New York
Choose Your Pace: Cross-Country Skiing the Adirondacks
Program No. 23189RJ
Learn about the winter wonderland of the Adirondacks as you explore by snowshoe or cross-country ski! Choose from different activities each day with expert instructors.
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Itinerary
While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date.
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While we make every effort to ensure the accuracy of our published materials, programs are typically advertised more than a year prior to their start date. As a result, some program activities, schedules, accommodations, personnel, and other logistics occasionally change due to local conditions or circumstances. Should a major change occur, we will make every effort to alert you. For less significant changes, we will update you during orientation. Thank you for your understanding.
Duration
6 days
5 nights
What's Included
14 meals (
5B, 4L, 5D
)
2 expert-led lectures
8 expert-led field trips
1 performance
An experienced Group Leader
5 nights of accommodations
Taxes and customary gratuity
Road Scholar Assurance Plan
Day
1
Check-in, Registration, Welcome Dinner, Orientation
Location:
North River, NY
Meals:
D
Stay:
Garnet Hill Lodge
Activity Note
Shuttle from Albany Airport will be leaving at 2:00 p.m. at the latest; driving about 88 miles, approximately 1.5 hours riding time. If you plan on taking the shuttle, please complete and return the shuttle information form that can be found in the information packet. Upon receipt of the form, a Road Scholar representative will reach out to you confirming your pickup location and shuttle time.
Afternoon:
Program Registration: Registration will be completed with the hotel front desk staff, and you will receive any materials that reflect new changes, other important information, and confirmation of the location of the Orientation session. Orientation will take place at 5:30 P.M. The Group Leader will greet everyone and lead introductions. We will review the up-to-date program schedule, discuss roles and responsibilities, logistics, safety guidelines, emergency procedures, and answer questions. Program does not include ski rentals. Skis can be rented for the duration of the program from Garnet Hill Lodge upon arrival. Skis only (includes skis, poles, boots): $70 Snowshoes only (includes snowshoes, poles, boots): $50 Skis and snowshoes (includes skis, snowshoes, poles, boots): $100 Program activities, schedules, personnel, and indicated distances or times may change due to local circumstances/conditions. In the event of changes, we will alert you as quickly as possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Dinner:
At 5:00 p.m., we will enjoy a special welcome reception at Garnet Hill’s Log House Restaurant. Guests will meet the Group Leader and mingle with fellow Road Scholars, while enjoying hors d’oeuvres and refreshments. At 6:00 p.m., dinner will be served.
Evening:
Immediately following dinner, our Group Leader will review Monday’s activities in detail, giving you an opportunity to sign up for your track choice. We will then be given the opportunity to introduce ourselves and enjoy time visiting by the grand fireplace in the main lodge. Continue getting to know your fellow Road Scholars, settle in, and get a good night’s rest for the day ahead.
Day
2
Winter Sports at Garnet Hill
Location:
North River, NY
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Garnet Hill Lodge
Activity Note
All groups will spend the day cross country skiing or snowshoeing on Garnet Hill trails. Participants may choose from three ski groups (Tracks 1 - 3) and a snowshoe group (Track 4).
Breakfast:
At Garnet Hill Lodge’s Log House Restaurant.
Morning:
After breakfast, we will meet at the Outdoor Center. Garnet Hill will run shuttles to the Outdoor Center at 8:45 a.m. From 9:00-10:00 a.m., we will be fitting participants with equipment. Throughout each coming day, all groups will spend the day cross country skiing or snowshoeing on Garnet Hill trails. Participants may choose from three ski groups (Tracks 1 - 3) and a snowshoe group (Track 4). Track 1 - Easy Ski Group is designed for beginner cross country skiers or those who have limited ski experience and will focus during the week on mastering the basic skills. Participants in Track 1 will spend much of the week mastering those skills and will venture out on easy trails based on the progress of the participants. Track 2 - Intermediate Ski Group is designed for those with some cross country ski experience but who may not have skied much (or recently) and who want some instruction to brush up on or improve their skills. During the week instructors will help participants in Track 2 build on their skills and will venture out on the trails with participants, selecting the trails based on the ability of participants and the ski conditions. Track 3 - Advanced Ski Group is designed for those who have have mastered the basic cross country ski techniques (snowplow stop, turn, kick and glide) and are able to ski up and down moderate hills. During the week instructors will help participants in Track 3 build on their skills but the focus will be on skiing a variety of terrain on both groomed trails and conditions permitting, back country trails. Track 1 - Easy Ski: Lesson with instructor. Track 2 - Intermediate Ski: Lesson with instructor. Track 3 - Advanced Ski: Evaluation of participants skill levels followed by Ski with instructor on Garnet Hill’s groomed trails. Track 4 - Snowshoe: Trek on Hooper Loop where we will see the Old Hooper Garnet Mine and William Blake Pond returning to the Outdoor Center
Lunch:
Each participant will be able to make their own lunch from a delicious and varied picnic lunch spread laid out during breakfast. Participants will pack up their lunch. Unless otherwise noted, lunch will be had by Road Scholars at our Outdoor Center.
Afternoon:
After lunch, participants will continue with their chosen track. Track 1 - Easy Ski: Continue Lesson 1. Track 2 - Intermediate Ski: Further instruction and/or a ski with the instructor on Garnet Hill’s groomed trails based on group ability. Track 3 - Advanced Ski: Ski a more challenging route on Garnet Hill’s groomed trails. Track 4 - Snowshoe: A short trek on Garnet Hill’s snowshoe trails for those who still want more exercise! Alternate Afternoon Activity: Visit the local North Creek Depot Museum.
Dinner:
At Garnet Hill Lodge.
Evening:
After dinner, at the lodge, we’ll enjoy a lecture on a topic that will give participants a greater understanding of the Adirondack region.
Day
3
Winter Sports at Garnet Hill
Location:
North River, NY
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Garnet Hill Lodge
Activity Note
All groups will spend the day cross country skiing or snowshoeing on Garnet Hill trails. Participants may choose from three ski groups (Tracks 1 - 3) and a snowshoe group (Track 4).
Breakfast:
At Garnet Hill Lodge's Log House Restaurant.
Morning:
We will meet at the Outdoor Center at 9:00 a.m. Garnet Hill will run shuttles to the outdoor center at 8:45 a.m. Track 1: Easy Ski - Lesson 2. Track 2 - Intermediate Ski: Lesson 2. Track 3 - Advanced Ski: The instructor will select a route to ski on groomed trails based on trail conditions and the ability of the group. Track 4 - Snowshoe: Trek to the Sugar House and Apple Farm taking lunch at the Sugar House and return from Apple Farm by van.
Lunch:
Picnic lunch packed during breakfast.
Afternoon:
After lunch, participants will continue with their chosen track. Track 1 - Easy Ski: Continue Lesson 1. Track 2 - Intermediate Ski: Further instruction and/or a ski with the instructor on Garnet Hill’s groomed trails based on group ability. Track 3 - Advanced Ski: The instructor will select a route to ski on groomed trails based on trail conditions and the ability of the group. Track 4 - Snowshoe: Continue the Sugar House and Apple Farm trek returning from Apple Farm by van. Alternate Afternoon Activity: “Winter Survival” Lesson. Learn to build fires and shelters, and develop your overall wilderness survival skills. At 5:30 P.M., join us for the early evening meeting during which we will hear about and sign up for activities for the day ahead.
Dinner:
At Garnet Hill Lodge.
Evening:
We’ll join the Group Leader on an evening snowshoe outing. With very little light pollution, Garnet Hill is the perfect place for stargazing. Guests are always welcome to relax by the fire or take advantage of the games room, and our cozy pub is open to all guests and patrons.
Day
4
Winter Sports at Garnet Hill
Location:
North River, NY
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Garnet Hill Lodge
Activity Note
All groups will spend the day cross country skiing or snowshoeing on Garnet Hill trails. Participants may choose from three ski groups (Tracks 1 - 3) and a snowshoe group (Track 4).
Breakfast:
At Garnet Hill Lodge’s Log House Restaurant.
Morning:
We will meet at the Outdoor Center at 9:00 a.m. Garnet Hill will run shuttles to the outdoor center at 8:45 a.m. Track 1: Easy Ski - Lesson 3. Track 2 - Intermediate Ski: Lesson 3. Track 3 - Advanced Ski: The instructor will select a route to ski on groomed or back country trails based on trail conditions and the ability of the group. Track 4 - Snowshoe: Take a van to Watch Hill where we will trek to a vantage point with wonderful views of Snowy Mountain and Indian Lake.
Lunch:
Picnic lunch packed during breakfast.
Afternoon:
After lunch, participants will continue with their chosen track. Track 1 - Easy Ski: Further instruction and/or a ski with the instructor on Garnet Hill’s easy groomed trails based on group ability. Track 2 - Intermediate Ski: Ski with the instructor on Garnet Hill’s groomed trails based on group ability. Track 3 - Advanced Ski: The instructor will select a route to ski on groomed trails based on trail conditions and the ability of the group. Track 4 - Snowshoe: Continue the Watch Hill trek returning to the Lodge by van. Alternate Afternoon Activity: Yoga. At 5:30 P.M., join us for the early evening meeting during which we will hear about and sign up for activities for the day ahead.
Dinner:
At Garnet Hill Lodge.
Evening:
At the lodge, we’ll enjoy a lecture on a topic that will give participants a greater understanding of the Adirondack region.
Day
5
Winter Sports at Garnet Hill
Location:
North River, NY
Meals:
B,L,D
Stay:
Garnet Hill Lodge
Activity Note
All groups will spend the day cross country skiing or snowshoeing on Garnet Hill trails. Participants may choose from three ski groups (Tracks 1 - 3) and a snowshoe group (Track 4).
Breakfast:
At Garnet Hill Lodge’s Log House Restaurant.
Morning:
We will meet at the Outdoor Center at 9:00 a.m. Garnet Hill will run shuttles to the outdoor center at 8:45 a.m. Track 1: Easy Ski - Lesson 4. Track 2 - Intermediate Ski: Lesson 4. Track 3 - Advanced Ski: The instructor will select a route to ski on groomed or back country trails based on trail conditions and the ability of the group. Track 4 - Snowshoe: Trek to Elizabeth Point on 13th Lake.
Lunch:
Picnic lunch packed during breakfast.
Afternoon:
After lunch, participants will continue with their chosen track. Track 1 - Easy Ski: Further instruction and/or a ski with the instructor on Garnet Hill’s easy groomed trails based on group ability. Track 2 - Intermediate Ski: Ski with the instructor on Garnet Hill’s groomed trails based on group ability. Track 3 - Advanced Ski: The instructor will select a route to ski on groomed trails based on trail conditions and the ability of the group. Track 4 - Snowshoe: A short trek on Garnet Hill’s snowshoe trails. Alternate Afternoon Activity: Yoga. At 5:30 P.M., join us for the early evening meeting during which we will hear about and sign up for activities for the day ahead.
Dinner:
At Garnet Hill Lodge. Share favorite experiences and enjoy camaraderie with new Road Scholar friends during our farewell dinner.
Evening:
At the lodge, we’ll enjoy live music from local singer/guitarist, Dave Hyde, relax with new friends, and celebrate the end of a great week! Prepare for check-out and departure in the morning.
Day
6
Program Concludes
Location:
North River, NY
Meals:
B
Activity Note
Shuttle will be departing the Lodge to Albany Airport in the morning, based on flight schedule. Please do not book flights until after 12:00 Noon. Hotel check-out by 12:00 Noon.
Breakfast:
At the Log House Restaurant. This concludes our program.
Morning:
If you are returning home, safe travels. If you are staying on independently, have a wonderful time. If you are transferring to another Road Scholar program, detailed instructions are included in your Information Packet for that program. For those enrolled to take the shuttle back to Albany Airport, the return shuttle will be based around your flight schedules and departure time will be sent to you prior to your program. If you are taking the shuttle, please do not book flights until after 12:00 Noon. Your information packet will include a form to fill out and send to Road Scholar regarding your flight information. It is very important to fill out this form. We hope you enjoy Road Scholar learning adventures and look forward to having you on another rewarding program in the future. Don’t forget to join our Facebook page and follow us on Instagram. Best wishes for all your journeys!
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