Adirondack Sports January 2024

RUNNING & WALKING
JANUARY 2024 11
◀ SMILING FACES AND DION SNOWSHOES
AT THE GORE MOUNTAIN SNOWSHOE RACE
IN NORTH CREEK. JAMIE HOWARD
▼ GURNEY LANE 5K SNOWSHOE RACING ACTION
IN QUEENSBURY, JANUARY 2023. BRIAN TEAGUE
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.
See RUNNING & WALKING 13 ▶