long enough...
Friday, January 13, 2012
Snowless Fun
By Lisa Cook
As I type this it is raining on top of the new snow we received yesterday. Disappointing, but not disheartening. If you've been part of our group these past snowless weeks then you know what I mean. The tone up at Notchview has been anything but disheartening! We have a wonderful group of volunteer coaches and parents who have gone above and beyond to make our Bill Koch time extra fun - in spite of having no snow!
Did you see the amazing obstacle course last Sunday? The kids had to climb up, over, and through different obstacles. They also had to ride a scooter, swing on a rope, and jump over hurdles made of skis! Tod, Art, and Chris C. worked a good portion of the day Saturday to put it all together, and judging from the smiling faces I saw bounding along the course, I'd say they did a fantastic job!
We also had relay races and games set up that day. Again, we had wonderful coaches lend their time to put these events together. Thanks to Chris S. and Chris D. for their willingness to make our time at club super fun! Our skiers had no shortage of exciting activities, that's for sure.
So much planning and preparation goes into making these snowless days as engaging as they are, right down to the cookies and hot chocolate. Our club is special because of the willingness we all have to pitch in. Thank you to Heather for slaving over the pot of hot cocoa for us, and to all the folks who brought treats to share. It really was a great day!
Maybe we'll be skiing this week, maybe we won't. Either way we'll have an excellent time!
Here's a few photos I took before my camera batteries quit on me. Make sure to check out the bulletin board. Our photographers have posted pictures!
As I type this it is raining on top of the new snow we received yesterday. Disappointing, but not disheartening. If you've been part of our group these past snowless weeks then you know what I mean. The tone up at Notchview has been anything but disheartening! We have a wonderful group of volunteer coaches and parents who have gone above and beyond to make our Bill Koch time extra fun - in spite of having no snow!
Did you see the amazing obstacle course last Sunday? The kids had to climb up, over, and through different obstacles. They also had to ride a scooter, swing on a rope, and jump over hurdles made of skis! Tod, Art, and Chris C. worked a good portion of the day Saturday to put it all together, and judging from the smiling faces I saw bounding along the course, I'd say they did a fantastic job!
We also had relay races and games set up that day. Again, we had wonderful coaches lend their time to put these events together. Thanks to Chris S. and Chris D. for their willingness to make our time at club super fun! Our skiers had no shortage of exciting activities, that's for sure.
So much planning and preparation goes into making these snowless days as engaging as they are, right down to the cookies and hot chocolate. Our club is special because of the willingness we all have to pitch in. Thank you to Heather for slaving over the pot of hot cocoa for us, and to all the folks who brought treats to share. It really was a great day!
Maybe we'll be skiing this week, maybe we won't. Either way we'll have an excellent time!
Here's a few photos I took before my camera batteries quit on me. Make sure to check out the bulletin board. Our photographers have posted pictures!
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