NordicFest
*The event has already taken place on this date: Sun, 02/17/2019
Please help us keep this calendar up to date! If this activity is sold out, canceled, or otherwise needs alteration, email mindy@kidsoutandabout.com so we can update it immediately. If you have a question about the activity itself, please contact the organization administrator listed below.
9am–3pm
- Opt outdoors with Saturday’s 10k Snowshoe Race by Goose Adventure Racing or Sunday’s Ski Orienteering by Rochester Orienteering Club.
- Dig into locally sourced chili (vegetarian option available) and home-made baked goods for purchase from 11am–2:30pm to benefit the Genesee Valley Ski Patrol, the volunteer organization that patrols our ski trails to ensure the safety of our visitors.
- Learn about winter wear in presentations by representatives from L.L. Bean and The North Face, and explore Scandinavian culture with information from the Scandinavian Heritage Society and Sons of Norway Lodge
- Weather permitting, ski and snowshoe trails will be open with rentals available.
- Crafts, snow fort building and more for the kids!
Want to participate in a race?
Make sure to register in your race of choice before the event.
Goose Adventure Racing NordicFest 10K Snowshoe Race | Saturday, Feb. 16
The Nordicfest 10K Snowshoe race will serve as the finale of the 2019 Goose Adventure Racing Snowshoe Series. The 10K race will feature a looped course that is entirely in the woods and travels on familiar and backcountry trails. Two aid stations, fast trails, and over 900 acres of Finger Lakes nature will be on hand for you to enjoy. Series awards and food will be served up indoors after the race.
Rochester Orienteering Club Ski-O | Sunday, Feb. 17
The Rochester Orienteering Club will offer beginner, intermediate, and advanced Ski O courses. If the snow conditions are poor, they will still offer the 60-minute Score-O. Great for beginners interested in orienteering. Grab a map and hit the trails! Your goal is to find as many control points as you can in one hour. You may find the controls on foot, skis, or snowshoes depending on the weather conditions. No special equipment is required and compasses will be available at registration for anyone who wants to borrow one. Instruction from Rochester Orienteering Club members will be available throughout the event.
Fun for the whole family!
XC Ski Lessons (Saturday only)
Grow comfortable with the basics of cross-country skiing! From gliding and sliding to navigating hills (up AND down!), our expert instructor will have you on the move at a comfortable pace in no time. This ~hour-long group lesson will explore parts of the nature center's 12 miles of cross-country ski trails.
COST: $30 with your own gear; $40 with discounted CNC rental
SnOlympics! (Saturday only, 1–3pm)
Join the Rochester XC Ski Foundation for a family-friendly group event! Race the clock at a variety of stations designed to test your general winter "snow-how!" Bring your squad to participate in a collection of activities like ski-pole slacklining, people-powered dog sledding, and other team-oriented activities. Dress for the weather and active adventure. Participants will enjoy a free snack and warm drinks.
Hot Lunch (Saturday only, 11am–2:30pm)
Volunteers from the Genesee Valley Nordic Ski Patrol will serve up homemade, grassfed-beef and vegan chili. Cornbread and hearty fixings will be provided, and the ski patrol will sell sweet treats to raise funds for their organization.
Snowshoe Hike with L.L. Bean (Saturday only, 1pm)
Head off the trail with outdoor experts to learn the ins and outs of snowshoeing.
Winter Tracking
Join us for this 90-minuted guided exploration of animal activity in the winter woods. Learn to identify and distinguish between the tracks of all kinds of local animals. This hike is great for all ages, and will most likely head off-trail!
Cumming Nature Center Admission:
FREE for RMSC members
$3 requested donation for general public
$10 requested donation per family for general public-
*Times, dates, and prices of any activity posted to our calendars are subject to change. Please be sure to click through directly to the organization’s website to verify.