Cumming Nature Center > Programs & Events
Winter at CNC
During snow season, the Nature Center offers 12 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails and 3 miles of snowshoe trails that transport visitors through peaceful forests, open meadows, and our iconic red pine stand. Cross-country ski and snowshoe rentals are available at the Visitors Center.
Winter is a magical time of year to visit the nature center! Explore our cross-country ski and snowshoe offerings below, and check out the special winter events happening throughout the season.
To inquire about group reservations or private events, please call 585.374.6160. Download a list of winter pricing and offerings here.
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING | SKI LESSONS | SNOWSHOEING | EVENTS | TRAIL CONDITIONS
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
Our 12 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails cover a range of terrain and habitats. Skiers of all levels can glide through hemlock groves, pass by beaver dams, and wander through upland forests.
Ski rentals are available at the Visitors Center, including a full range of kids ski sizes and a ski pulk for parents to bring infants and toddlers out with them on the trail.
SKI Rental FEEs
Ski Package (Boots, Skis, Poles)……….. $15
Boots, skis, or poles only………..$5
Ski Pulk………..$20/hr (2 hour minimum)
WINTER offerings
CROSS-COUNTRY SKi Lessons
Take a cross-country ski lesson with one of our expert instructors and gain lifelong confidence and skills! We offer groups lessons on Saturdays and Sundays. All lesson fees include admission. Participants can rent skis separately or bring their own.
Get Gliding (45 minutes)
This 45-minute introductory lesson will get you on the trail in no time! During this group lesson a trained instructor will cover the basic how-tos of cross-country skiing: weight transfer, push-off, body position, poling, diagonal stride, snowplow stop, side step, and getting up after you fall down.
Saturdays | 9:30am, 10:30am, 11:30am, 1:00pm
Sundays | 9:30am, 1:00pm, 2:00pm, 3:00pm
Price | $25 (admission included)
Book a lesson for Saturday, February 4:
Book a lesson for Sunday, February 5:
Looking further ahead? Register for a future Get Gliding ski lesson below.
HIT THE TRAIL (1.5 hours)
This 1.5 hour group session includes all the basic cross-country skiing skills covered in Get Gliding. Once participants are confident with their basic skills, the instructor will lead them onto the trail to practice navigating the landscape, including hills and turning.
Saturdays | 2:00pm
Price | $45 (admission included)
Book a lesson for Saturday, February 4:
Looking further ahead? Register for a future Hit the Trail ski lesson below.
Kid SKI LESSON (1.5 hours)
New this year, this lesson is especially designed for kids ages 6-9 to grow confident on their skis. Children will play games and practice skills under the guidance of an expert instructor and CNC educator. This lesson is appropriate for new and beginner skiers.
The Kid Ski Lesson is a drop-off program. Children outside of the 6-9 range may be accepted on a case-by-case basis; please call 585.374.6160 to request an exception.
Sunday | 10:30am
Price | $30 (admission included)
Book a lesson for Sunday, February 5:
Looking further ahead? Register for a future Kids Ski Lesson below.
SNOWSHOEING
Explore the winter woods and take a snowy stroll on a pair of our classic wooden snowshoes. Perfect for a nostalgic family outing or a unique date idea, visitors can explore 3 miles of gentle woodland trails. When the snow is packed down, hikers are welcome to walk them as well.
Snowshoe rental………..$5
Sled rental (for toddlers)………..$5
Hikers and snowshoers are also invited to participate in the Finger Lakes Winter Hiking Challenge. Proceeds benefit the Nature Center!
UPCOMING WINTER EVENTS
Nordicfest Weekends
Join us on February 4 & 5, 11 & 12 for a trail race, Snowga, a night ski, the first Reindeer Games, and more!
YOGA IN THE PINES: SNOWGA EDITION
Experience an invigorating, meditative yoga experience in the snow-covered pines with Lynne Boucher of Yoga Revolution. Dress warm, come ready to play, and enjoy a once-a-year Nature Center tradition!
Night Ski
Come and glide down the lantern-lit Beaver Trail during this magical nighttime ski! Enjoy a pint with Naples Brewing Co. around the bonfire afterwards.
FEBRUARY BREAK
Each day during February Break, CNC is offering themed explorations for walk-in visitors and families.
Weekend Wild Walks
Explore the Cumming Nature Center landscape with one of our expert naturalists.
February Break camps
Experience 900 acres of fun when you come to Curiosity Camps at Cumming Nature Center.
Current Trail and Weather Conditions
Trail Conditions
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