Cross country skiing is a passion for a lot of folks who love the great outdoors while enjoying the health benefits of the sport – no matter what level. Pine Hill Ski Club is a gem in our own backyard and offers 20K of trails thanks to the generosity of 12 landowners in the towns of New London, Sutton and Wilmot. This all-volunteer-run, non-profit organization welcomes area elementary schools to use its trails free of charge for their winter activities program.

Organized by Cathy Robjent, education coordinator for PHSC and Kim Tuthill, PHSC board member and assistant coordinator, the club hosts a weekly program for KRES at New London, for 15 students from New London, Springfield and Wilmot, with three teachers and five parent volunteers scheduled over five weeks. Simonds School in Warner registered 23 fourth graders, with five teachers and three parent volunteers for a one-time cross-country skiing experience organized by Jake Palmer, physical education teacher at Simonds. The club provides free use of skis, poles and boots to students who don’t have equipment. Cathy and Kim visit the schools before the programs begin to fit the kids with the right size boots and skis so they’re ready to go on the day of the program.

“It’s such fun to hear all of the laughter from lots of students who have never cross-country skied before,” says Cathy Robjent. Each student receives a family day pass at the end of their outdoor experience at PHSC. The club encourages students and their families to enjoy being outside in winter. Visit the Pine Hill Ski Club website for daily information on trail conditions at pinehillskiclub.com. Check out the loaner skis, poles and boots available on-site.