This morning, seeing the snow pack in the woods and wishing for new powder, I was reminded of the many hours I’ve spent skiing on the Tug Hill Plateau.  There are times when I wish, for skiing purposes, that I had moved from Vermont back to upstate New York. While they have not had their usual dumping of snow yet, there'll be a lot before long from Lake Ontario, the generator of the Tug Hill snow.

The snow-making prowess of Tug Hill is well-known to XC skiers, snowmobilers, drivers who run the gauntlet on I-81 from Syracuse to Watertown, and of course, to the hardy souls who live there.  All it takes is a westerly wind, an unfrozen Lake Ontario, and the gentle uplift of the plateau and prodigious dumps of snow are possible.  For example, several years ago, the National Weather Service reported that the Town of Parish had received 100 inches (more than 2.5 meters) of snow over a seven day span, while the village of Redfield received 141 inches (more than 3.5 meter) of snow over a ten day span.  It’s not uncommon to be skiing or driving under blue skies and suddenly run into a whiteout.
Much of the land on Tug Hill is public forest.  Local volunteer groups, funds permitting, groom and set tracks but many of the trails are multi-use. I broke into XC ski racing here, several decades ago, at an event called the “Try-It”, which aptly describes the “come on up and try the snow” atmosphere of Tug Hill skiing and ski racing.  This years freestyle race is January 16, 2010.  The premier ski race each year is the Winona Forest Tourathon, a true citizens race using traditional technique.  This year's event, in 12.5k, 25k, & 37.5k lengths, is scheduled for March 6th. (Registration is limited to 175 skiers for safety so register early.)  The terrain at Tug Hill is relatively easy with no hair-raising vertical drops.  And you’ll always find snow -- lots of it.  (Note:  One option for groomed trails and good skiing is the Osceola Tug Hill Ski Center.)

Accommodations are rather limited but there are several lodges and motels.  Salmon fishing is also popular so they may be filled with salmon anglers.  Watertown and Syracuse have many options and relatively close by.  

Like most skiing done away from ski centers, you never quite know what you’ll find for  trail grooming or track setting (it’s all volunteer) until you get there.  It’s smart to bring several pairs of skis, if you skate and ski traditional, and not worry that the the trails are not manicured.  You very well may meet snowmobilers on the wide trails, or get passed, as I have, by teams of sled dogs training for their upcoming races.  What you will find at Tug Hill is solitude, interesting but gentle terrain for skiing, and lots of snow.  Why not Try-It?

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You can now register for the 2010 Craftsbury Marathon -- one of the East's premier nordic races, which will be held January 25th, 2010.  With 50k or 25k options, you can either race it or tour it -- and experience some wonderful trails, breath-taking views, and down-home Vermont hospitality.  From their website:

"The 50k or 25k race offers competitors a mass start, timed challenge over a 25k loop course. This year, racers will be grouped in waves according to gender, race category and age group to allow for a less congested start to the racing. Feed stations every 4 to 7 kilometers dot the well-groomed route. After the finish, all participants are treated to a hearty post race meal and awards. The top racer in each 5 year class is awarded a locally handcrafted pottery bowl. Special pins will be awarded to second and third places. 2010 offers interested competitors the opportunity to compete in several events leading up to the marathon - including the Craftsbury Dash for Cash, a 200m sprint competition to determine the winner of a $1000 purse!...

Like to enjoy the scenery with a little less blur? Or perhaps wanting to share the event with your children? The Tour offers participants the opportunity to enjoy the same beautiful vistas and high quality groomed tracks as the speedy crowd in a lower stress environment. No timing also means that you also have time to sample items from local restaurants and delis. Highland Lodge's David and Willie Smith have been hosts for a start line breakfast banquet of fresh juice, coffee, bagels and a variety of delicious home made muffins from 7:00 AM until the start..."

This is one of my favorite locations to cross-country ski and the new non-profit owners have set very reasonable prices.  They get early snow, the grooming is top-notch, and the terrain is very skiable.  

For racers, an added attraction this year is that the marathon, and an earlier mid-week 10k, are national Masters championship events.

photo from Craftsbury website

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