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...
Thursday, January 19, 2012
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!
Monday, December 19, 2011
We're Back!
By Lisa Cook
I don't know about you, but coming into the Budd Visitor Center yesterday and seeing folks I haven't seen since last ski season ended, felt really nice. The lingering smell of wood smoke, rosy-cheeked children coming and going, and people happily chatting with old friends and new - that's what Notchview is in winter, and I, for one, love it. I'm glad it's finally Bill Koch season once again.
So far no snow. Kind of a bummer, but in the true spirit of our Bill Koch club we made the most of it. Yesterday we got the low down on all things club related and then the kiddos and their coaches set out for the field to play some games. We have over 90 children enrolled this year! And even though many families couldn't make it to our meeting yesterday there were still a BUNCH of people of all ages running around out there. Here's a look at some of the fun..
Hopefully by our next meeting there will be snow covering the ground. But even if there isn't our group is sure to have a great time - we always do!
I don't know anything about other Bill Koch groups around New England, but I do know that our group is pretty special. A big thank you to our wonderful group of coaches who are committed each week to helping our kids learn to ski and making sure they have fun doing it. And thank you to all the amazing parents who are willing to lend a hand whenever and wherever needed. And let's not forget the tireless crew who has dedicated countless hours to pulling everything together to make this season happen. THANK YOU!
If you're new to our club, welcome. I know it won't take long for you to see what a good thing we have going here. Jump right in, sign up to help, get involved. You'll be glad you did. There really is no community quite like the Nordic ski community at Notchview. :)
Until next time, THINK SNOW!
I don't know about you, but coming into the Budd Visitor Center yesterday and seeing folks I haven't seen since last ski season ended, felt really nice. The lingering smell of wood smoke, rosy-cheeked children coming and going, and people happily chatting with old friends and new - that's what Notchview is in winter, and I, for one, love it. I'm glad it's finally Bill Koch season once again.
So far no snow. Kind of a bummer, but in the true spirit of our Bill Koch club we made the most of it. Yesterday we got the low down on all things club related and then the kiddos and their coaches set out for the field to play some games. We have over 90 children enrolled this year! And even though many families couldn't make it to our meeting yesterday there were still a BUNCH of people of all ages running around out there. Here's a look at some of the fun..
I don't know anything about other Bill Koch groups around New England, but I do know that our group is pretty special. A big thank you to our wonderful group of coaches who are committed each week to helping our kids learn to ski and making sure they have fun doing it. And thank you to all the amazing parents who are willing to lend a hand whenever and wherever needed. And let's not forget the tireless crew who has dedicated countless hours to pulling everything together to make this season happen. THANK YOU!
If you're new to our club, welcome. I know it won't take long for you to see what a good thing we have going here. Jump right in, sign up to help, get involved. You'll be glad you did. There really is no community quite like the Nordic ski community at Notchview. :)
Until next time, THINK SNOW!
Saturday, March 5, 2011
Changing Perspectives
By: Lisa Cook
It used to be that winter seemed SO long. Countless snowstorms meant hazardous driving, snow days with no school, and a virtual eternity until spring. That perspective completely changed when our family became Nordic skiers. This year all the snow meant something much different to us. Every storm meant more snow to add to the picturesque trails of Notchview. Every flake meant more time toenjoy skiing as a family. And now as I sit here in the Budd Visitors lodge I feel disappointed at the talk of forty degree temps and rain. This year's Nordic season is coming to an end. BOO! It's already time for Bill Kochers to turn in our leased skis or hang up our owned skis. Nothing fun ever lasts long enough - does it.
As we wrap up this Bill Koch season remember that Notchview isn't just for skiing. The snow will melt away to reveal a different kind of beauty. The perfectly groomed trails we've enjoyed all winter will be transformed into grassy pathways. Ice coated branches will become green leafy canopies. And instead of skiing we can be hiking.
Orienteering was a new venture for many of us this year, but it isn't something that can only be done on skis! I'm thinking we may try to hike to some of the boxes we didn't get to this winter. Maybe pack a picnic lunch and make a day of it. If your interested, a template of the the orienteering cards can be e-mailed to you so you can fill it up this summer.
I've also been told that there are some geocaches located at Notchview. Check out this site to see if it's something your family may enjoy.
So get out there and have some family fun until the snow flies next year! It won't be long until we are back out there skiing once again. This year's new skiers will be veterans, just itching for the chance to learn more. The veteran skiers will have that much more confidence and will be ready to improve their skills even further. I know I'm looking forward to it already. And as of this post there are only 291 days until the first day of winter 2011!
Until then here are a few pictures that haven't been posted yet. Enjoy...
It used to be that winter seemed SO long. Countless snowstorms meant hazardous driving, snow days with no school, and a virtual eternity until spring. That perspective completely changed when our family became Nordic skiers. This year all the snow meant something much different to us. Every storm meant more snow to add to the picturesque trails of Notchview. Every flake meant more time toenjoy skiing as a family. And now as I sit here in the Budd Visitors lodge I feel disappointed at the talk of forty degree temps and rain. This year's Nordic season is coming to an end. BOO! It's already time for Bill Kochers to turn in our leased skis or hang up our owned skis. Nothing fun ever lasts long enough - does it.
As we wrap up this Bill Koch season remember that Notchview isn't just for skiing. The snow will melt away to reveal a different kind of beauty. The perfectly groomed trails we've enjoyed all winter will be transformed into grassy pathways. Ice coated branches will become green leafy canopies. And instead of skiing we can be hiking.
Orienteering was a new venture for many of us this year, but it isn't something that can only be done on skis! I'm thinking we may try to hike to some of the boxes we didn't get to this winter. Maybe pack a picnic lunch and make a day of it. If your interested, a template of the the orienteering cards can be e-mailed to you so you can fill it up this summer.
I've also been told that there are some geocaches located at Notchview. Check out this site to see if it's something your family may enjoy.
So get out there and have some family fun until the snow flies next year! It won't be long until we are back out there skiing once again. This year's new skiers will be veterans, just itching for the chance to learn more. The veteran skiers will have that much more confidence and will be ready to improve their skills even further. I know I'm looking forward to it already. And as of this post there are only 291 days until the first day of winter 2011!
Until then here are a few pictures that haven't been posted yet. Enjoy...
Sunday, February 20, 2011
Silver Fox Trot 2011
Berkshire Trails Bill Koch skiers showed their stuff at the Silver Fox Trot up in Hanover, NH, yesterday. Arden, Oscar, Clarissa, Isabella, Maggie, Lily Z., Lily H., and Amelia all had great races battling the cold and very windy conditions. I've attached a few photos for the flavor of it.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
The Ski Jump
Our Bill Koch skiers continue to amaze me each week and last Sunday was no different. A ski jump appeared in the field and quickly became popular among the timid skiers and the adventurous skiers alike. Check out these pictures!
One more thing before you admire our amazing athletes. Two of our Bill Koch coaches, Curran Doyle and Katie Cook, made the J2 Massachusetts State Nordic Team and will be competing in Jackson, NH in March! Congratulations and Good Luck!
One more thing before you admire our amazing athletes. Two of our Bill Koch coaches, Curran Doyle and Katie Cook, made the J2 Massachusetts State Nordic Team and will be competing in Jackson, NH in March! Congratulations and Good Luck!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Orienteering
We are certainly getting more than enough snow to keep us skiing for awhile! As yet another storm pulls out the weather people are already calling for more snow for the weekend. Remember those 'dry land' sessions we had in December? We won't be seeing dry land for awhile, that's for sure! All this snow will give us plenty of time to punch all of the squares on our Orienteering cards!
I hope that by now everyone has received a punch card for each of their children. Orienteering adds a different element to Nordic skiing.While my children and I were at Notchview on Monday after school we met up with two other Bill Koch families who were Orienteering too! So what exactly is Orienteering? Basically, it is an adventure that requires using a map to locate different 'control points' which are placed along different trails. Nordic Orienteering competitions combine the challenges of Nordic skiing, reading a map, and reaching the finish line first. In these competitions, the control points are often set in remote, off trail areas. The racers aren't required to stay on a particular course, but rather they take the risks involved with finding the many control points. While the Bill Koch skiers aren't racing to punch each box on their card and cross a finish line, the challenge of finding the boxes is still alot of fun.
This red and white box is the International Orienteering symbol...
I'm sure you've seen these boxes located along the different trails at Notchview. Some of them are on the easier trails, like Circuit or Whitestone. Others are on more difficult trails. Whether you have young or new skiers that are more comfortable on the easier trails, or if you have advanced skiers who enjoy the challenge of the more difficult trails, there are orienteering boxes for you to find. Our first time out we sort just 'found' the two boxes on our trail, but the second time we consulted our trusty map and set out with several boxes in mind. What a great way to teach our kids some important map reading skills! Who knew that Nordic skiing could be educational too!
I hope that by now everyone has received a punch card for each of their children. Orienteering adds a different element to Nordic skiing.While my children and I were at Notchview on Monday after school we met up with two other Bill Koch families who were Orienteering too! So what exactly is Orienteering? Basically, it is an adventure that requires using a map to locate different 'control points' which are placed along different trails. Nordic Orienteering competitions combine the challenges of Nordic skiing, reading a map, and reaching the finish line first. In these competitions, the control points are often set in remote, off trail areas. The racers aren't required to stay on a particular course, but rather they take the risks involved with finding the many control points. While the Bill Koch skiers aren't racing to punch each box on their card and cross a finish line, the challenge of finding the boxes is still alot of fun.
This red and white box is the International Orienteering symbol...
I'm sure you've seen these boxes located along the different trails at Notchview. Some of them are on the easier trails, like Circuit or Whitestone. Others are on more difficult trails. Whether you have young or new skiers that are more comfortable on the easier trails, or if you have advanced skiers who enjoy the challenge of the more difficult trails, there are orienteering boxes for you to find. Our first time out we sort just 'found' the two boxes on our trail, but the second time we consulted our trusty map and set out with several boxes in mind. What a great way to teach our kids some important map reading skills! Who knew that Nordic skiing could be educational too!
Here's Becky punching her card at one of the boxes on Circuit Trail...
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)