Ski for free

by Susan Mikula Campbell
Niagara Wheatfield Tribune, January 21, 2010

Shown are Cambria residents Roger and Cheryl Taylor, who attended the Town
of Niagara’s first special ski for free event last January. (photo by Sue Campbell)

“Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!” is the song being sung at Town of Niagara Town Hall this week as preparations are under way for the second annual ski for free event on Sunday, Jan. 24.

The town opened a cross country ski trail last winter in Veterans Park at 7000 Lockport Road (across from Town Hall). Use of the groomed trail is free for all cross country ski enthusiasts who have their own equipment, whenever there’s snow.

However, this Sunday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., the town has teamed up with the Snowflake Ski Shop of Lockport for the second year in a row to offer free use of cross country skis and equipment demonstrations, plus hot chocolate and coffee and a chance to warm up by fireplace in the Calvin Richards Senior Center.

“We’re going to try to make it an annual event where one day a year we introduce people to cross country skiing. It’s a great winter sport, and we have beautiful groomed trails at our park,” said Deputy Supervisor Robert Herman, himself a cross country skier. “We are going to allow people to try skis out free of charge so they can see if they want to get more involved in it.”

The Snowflake Ski Shop, which donated the rental skis for the event, will do a winter activity sports product demonstration at noon.

The event is open to all ages, and Herman is planning to have experienced cross country skiers on hand to help novices.

The only problem is that while the first part of January was frigid and snow-filled, recent days have brought some above-freezing temperatures.

“I think there’s enough base that even if it stays pretty warm, snow should still be there,” Herman said.

As of Wednesday, the park was still snow-covered, especially in areas where the trail passes through the woods, he said.

If by chance the weather doesn’t cooperate and the event does have to be cancelled on Sunday, Herman promised to have an announcement on the electronic sign at the entrance to the park. However, he’s hoping the day will be delightful – “Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow!”