During December, the Rochester area experienced record-high temperatures as the usually cold, hard winter weather was temporarily replaced by a late warm spell that saw virtually no snow accumulation and temperatures as high as 69 degrees. This unusual weather had most residents rejoicing over winter’s delayed arrival, but not everyone was pleased with the unseasonably warm temperatures
Photo Courtesy of Bristol Mountain Ski
Outdoor Fun
Rochester is home to thousands of winter sports enthusiasts, folks like Matt Bellizzi, Drew Broderick, and Melissa Marszalek who would prefer to spend their time outdoors skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, cross country skiing or engaging in other snow-dependent winter-time hobbies.
Despite the recent sun and warmer weather, winter’s snowy, cold grip is not far away, which makes the segment of the area’s population that embraces the winter wonderland excited to get out and enjoy their favorite winter sports. Many area families take to the slopes seeking the high-speed thrills associated with Alpine (downhill) skiing, where individuals can whoosh down the beautiful mountainside at speeds of up to 15 to 20 miles per hour.
For those winter enthusiasts seeking a place to ski, there are plenty of options within a short drive from Rochester, and all of them offer beginner programs with novice hills, ski and snowboard rentals and fresh powder, snow perfect for downhill skiing, snowboarding, tubing and cross country skiing.
“We live in New York State, one of the top 4-5 states for snowfall and winter fun, so we can choose to be cooped up inside, or we can embrace the great outdoors and take advantage of the great winter fun,” says Broderick, director of sales and marketing for Bristol Mountain. “We have something for everyone when it comes to winter fun. Downhill skiing, Nordic (cross country) skiing, snowboarding, and we recently opened a zip line canopy tour attraction. New York winters can be long, but snow sports give families an opportunity to enjoy a fun, healthy, active routine.”
For those heading out to the slopes, experts at the Brantling Ski and Snowboard Center in Sodus recommend wearing layers because you can adjust your clothing as the weather changes. According to the center’s website, “A non-cotton base layer, followed by a fleece mid-layer and finally a water resistant outer layer should do the trick on most days. Wearing layers keeps you warmer because it lets you adjust your clothing if the temperature changes as the day goes on. One pair of wool socks is all you need so skip a second pair. It is best to avoid cotton socks, wool works best. And don’t forget a hat and gloves — two pairs are recommended.”
For those outdoor adventure seekers looking for a slower, but just as scenic pursuit, there is Nordic (cross country) skiing, where participants can glide across beautiful snowy surfaces at their own leisure. “Cross country skiing is one of the best ways to get outside and embrace winter in the Rochester area,” says Matt Bellizzi, the head coach of the Rochester Cross Country Ski Foundation’s (RXCSF) Youth Skiing program. “It’s fun because, opposed to walking through the woods or snowshoeing, you’re gliding over the snow, zipping down hills and up the other side, feeling detached from the ground like you might on a good mountain biking trail in the summer.” A new children’s beginner cross country ski package costs about $175 for skis, binding, boots and poles, with an additional $50 needed for registration in the RXCSF youth program.
For families looking to introduce their children to a fun winter sport without a major financial commitment, the Genesee Country Village & Museum in Mumford offers affordable snow shoeing and cross country skiing packages. Open on weekends from 10 am through 5 pm during the months of January and February, the Nature Center at the museum rents snowshoes for $5 and cross country skis for $10, with an unlimited rental time to explore the 5.5 miles of trails along the facility.
“We try to encourage families to get out of the house,” says Melissa Marszalek, one of two naturalists who help families orientate themselves with the sport and the equipment before setting out for the day’s adventures. “A lot of people think winter is the time to be cooped up inside, but we try to get people to embrace winter and spend time outside getting good exercise. This is a great way for families to hang out and spend some quality family time.”
Getting Out & Getting Started
At Bristol, it is estimated that roughly 5,000 to 6,000 youths between the ages of 3 to 18 take classes during a given year. For families who are interested in learning to ski or snowboard, January is the National Learn to Ski and Snowboard Month, with many area facilities offering incentives and deals to encourage families to participate in wintertime activities.
Each of the areas resorts — Brantling, Bristol, and Swain — is family-friendly and offers season packages and lessons for children and parents of all ages and abilities
In Brantling’s youth program, children ages 3 and up learn the proper techniques, fundamentals and the importance of safety in skiing and snowboarding from certified instructors. Brantling offers various packages for skiers of all ages. The junior rate (for those ages 12 and under) is $45 for an all-area lift ticket, rental equipment, a one-hour group lesson, and unlimited skiing that day/evening. Family plans are available.
Bristol features a children’s learning center for both skiing and snowboarding with programs designed to hook children between the ages of 4 and 12 on their favorite snow sport. This year, Bristol is having its Intense Milk Family Fun Nights on Saturdays and Sundays. For families who bring in a cap from a bottle of Intense Milk, a family of three can ski or snowboard from 4-10pm for $75, with half-price rentals and a free one-hour beginner lesson. Bristol offers ski and snowboard packages starting at $99 that include an eight-hour lift ticket, eight-hour ski or snowboard rental, lessons, and lunch. New this year, Bristol is offering a VIP gold learn to ski camp, a four-day session for children ages 8 to 12. Participants receive five hours of instruction each day, and at the end of the camp, children receive a free pair of skis with bindings.
Swain features its First Turns program, where children can learn how to ski or snowboard through fun games and activities. During the month of January, parents can receive 20% off the cost of the First Turns program, (normally $49) which includes a beginner lift ticket, equipment rentals and a 90- minute lesson. This introductory program is geared toward children ages 8 and up. Through Swain’s Children’s Learning Center, parents can purchase lift tickets, rentals, and 90-minutes of instruction for $79. Swain also has its Gunny’s Gorge Tubing Park, a 750-foot park where participants can grab some air in their snow tubes.
When it comes to cross country skiing, there are two different types: classic skiing, and skate skiing. Classic skiing can be easier to pick up and focuses on exercise and enjoying the scenery. Skate skiing gives participants more of a rush as they push along the snowy path on a stiffer boot and a different set of skis. With its consistent strides, classic cross country skiing can be viewed as striding on snow, usually occurring along a set track of snow, while skate skiing is similar to rollerblading on snow.
Each winter, nearly 100 children between the ages of 3 and 14 participate in the Rochester Cross Country Ski Foundation’s Youth Skiing program, which is run by Bellizzi. As part of their instruction, these children learn the sport’s ins and outs while receiving age-appropriate instruction at one of five courses in town: Durand Eastman, Harriet Hollister Spencer State Recreation Area (located in Canadice), Mendon Ponds Park, Webster Park, and the Bristol Mountain Nordic Center.
Where to Go
- Bristol Mountain is located in Canandaigua along State Rte. 64. For more information, visit online at www.bristolmountain.com or call (585) 374-1160.
- The Brantling Ski and Snowboard Center is located in Sodus at 4015 Fish Farm Rd. For more information visit www.brantling.com. or call (315) 331-2365.
- Swain Resort is located at 2275 Main St. in nearby Swain. For more information visit www.swain.com or call (607) 545-6511.
- For more information about Rochester Cross Country Ski Foundation’s Youth Skiing programs, visit www.rxcsf.org
- For more information on Genesee Country Village & Museum Nature Center’s programs, or to enroll in a program, call (585) 294-8262 or visit www.gcv.org.
“Rochester has a lot of great places to cross country ski that are gorgeous in the winter. You can’t miss the eskers at Mendon Ponds, the lakeshore at Durand, the overlook from Harriet Hollister that lets you see Honeoye Lake and up to the city. This is a totally different beauty than in the summer,” Bellizzi says. “You can make your own trail in the snow in almost any open space. There’s a strong ski community here and on a snowy weekend day you can count on meeting plenty of others at the trailheads. You can find good company if you want it, but there’s plenty of woods to find space for yourself if that’s what you prefer.”
“Snowshoe trails vary from the short, introductory type that is perfect for beginners and families with small children through our two-mile long trail that is great for the more experienced,” says Marszalek, a resident of Caledonia. “Snowshoeing is a cabin fever reliever and cross country skiing is a good activity for beginners and families with children; both are great especially here in New York.” Marszalek estimates the center attracts between 400 and 1,000 outdoor sports enthusiasts each winter. In addition to snowshoeing, hiking along the trails of the Nature Center is free.
John Boccacino is a contributing writer to Rochester & Genesee Valley Parent Magazine.
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