February 2019

Will there be snow?

It seems too good to be true – a NordicFest with snow! In decades past, the only X factor with Western New York weather was how many feet of snow would fall. The last several years, however, snow has been less than a certainty. It’s looking like it could happen for this year’s celebration of winter at Cumming Nature Center. Saturday and Sunday, February 16th and 17th, from 9 am to 3 pm, an extravaganza of snow sport will take over the nature center in Naples, New York.

A Scandinavian Saturday (and Sunday)

All weekend long, the fun will include hiking, crafts, activities for the kids (like snow-fort building), a raffle, and hot food. To round out the Nordic experience, the Sons of Norway Lodge and the Scandinavian Heritage Society will be on hand to share insights into Scandinavian culture. Weather permitting, the whole family can hit the trails on XC skis or snowshoes, and gear rentals will be available.

Saturday will be jam-packed with additional activities, including SnOlympics from 1 to 3 pm, featuring ski-pole slacklining, people-powered dog sledding, and other team-oriented events. Cross-Country Ski Lessons will be available for a fee, and the Genesee Valley Nordic Ski Patrol will be serving up chili and baked goods from 11 am to 2:30 pm. Also exclusive to Saturday will be the LL Bean snowshoe hike at 1 pm and an 11 am winter tracking hike — a 90-minute guided exploration of animal activity in the winter woods.

NordicFest is free for members of the Rochester Museum and Science Center, and there’s a suggested donation of $10 per family or $3 per person. Proceeds from the event benefit the Genesee Valley Nordic Ski Patrol.