As an avid cross country skier, I could not be more thrilled with the weather that we’ve been having so far this December. After years of short seasons and lack of snow, it is thrilling to have had several winter storms already this year, resulting in a (while not record breaking) good layer of snow. This is great news for our winter-dependent plants, animals, and ecosystems all the way around (anyone looking forwar to possibly having a drought-free spring?), but it’s also great for those of us who like to get out on the trails! Whether you’re a snowshoer, hiker, or skier like myself, this blanket of snow is an absolute dream.
Cold temperatures don’t stop us – middle school field trip participants got on skis for the FIRST TIME EVER and enjoyed a lap around the frosty prairie.
Photo by Stephanie Rathsack,
Ney Programs Coordinator
Makin’ tracks! Even before grooming was 100% set, I couldn’t help myself, I just had to go out on the trails, even if that meant making some of my own tracks. I was in good company though, there were quite a few animal tracks already out there!
Photo by Stephanie Rathsack,
Ney Programs Coordinator
A cold (but sunny) December morning
Though I love the snow, I do struggle a bit with the shorter daylight that comes for most of the winter months. It’s harder to wake up in the morning, it’s tempting to go to bed earlier and earlier each night, and there just never seems to be enough hours in the day to get done what you need. And so when the sun DOES come out, I enjoy it immensely! (Even if it comes at the price of frigid temperatures!)
Photo by Stephanie Rathsack,
Ney Programs Coordinator
Long winter nights can be cozy or adventurous
One of my favorite times of the day to ski is, ironically, not during the day at all. I enjoy a good nighttime ski (just as much as I enjoy a cozy night indoors with hot chocolate).
While I personally love to ski at night, taking advantage of the quiet, the solitude, and the lack of need for sunglasses, I do recomend that first-time or beginner skiers practice in the daytime, and with a group of friends, before attempting a nocturnal adventure. Also, keep in mind — Ney does NOT light trails. If it’s going to truly be dark outside, plan to bring your own light source.
In short, it’s been a great winter! And we’re looking forward to a lot more winter to come. We are currently renting a variety of winter equipment (skis, snowshoes, and kicksleds) and encourage Ney visitors to consider checking them out, it’s a great way to experience the park. More information on equipment rentals and the winter trails can be found here.
While this is not personally my first winter skiing, it is my first winter skiing AT Ney Nature Center, which has been great! I am the newest staff member here at Ney, and am coming up on a big milestone too – my 6-month anniversary! Come December 30th, I’ll have been at Ney for a total of 6 months, which, though it might not seem like a long time, is very exciting for me and I’ve already acrued some favorite memories and some highlight moments from the end of summer through now. Of course I can’t pick just one to share with you, plus I’m a great lover of photography too, so here is a collection of some of my favorite memories of the last six months out at Ney!
Photos by Stephanie Rathsack, Ney Programs Coordinator
Widllife near the famous frog pond
We Are Water field trips
Programs in all types of weather
Spectacular sunset wagon ride
Apple harvests at the homestead
Monarch butterfly tagging
Nighttime skiing under the stars
Engaging and unique activities
It has been a wonderful last six-months, and I am looking forward to the next six!
But for now, you can catch me out on the ski trails!
