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PACCSA LESSONS Saturday 2/6 1PM
****Lessons Canceled today-due to heavy snow ********
1PM
Outside the concession at Laurel
Ridge State
Park
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PACCSA will be giving free cross
country ski lessons (both skating and classical for those interested) at
the Laurel
Ridge XC Ski Center.
Generally, beginners participate in
the lessons, but there are intermediate skiers who join us. The skiers are
placed in separate groups for ease of instruction, as the focus differs for
the two groups. The length of time of the free lessons depends upon the
number of people in the group (which may vary from 1 to 25. The lesson can
last up to an hour or so; however, if a skier wants just one or two
technique tips, the time can be much less.
Double poling, uphill and downhill
techniques, and the diagonal stride (poling, kicking, balance drills) are
covered for starters. Afterwards, a short trek on an easy trail to practice
what has just been learned is taken, with individual critique offered
during the outing.
Anyone wishing to take advantage of
the lessons can make yourself available at the flat area in
front of the concession at
1 PM with your skis. This area
is where the lessons will start. We will also make an announcement in the
concession at 1pm.
Although lesson is free, you do need
to purchase the $6 trail pass at the concession which is good for skiing
all day.
Rentals are available at concession.
(availably is dependant on the how busy it is that day,)
You do not have to be a PACCSA member
for the lessons, but if you want to support PACCSA and become a member,
the cost is: Family $9/yr, Single $6/yr.
Membership
If you need rentals you may want to call
concession ahead to see what the availability is 724-455-7303 .
Rental Options
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PA NORDIC CHAMPIONSHIP 2010
Laurel
Ridge State Park
February 7th
**canceled***
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5.5k Classical
race:
9:30
.5k, 1.5k & 2.5k Children's Events: 10:30 AM
8.5k Freestyle
race:
11:15
17k Freestyle race:
11:15
All
abilities welcome.
PA NORDIC CHAMPIONSHIP Information
The
PA Nordic Championship Race will be held at
Laurel Ridge
State Park Sunday
February 7th.
Latest Conditions
***10am**** Saturday:3 feet+ new snow
and still Snowing. Snow suppose to let up afternoon.
***Races for Sunday are canceled***
Right now there is not place to park
so best not to come up to ski today.
pluse 3' of ungroomed snow on trails
Will update later
All of the Red trail is in good shape with more snow
predicted Friday night and early Saturday.
See Becker Weather
We had a 6-10" base left last week with 4" new snow
last week and about 2-3" today. The few washed out areas where shoveled last
weekend and today. So the Red trail, Blue and top green trails are in good
shape with no bare spots or rocks. Packed powder, a hair soft for skating
Wed but should firm up overnight. No icy areas and Hills all good. We will
decide Saturday if we will go with the 17k/8.5k or 13k/6.5k Freestyle. It
will depend on how much new snow we get and how much time we have to get the
lower green trails in good shape.
Right now it looks like temps will be in the teens at
race time and snow should end Saturday. Conditions should be close to
excellent, we will try and get the trails as firm as possible but depends on
how much we get and when the snow stops.
If you do
not see the conditions updated above see Skiers
Report for Laurel Ridge for the latest conditions Friday evening and
Saturday evening I might have to post there.
As of Friday at 5pm 6" new snow and snow predicted
thru the night., grooming will start early Saturday, will update then.
Map
of course
Awards
will be in the concession 1:30pm or a little later.
If
you
have any questions about the events, e-mail
garxcski@verizon.net .
If
you can help with the course setup or course breakdown Saturday/Sunday.
e-mail
mazurrj@paccsa.org
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Winterfest
2010 Ohiopyle State Park
Saturday February 6th
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Also Yellowjackets are looking for Volunteers to help out at
Winterfest at Ohioplye State Park.
Contact
Naomi if you can help.
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Some Good Reasons to get to the get out and XC Ski
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Kooser Trail at Kooser State Park
more pictures(updated 01/27/2010)
Finally we have gotten some good
consistent Snow to ski on. Beautiful Skiing everywhere. Some pictures at
Laurel Mountain, Laurel Ridge, and hope to get some sent to me from
Northwoods soon.
If you would like any other pictures
posted of another ski area just e-mail to
mazurrj@paccsa.org and will post on
the link with more pictures. Please limit to a few pictures.
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Nordic Flurry Cross-Country Ski Race postponed to
2/20
Crystal Lake Race
1/24 postponed to
?
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Laurel Ridge State Park
Warming Hut
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The park will be leaving the new
(upper) warming hut open from now until the end of winter whether
there is snow or no snow at Laurel Ridge. So if you plan to ski or
hike at the Ridge, you can be sure the warming hut will be open. The
warming hut is only to be used during daylight hours so please follow the
park policy.
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Telepalooza 2010
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News From Whitegrass XC Ski Center
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Chip Chase is
offering a $2 trail fee discount to all PACCSA members who make the trek
down to Whitegrass. Also, he has planned a series of trail work weekends every Saturday
and Sunday in November, with warm soup and
sandwiches available. There are lots of crews doing different things,
and these outings are very popular with those that make it up. He can
provide lodgeside camping or simply crash on the Whitegrass floor for free
if needed. He would love to see more PA skiers as always, and he's thinking
of a tunnel with fast trains which are direct, cheap and comfy.
The Whitegrass race is Sunday,
January 31 - The 25K
Mountain State Marathon -
at 1 pm. The rolling course never gives racers a needed break nor
do they settle for a shortened version. Along with the race, kid's classes
are held and great prizes are given out. There's a $15 entry fee, and the
course is fully groomed for classic or skating.
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Snowshoe Biathlon
Jan. 10, 2010
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1pm Whitetail Preserve
Bloomsburg,Pa. 4km snowshoe and rifle marksmanship
Also Pa. State Snowshoe Championships
Feb 13,2010 11am Nescopeck state park, Drums, Pa.
5km +10km eastern qualifier for
nationals
Contact: Frank Gaval
570-788-4219
barb123@ptd.net
or
http://www.snowshoeracing.com
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AVAILABILITY OF PACCSA JACKETS
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VOmax has given us the opportunity to order
a minimum of six (6) jackets at a price of $89.95 per jacket. These jackets
are identical to those ordered a few years ago. Anyone desiring a
jacket can place your order with me (412-462-7493, or
garxcski@verizon.net ) . We need a
minimum of 6 to proceed with the ordering.
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Trail Clear Laurel
Ridge State Park
Saturday November
7th
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All the trails where cleared and
ready for snow. Thanks to all that helped clear the trails.
Jerry Seitz, Sandra Kiebler, James
Fenn, Naomi Javis, Kate Fissell, Bruce Cox, Sally Smales, Tomas
Matousek , and Zuzana Matousek.
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Kids XC Ski Program
Yellowjackets XC - PACCSA Youth Ski Group
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Yellowjackets is a skill development program for
kids 5 to 12, created to share the fun of xc skiing and enjoying
the winter. The program is based on the Canadian Bunnyrabbit and Jackrabbit
programs and develops xc ski technique through activities and games.
We are planning practice sessions most Saturdays throughout Jan and Feb,
and encourage participation in events with other local clubs. Kids of
any skill level are welcome to join the program, for further information
visit
www.paccsa.org/yellowjackets
PACCSA has recently been
awarded a Young Skier Grant of $500 from the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation for the
Yellowjackets program - see
http://www.birkie.com/page/show_article/104564/37260 . This is wonderful news and gives us
a great start to the season.
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October XC Skiing nearby
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A few got to get the skis out mid-October
this year.
CROSSCOUNTRYSKIPA.COM
(State College PA)
WhiteGrass(Davis
WV)
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Fiber Line for WEB CAM Installed
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The DCNR installed the conduit for the DSL
line in September. We thank the DCNR for making this happen as well as all
the people who contributed to the web cam fund.
The Web cam and a used computer were
installed at the Laurel Ridge concession and have been operating very well.
We will upload a picture to the web every 30 minutes. There are two links
below the cam picture to see either the last 10 pictures or the last 40 cam
pictures(Thanks to Naomi Jarvis for developing the past cam web
pages). We do have the ability to refresh the picture every 30-45
seconds but will go with every 30 minutes so we can see a full days worth
of pictures.
The WEB CAM fund is paying for the internet
service so we will subscribe to the service Nov 1st to March 31st in future
years.
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2010 Schedule of PACCSA Events
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Jan. 16, 17
(Sat., Sun.) –
Free PACCSA Ski Lessons
Jan. 23 (Sat.) –
PACCSA Nordic Picnic; Free PACCSA Ski Lessons Postponed to 1/30
Jan. 24 (Sun.)
- Free PACCSA Ski Lessons Postponed to 1/31
Feb. 6 (Sat.)
- Free PACCSA Ski Lessons
Feb. 7 (Sun.)
– Pa. Nordic Championship Races
Feb. 11 -
15 (Thur. – Mon.) – PACCSA trip to VASA races in Traverse City, Mich.
Feb. 20 (Sat.)
- Free PACCSA Ski Lessons
Feb. 21 (Sun.)
– Pa. Nordic Championship Races - No Snow Makeup Date
Two Trips to
Hardwood Hills, Barrie, Ontario, Canada -
Snow Dependent
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Past Summer at Laurel Ridge Cross Country Ski Area
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We replaced 150' of drain pipe
that has been clogging on the red trail. The pipe is being funded from the
Web cam
fund.
Dirt was be hauled to the red trail to raise
the center of the trail in some areas that would not hold snow during
warmer wet weather.
The park trenched from the road to the
concession and installing conduit for the new DSL line for the WEB CAM.
This will ensure the cam pictures being
posted on the web site every hour . PACCSA will then fund the DSL line 6
months out
of the year.
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Cross Country Skiing @ Kooser State Parkupdate 10/09
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This past ski season, Kooser State
Park (located just east of Hidden Valley) started to groom some of the
trails at the park for classical skiing. The set tracks on some of
the trail system were very well received, . Some of the wider sections were
double tracked.
This coming season the park will
groom and set track as conditions exist and staffing permits on the same
trail as last season.
Cross-country skiing will remain free
at
Kooser
State Park.
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PACCSA "Ski Your 'S' Off"
Long-sleeved T-Shirts
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Two PACCSA "Ski Your 'S'
Off" Long-sleeved T-Shirts are still available......
White : 1M
Grey : 1M
The cost is $20 apiece...they
are 50% cotton, 50% polyester, long sleeved, 4-color,
Ski Your "S" Off picture on
the front , large PACCSA Logo (Blue/Gold) on the back.
Email Rick Garstka at
garxcski@verizon.net,
or call 412-462-7493 for ordering information.
Click here to see
shirts
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Information on Waxing XC Skis
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SWIX has some information on their web site
on how to wax nordic skis.
Start out with the recreational instruction
if you new to waxing.
Info includes waxless skis, kick wax ,glide
wax, klister, and wax wizard.
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Update of the
DCNR/PACCSA/FayPenn Grant
Sept. 21, 2009
From: Adam G. Mattis /
Greenways
& Trails Specialist (DCNR)
Bureau
of Recreation & Conservation
After
being reviewed by the PA Historical and Museum Commission (PHMC), the
DCNR/PACCSA/Fay-Penn grant was finally approved by the
Federal Highway Administration
and is now in the hands of our contracting section to start executing
the final grant agreement.
I don’t want to guess when they may
receive the fully executed grant agreement as to not raise expectations but
it should be coming soon. This is the last hurdle on this long
journey.
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The Cross Country Skiers'
Responsibility Code
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The following list
of "rules" have been collected from numerous cross country
venues....they are listed here as a reminder to all cross country skiers.
1. Always check posted trail conditions and obey all signs and
posted warnings.
2. No pets on groomed trails (unless specific trails are so designated).
They ruin tracks and are a hazard to other skiers.
3. Always maintain control of your speed and direction. Ski in such a
manner that you can stop or avoid other skiers or hazards.
4. Ski within your abilities and time allowances.
5. Don't block intersections and avoid stopping in the middle of hills. Do
not stop where you obstruct a trail or are not visible to others. Move off
the trail quickly if you fall or during rest stops and equipment
adjustments.. If you fall, fill in sitzmarks.
6. Move to the right to yield the track to a faster skier or to a skier
coming downhill. On two-way trails, faster skiers and descending skiers
have the right-of-way. To pass another skier, call "Track".
7. Always ski to the right when meeting on-coming skiers and when skiing on
double track.
8. Don't walk in the set tracks or on the groomed trail. Keep to the side
of the trail.
9. Don't litter - take out what you bring in.
10. Pay trail fees when applicable.
In case of an accident: place a pair of crossed skis in an "X"
position close to the injured skier. Do not attempt to move them but ensure
they're warm. Look around for trail markers, intersections or any
distinguishing landmarks to aid in pin-pointing your location. If a cell
phone is available, call for help and/or enlist the aid of a fellow skier.
If skiing alone, ensure that others know your whereabouts.
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PACCSA SKI SUIT UPDATE.....Dec. 16, 2009 |
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Two PACCSA
suits (1 small; 1 medium) @ $120 apiece and 8 hats @ $26
apiece are still available for purchase.
Call
Rick Garstka if interested at 412-462-7493 or send an email to
garxcski@verizon.net
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WARMING HUT |
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Warming
Hut is open November 1st thought out the winter. Use of the warming hut is
allowed only during daylight hours.
Some Additional Information on the
Warming Hut:
The building (which houses a bathroom)
will be open during the week starting mid December till the end of March for
any skier using the Laurel Ridge trail system. While PACCSA members will
oversee the general maintenance and overall condition of the building during
ski season, there are several responsibilities that the week-day skiers must
assume......
WOOD-BURNING STOVE- Inside the building
is a wood-burning stove, and a bin of firewood is located just outside the
main doorway. Filling the stove with wood and starting a fire will be the
skiers' responsibility. Please remember to keep door closed on wood burner.
(It might not be a bad idea to keep some extra matches in your car or jacket
pocket if you're going to ski during the week). Ok to leave stove burning
when you leave, again just make sure door in closed on the stove.
WAX BENCH Any skier may use the
waxing bench / waxing iron in the new building. However, to ensure that the
iron is TURNED OFF and the PLUG PULLED from the electrical outlet after it
has been used. The receptacle on the waxing bench is controlled by a manual
timer as an added safety feature. Also, clean up any loose wax, papers,
containers, etc. that has accumulated on and around the bench with vacuum
under table.
TRAIL FEES- There is no fee for
trail utilization during days when the main concession is closed (generally
Monday through Thursday). However, when the concession is open (Fridays,
Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, and Christmas break), please make sure that you
remember to pay your trail fee at the main concession. Trail grooming will be
performed when the concession is open, as in previous years.
GENERAL APPEARANCE OF THIS BUILDING
& BATHROOM- It is the skiers' responsibility to keep the room clean, with
trash placed in the supplied receptacles, and everything in its place when
you leave. The Park does not clean this building; Skiers are responsible for
cleaning the floor and bathroom. So please pickup after you’re self. Any
sweeping of the floor by anyone would be appreciated. Lights/Bathroom door
The main light in the skier’s room will turn off automatically so no need to
turn it off. Please make sure all outside lights are turned off when you
leave, as they do not turn off automatically. Also make sure the bathroom
door is closed when you leave. When Warming Hut not to be used The Park
closes at dusk and warming hut is not to be used after dusk. Also the warming
hut is not to be used after 5pm on the days the concession is open.
Thanks for you’re cooperation
Also would be help if skiers brought firewood
in from outside when the bin is low. The wood is a little damp if put in
stove directly from outside.
PACCSA
Note: Any help in cleaning of the
building & bathroom inside or outside is very much needed in order for us
to keep access of this building open during ski season. Mainly need trash
picked up and floors kept clean.
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By PACCSA
president Rick Garstka