Hardwick, News

Thirty Skiers Attend First Nordic Ski Lessons of the Season

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Participants are outfitted with skis, poles and boots before the ski lessons sponsored by the Hardwick Trails Committee

by Helen Beattie, Community Journalist

HARDWICK – Thirty enthusiastic Hardwick area participants of all ages, individuals and families, streamed into the log cabin behind Hazen Union on Saturday morning and were outfitted in mostly new Nordic ski equipment. They were receiving their first ski lesson of the year, and for many, the first lesson in their lives.

The family-friendly beginner lessons were led by Emily Willems and Maxfield English, both teachers at Hazen Union and lifelong cross country skiing enthusiasts. Participants split into two groups depending on their experience with Nordic skiing. Instruction in both classic skiing (beginning at 9:15) and skate skiing (10:15) were offered.

Many participants decided to extend their equipment loan until Sunday afternoon, so that they could return to the trails and practice their new skills over the weekend, perhaps even venturing into the 10K of groomed wooded trails maintained by the Hardwick Trails volunteer crew.

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Emily Willems introduced classic skiing basics at the first ski lessons of the season.

The Hardwick Trails Committee will offer the same loan and lesson opportunity throughout the winter season, as long as weather permits (check the Hardwick Trails facebook page or web, hardwicktrails.com, for potential cancellation information). Their goal is to encourage full use of the extensive ski inventory, allowing as many residents as possible to experience this winter sport, and the beauty of the trails.

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