Nicolet College Outdoor Adventure program kicks off winter session
Star Journal
Nicolet College’s Outdoor Adventure program is featuring a new round of classes and experiences designed for anyone interested in learning new outdoor skills and gaining a better ecological understanding of the natural winter landscape.
“Winter is a great time of year for all kinds of outdoor activities,” said Terry Rutlin, Nicolet College Outdoor Adventure coordinator. “We want to open the door as wide as possible for people to embrace the season, try out new and different adventures, and really enjoy all the great things winter has to offer.”
Classes include fat biking, downhill skiing and racing, cross country skiing, and ecological snowshoe hikes in noteworthy natural areas.
Introduction to Fat Biking: 1-3 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 13, Minocqua Zipline Trails. Learned to cycle on groomed snow trails. Cost is $25 or $80 with bike rental.
Fat Biking the Seeley Hills: 11 a.m.-2 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 3. Seeley Hills is the most technical trail being groomed by the Chequamegon Area Mountain Bike Association, featuring numerous hills and some off-camber sections. Cost is $35 or $80 with bike rental.
Alpine Ski Racing: 10 a.m.-2 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 13, Big Powderhorn Mt. Resort in Bessemer, Mich. Expand ydownhill skiing skills and enjoyment on the slopes with this class designed to teach beginning racers the basics of this exciting sport and take experienced racers to the next level. Cost $100, includes instruction, lift ticket, NASTAR race fee; $125 with ski rental.
Introduction to Downhill Skiing: 11 a.m.-3 p.m., on three Sundays, Jan. 6, Feb. 3, and March 3, at Big Powderhorn Mt. Resort in Bessemer, Mich. Expert instructors will teach the skills to make turns, control speed, and how to stop. Once accomplished, skiers will progress to the chairlift to hone these skills on beginning green runs. Students can sign up for one class or all three to refine technique. Cost is $60 per class, which includes instruction and lift ticket; $75 with ski rental.
Beginning Cross Country Skiing: 9 a.m.-noon, two sessions on consecutive Fridays, Jan. 11 and 18 at Minocqua Winter Park. Designed for first-time skiers; those new to the sport will get much more enjoyment and fun out of this lifetime activity knowing the basic skills to travel cross country on skis over groomed trails. Cost $50 total for both sessions.
Intermediate Cross Country Skiing: 9 a.m.-noon, five Thursdays, Jan. 10 to Feb. 14 (no class Jan. 31) at Minocqua Winter Park. Designed for students with previous skiing experience, the emphasis will be to improve and refine classic Nordic technique on trail outings led by the instructor. Cost $85 total for all sessions.
Beginning Cross County Skate Skiing: 6:30-8:30 p.m., two sessions on Thursdays, Feb. 14 and 21 at Minocqua Winter Park. It’s almost impossible to learn skate techniques without lessons. This course is a must for beginners wanting to learn “out of the track” techniques. Cost $50 total for both sessions.
Intermediate/Advanced Cross Country Skate Skiing: 6:30-8 p.m., two sessions on Mondays, Feb. 4 and 11, Minocqua Winter Park. For those with previous skating experience, refine rhythm, flow and energy efficiency while improving the V-1, V-2, and V-2 alternate skate techniques. Cost $40 total for both sessions.
Winter Ecology Snowshoe Hike and Lunch: 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Friday Jan. 18, MECCA Snowshoe Trail in Mercer. Join noted naturalists John Bates and Mary Burns on this easy-going 1.4-mile snowshoe hike to learn about the natural world in winter. After the hike, homemade soup and bread will be provided at the MECCA Ski Cabin. Cost $40.
Winter Ecology Snowshoe Hike and Lunch: 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m., Friday, Feb. 1, Minocqua Winter Park. Learn the unique stories of species that winter in the Northwoods on this 2.5-mile snowshoe hike that will also feature stops at the trailside Tea House and also at the Chalet, where participants can purchase lunch or bring their own to enjoy. Cost $35. Winter Park snowshoe pass is an additional $7 and $6 for seniors.
For more information, and to register for classes online, visit nicoletoa.tix.com or call the college at 715-365-4544.
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