Home
WebCam
Venue Ski Reports
Charlies Forecast
Local Skier Reports
Events
Places to Ski
Gear-Resale-Rental
Membership
Lodging
Ski Post
PA Nordic Champion
Web Cam Fund
Volunteer
Links
Contact Us
 

Welcome to PACCSA Web Site. 

PACCSA Cross Country Skiing in Western Pennsylvania. 

 

       
 

 

Click for larger image

 WEB Cam

 Laurel Ridge State Park

X-C Ski Area

     
 

Laurel Mountain- Roaring Run Area

 

 


 

 May 16th -We did it! PACCSA volunteers stained the warming hut on LM!  We even got a mountain bike ride in

 afterward.       

Thanks to all: Jason, Tomas, Naomi, Brian, and my wife Patty.

 

Next outing for the LMVG is in June.....to meet at Roaring Run for trail work.

Denny McDonough

 

June 20th - Maintenance activities on Roaring Run Trails.  Tasks will include brushing back and blazing trails, filling in wet spots. Meet at the parking lot on County Line Road at 10:00 AM and finish about 3:00 PM.
Participants must sign a document that will insure them and give them workers compensation if they are injured.  Persons under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian and signed for by the guardian.  Meeting times and places are subject to change so check just before you go.

Aug 22nd - Maintenance activities on Roaring Run Trails.  Tasks will include brushing back and blazing trails, filling in wet spots. Meet at the
County Line Road parking lot at 10:00 AM and finish about 3:00 PM.
Participants must sign a document that will insure them and give them workers compensation if they are injured.  Persons under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian and signed for by the guardian.  Meeting times and places are subject to change so check just before you go.

Oct 17th - Maintenance activities on Laurel Mountain Trails.  Tasks will include brushing back and blazing trails, filling in wet spots, staining and reroofing the warming hut. Meet at the warming hut at 10:00 AM and finish about 3:00 PM. There will be a catered Fall picnic in the downhill ski lodge after the work session.  Participants must sign a document that will insure them and give them workers compensation if they are injured. Persons under 18 must be accompanied by a guardian and signed for by the guardian.  Meeting times and places are subject to change so check just before you go.


 

 

This Summer at Laurel Ridge Cross Country Ski Area

 

We will be replacing 150' of  drain pipe that has been clogging on the red trail. The pipe is being funded from the Web cam

 fund.

 

Dirt will 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 might expand the parking lot this summer which would expand parking by 15-20 car spaces.

 

The park will be trenching 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. So if things go well we may be turning the cam on late October.

 

We might have a day or two of trail work later in the summer if and when the dirt gets hauled to the red trail.  I'll post if we have a work day or you can e-mail mazurrj@paccsa.org and I'll e-mail you on the set date.

 

 

Wilderness Lodge

 We will be contacting Wilderness lodge in August to see if we can set up another trail clearing weekend in late September or early October.
 

Cross Country Skiing @ Kooser State Park

 

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 the set tracks on some of the trail went over well so this summer the park plans on widening some of the narrow bridges in the park so the whole trail can be tracked with their snowmobile and groomer. Some of the wider sections will be double tracked.

Cross-country skiing will remain free at Kooser State Park.

 

 

TO ALL PACCSA MEMBERS

 

The next issue of PACCSA's newsletter is a special 25th anniversary one, and I need your input. Please send me (garxcski@verizon.net) your comments about PACCSA, and I'll include them in the newsletter. (I won't print names if you don't want it printed). This is your newsletter, so this is your chance to speak up. There is no space limitations, so you can make it long or short, whatever you'd like.

 

 

 

 1st Annual DCNR Public Meeting

   Laughlintown, PA

March 10, 2009

  

 

 

The first Annual DCNR meeting(Forbes State Forest/Linn Run Complex) took place on March 10 in Laughlintown. The agenda:  DCNR overview, Overview of Forbes State Forest/Linn Run Complex, Budget overview, Recent projects, Planned projects, Volunteer opportunities, Friends group, Department wide issues, Conservation landscape initiative, Ask the ranger.

 

PACCSA members in attendance were: Bob Mazur, Jason Zimmerman, Sandy Cline, Stokes and Nada Clark, Dennis and Patty McDonough. All members put in their two cents worth of trying to bring xc skiing back to Ligonier Mountain or vicinity. Groomed trails were the prime concern, but not at the expense of existing back country trails.  

 

The Northwoods area the DCNR thought would be a better fit.  Needless to say, we are still trying to explain what we are trying to accomplish in grooming trails as they do in other XC centers in the north and west. Anyone who has traveled to the north-country can testify as to what many states do in their park systems with XC trails.

 

If we want more venues to ski,  then it really will take the voices of many to make our needs heard.

 

The DCNR and Forestry budgets have been slashed tremendously, and at a time when park use will probably go up.

But, as a group, we can still make groomed- trails, xc skiing a reality on Laurel Mt. or Northwoods.

 

Also if Seven Springs can finalize, with the state, the concession at Laurel Mt. (not a done deal, yet), that might be a plus for us, as they would, hopefully, want to add xc to their menu.

 

With positive results at Laurel Ridge and more skiers enjoying groomed tracked trails we feel the need to have another option for trails groomed for skating and tracked for classical skiing.   Let’s ban together to get more xc skiing for our area and Pennsylvania and this will result in more trails as well and more people enjoying the sport we all love. We need to promote our sport as other groups have in the area.

 

The seed has been planted, so let’s hope the state will listen, and then the seed will grow. But it takes numbers.

Dennis McDonough.

 

 

Minutes of PACCSA meeting

7.30pm 5 March 2009

309 W Marion St, Munhall, PA

 
 

Present

Rick Garstka (President), Bob Mazur, Linda Bollenbacher, Alice Cottone, Naomi Jarvis, Dave Jenkins

 

Event schedule for season 2009-10 

Rick Garstka (RG) read a letter from Bob Ruppel where Bob said that he was in favor of all the planned PACCSA events at Laurel Ridge for the next season (race, picnic, kids program and trail clears) except for the volunteer grooming which must take place only under his direction.  This was discussed.  It was agreed that PACCSA would obtain its own race bibs.

 

Volunteer grooming for 2009-10 

Bob Mazur, who has occasionally helped groom the trails at Laurel Ridge, informed the meeting that he felt is was best he does not assist in grooming there next season. He plans to hold discussions with DCNR personnel responsible for the Laurel Mountain and Hidden Valley areas to determine if PACCSA can help develop a second option for groomed cross country ski trails for next winter. He felt that since the North Woods area near Hidden Valley already has some groomed trails, it may be the best option for a second groomed venue. He will talk with them to determine if PACCSA can help in any way.


Trail work for summer 2009 and beyond 

It was agreed that Bob Mazur will meet with the manager of Laurel Ridge State Park to discuss potential work projects for the Laurel Ridge trails during this coming off season. Several projects were suggested, including, 1) installation of a DSL line into the concession for the web cam, 2) replacement of some clogged drains on the red trail, and 3) hauling of dirt to the red trail.


Website snow reports/Laurel Ridge page

Bob Mazur described his plans to change PACCSA's website's menu listing. Two menu links were focussed upon - “Laurel Ridge” and “Ski Reports”.

The “Laurel Ridge” page would be removed (since Laurel Ridge already has a snow report on the "Ski Reports" page). This should eliminate any confusion where people have interpreted skiers' reports as Laurel Ridge concession reports.

The “Ski Reports” page will be retained and will be called the “Skiers Report” page and will be expanded to cover the popular local ski areas where skiers can post for each ski area.

 

Website Ski Post tolerance limits
In the light of some recent offensive ski posts it was decided to require a registration and subsequent log-in to post onto the “Ski Post” page next season.

 

Kids program and funding for purchase of kids rental gear 

Naomi Jarvis (NSJ) outlined her plans for the Yellowjackets kids' skill development program and the sequence of coaching courses for the Jackrabbit program.  It was agreed that PACCSA could fund the coaching course fees for potential coaches.  The availability of kids rental skis and the possibility of PACCSA buying a number of sets were discussed.  Estimated prices (for Madshus skis, obtainable through Hilltoppers at wholesale rates) for skis, bindings, poles and boots were $150 for the youngest skiers, $220 to $290 for older skiers and $375 for advanced skiers (budget level race skis).  Action NSJ to contact Thrifty to find what they charge for a season rental. Action RG to enquire at Hardwood about used skis.

 

Liability insurance (coaches and ordinary members)

NSJ described the liability insurance that is included with CXC membership. Fees are $35 for coaches and $7 for children.  It was agreed that PACCSA would cover CXC membership for its coaches for both the adult free lessons and the kids program, and that liability waivers would be required for participants.

 

Nonprofit status

The necessity of PACCSA obtaining 501c3 status was discussed. Action RG and NSJ to look into this.

 

PACCSA committee posts (volunteers to share organization of certain PACCSA functions) 

Dave Jenkins and Alice Cottone volunteered to co-chair organization of the picnic.

Naomi Jarvis, Nancy Barnes and Alice Cottone volunteered to liaise with the Concession/DCNR as required.

 

 

The meeting was adjourned at 10.15pm.

 

 

 

PACCSA Well Represented at The 2009 VASA Races in Traverse City, Michigan

 

 
 

Fifteen PACCSA members made the trip north to Traverse City, Michigan to participate in the 33rd Annual North American VASA cross country ski races held on February 14th at the Timber Ridge Ski Center. The members, including Rick Garstka, Dave Jenkins, Naomi Jarvis, Patty and Denny McDonough, Dave Artis, Terry Sitar, Linda Bollenbacher, Jason Zimmerman, Jon and Kelly Kruper, Diane and Scott Rugh, Robert Kaschak and Sally Smales, all closely watched the VASA website for the week prior to the races for continuing updates about the trail conditions on the race course. Their concern arose because the week saw unseasonably warm weather and  intermittent rain linger in the Traverse City area. However, the weather eventually cooperated (in the form of snow showers the two days before the event), and with numerous hours from the VASA staff and groomers to help prepare the trails, the races went off as scheduled in ideal conditions. Everyone had a great time, with personal bests achieved in some cases, and eight members winning age group awards for their efforts. The race results are shown below.

 

 

 

 

 

 

more pix

 
12K Freestyle    Winning Time - 42:53      51 Racers
Rick Garstka                           59:23    17/51    3rd in 60-64 Age Group
Dave Jenkins                       1:06:57    34/51    4th in 55-59 Age Group
Naomi Jarvis                        1:14:28    40/51    1st in 40-44F Age Group
 
12K Classical    Winning Time - 1:08:29      44 Racers
Patty McDonough                1:23:19   17/44     3rd in 50-59F Age Group
Dave Artis                            1:24:52    20/44     5th in 50-59   Age Group
Terry Sitar                            1:34:07    33/44     6th in 50-59F Age Group
Linda Bollenbacher             1:38:11    36/44     3rd in 30-39  Age Group
 
27K Freestyle      Winning Time - 1:22:21     183 Racers
Jason Zimmerman              1:29:04    11/183      3rd in 35-39 Age Group
Jon Kruper                           1:39:32     52/183     7th in 55-59 Age Group
Robert Kaschak                  1:53:33     114/183  14th in 50-54 Age Group
Kelly Kruper                          2:08:54    154/183   8th in 45-49F Age Group
Sally Smales                        2:16:14     166/183   3rd in 50-54F Age Group
 
27K Classical      Winning Time - 1:45:39      73 Racers
Denny McDonough              1:59:22       8/73         2nd in 50-59 Age Group
Diane Rugh                           3:01:06     57/73        9th in 50-59F Age Group
 
50K Classical       Winning Time - 3:17:33      21 Racers
Scott Rugh                             3:56:28       5/21         1st in 60-69 Age Group

 

 

Kids XC Ski Program

Yellowjackets XC - PACCSA Youth Ski Group

 

This year PACCSA is launching a skill development program for kids 4 and up, 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, with the kids grouped by age and ability. The coaches are PACCSA members and parents. We are planning two 1-hour practice sessions most Saturdays, and encourage participation in events with other local clubs. Kids and parents of any skill level are welcome to join the program and can register by emailing

 

 

PACCSA "Ski Your 'S' Off" Long-sleeved T-Shirts

 

The initial shipment of PACCSA "Ski Your 'S' Off" Long-sleeved T-Shirts has arrived.

The following shirts are available

White : 1M, 1L

Grey :  1S, 1M, 1L, 1XL

Lt Blue : 1S, 1M, 1L, 1XL

  

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

 

 

Information on Waxing XC Skis

 

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.

 

 

 

 

 

   By PACCSA president Rick Garstka

                     garxcski@verizon.net

 

 

 State Grant Work at Laurel Ridge State Park

 

????

 

2009 Schedule of PACCSA Events

 

November 1st (Sat)--Trail Clear/Wax Clinic Laurel Ridge

Jan. 17, 18 (Sat., Sun.) – Free PACCSA Ski Lessons

Jan. 24 (Sat.) – PACCSA Nordic Picnic

Jan. 25 (Sun.) - Free PACCSA Ski Lessons

Feb. 7 (Sat.) - Free PACCSA Ski Lessons

Feb. 8 (Sun.) – Pa. Nordic Championship Races

Feb. 12 - 16 (Thur. – Mon.) – PACCSA trip to VASA races in Traverse City, Mich.

Feb. 21 (Sat.) - Free PACCSA Ski Lessons

Feb. 22 (Sun.) – Pa. Nordic Championship Races - No Snow Makeup Date 

Two Trips to Hardwood Hills, Barrie, Ontario, Canada - Snow Dependent

 

 

The Cross Country Skiers' Responsibility Code

 

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.

 

 

SKI Trips

 

If anyone wants to post a group ski trip that you are planning this coming winter or any pictures or write-ups of a ski trip that you took, please e-mail PACCSA and we will post it for you.

 

 

PACCSA SKI SUIT UPDATE.....March 25, 2007

Two PACCSA suits @ $120 apiece and 11 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

 

 
 

WARMING HUT

   

 

The warming hut is now locked and except for the trail clear  will not open daily till buck season is over in mid December. If we get an early snow there is a possibility someone could be there with key.

 

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.

Hit Counter