It’s Snow fun in Massena

It’s funny how our minds latch on to certain memories and forget others. I can still tell you that my high school hall locker combination was 8-18-24, yet I couldn’t tell you what my locker number was or even what wing it was in. As the snow continues to fall on the North Country I can’t help but conjure up memories of winters in my past. Most of it was filled with hockey all over the North Country and Canada. Yet there is a place in my mind that brings me back to the outdoors. I remember being very young and getting a pair of cross country skis for Christmas. I couldn’t tell you my age but I remember skiing down the snow banks and through the backyard of our home. I can see myself warming up by the wood stove at the Rod and Gun Club after skiing the trails that they had there at one time. Visions of the old nature center sipping hot chocolate near their fireplace remain embedded in my mind. Trips to Lake Placid and Keene with my family to enjoy the Olympic trails at Mount Van Hoevenberg and the Cascade Ski Center (now the Cascade Welcome Center operated by the ADK Club) still rattle around in there. And I can not forget the trips to Paul Smith's to enjoy the VIC on a bright sunny winter day. How can I forget walking into Klein’s Sporting Goods and looking at all the new makes and models of skies on the rack? I can still see my new set of Rossignol skis hiding behind the Christmas tree at some point of my teenage years. Yes, the time spent with my family on the trails will always be tucked away in my mind. Yesterday for some reason the memories all came racing back to me. I felt the itch to get on a pair of skis again after many years. So I decided to hop into my snow pants and head out to the Nicandri Nature Center for some snow fun in Massena.

The parking lot wasn’t quite full when I pulled in but it was getting close. Any time it hits the mid 20’s on a Saturday morning you can expect the place to be busy. A warm friendly “welcome to the nature center” was offered as I walked through the door. After a quick chat with the wonderful folks at the desk I headed over to the ski and snowshoe room. I signed out a pair of boots, poles, and skis and headed outside.

A knowledgeable staff member selected a pair of skis just the right size for me. She then made sure my skis were waxed properly and I understood how the binding worked. She also offered me a quick tutorial on the trail system before I took off. I slowly started gliding across the snow getting a feel for my equipment. Children’s laughter could be heard through the woods as I worked my way onto one of the trails. I watched a mom and her three kids attempt to stay together as one of them lost their hat while the youngest one took off like a rocket. I had to giggle to myself watching this all unfold in front of me. It wasn’t all that long ago I was doing the same thing with my two boys. As much of a hassle it was at the time, I already miss some of those moments.

I decided to work my way over to a little quieter spot on the trails that don’t usually see as many people. Alone on the trail I settled into the rhythm of skiing. The trails were in great shape and the 27 degree temperature made it a joy to gently sail across the snow covered forest floor. The trail over to the pines greeted me with a great little downhill section followed by a pretty steep incline.

The skills I had years ago quickly came back to me. The tall snow covered pines made for an epic cross country skiing backdrop. I felt like I was far into the backcountry yet was only about a half mile from the center.

Coming out of the pines I decided to take the trail that follows the river. With the leaves off the trees the unobstructed view of the snow covered waterway was beautiful.

A hint of wood smoke periodically filled the air as I inched my way closer to the Nature Center. I could picture the fireplace crackling away inside as people gathered around to warm their fingers and toes. As I came to a clearing I could hear voices coming from ahead. Two friends of mine were on the same trail as I. They too had wanted to take advantage of the beautiful winter day in the woods. After a short chat we parted ways heading in different directions. With the Nature Center coming into view I decided to call it a day.

An hour and a half on the trails was all I needed to get a little exercise and relive some of the moments from my past. It was a perfect way to enjoy this Northern NY Adventure.

About this Location:

The Nicandri Nature Center sits on Barnhart Island in Massena New York. The nature center is home to roughly six miles of epic trails that are groomed to perfection.

If you don’t have cross country skis or snowshoes, don’t worry as they would be glad to loan you some. They have the ability to outfit up to 60 cross country skiers and it looked to me that they had close to 100 pairs of snow shoes. For the real little ones in your life they also have enclosed sleds that you can take with you on your journey.

Did I mention the cost???? It’s free, FREE! Just walk in, sign the waiver and you can be on your way. If you have never been skiing before, no problem. The friendly staff will give you a quick lesson before you head out on the trails. I would also recommend checking out their Facebook page as they offer different levels of lessons throughout the season. The trails are well marked with trail markers as well as maps at every trail intersection.

If you feel like you need a break while out on your adventure you can take a rest on one of their many benches that they have set up in the perfect locations to enjoy the view while you catch your breath. Along the way you can also learn about the local environment and the animals that call it home since they have beautiful informational signs up along the trails.

If you get cold, head inside and warm up next to their beautiful fireplace. There is plenty of seating to feel the warmth and look out the huge picture windows. Just outside the windows they have several bird feeders that always seem to be full of all sorts of birds.

Once and a while you will be able to watch one of the deer as they try to scavenge some of the bird food on the ground. They also have a big fire pit and benches to enjoy a perfect day outdoors.

If you have never been cross country skiing and want to give it a try I highly recommend checking this place out. From free equipment, to excellent trails and staff, your first experience will have you hooked and wanting to go back again. Don’t forget all the interactive exhibits they have indoors. You will be amazed with everything they have to offer.

I have to say that the staff there does an outstanding job getting everyone everything they need and out the door very quickly. Everytime I go there they always make me feel like family, not just another person looking to borrow some equipment. If you are looking for a place to get away or a place to bring your family look no further than the Nicandri Nature Center. It is truly a wonderful Northern NY Adventure.

Aaron Hardy

Northern NY Adventures

“Make Life an Adventure”