Cumming Nature Center > Programs & Events
Winter at CNC
During snow season, the Nature Center offers 9 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 Visitor Center.
BEFORE YOU VISIT: Check XC Ski Trail Conditions HERE.
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. Winter pricing and offerings can be downloaded here or found below!
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING | SKI LESSONS | SNOWSHOEING | EVENTS | TRAIL CONDITIONS
CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING
Our 9 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 Visitor 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 per 2-hour rental
WINTER offerings
CROSS-COUNTRY SKi Lessons
Take a cross-country ski lesson with one of our experienced instructors and gain lifelong confidence and skills! We offer group lessons on Saturdays and Sundays. Lesson fees include $5 trail 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. (Ages 12+ unless previously arranged)
Lesson Schedule:
Saturdays & Sundays
10:30am & 11:30am
Lesson Fee:
$25 (does not include rental)
Saturday, February 28
Sunday, March 1 | No dates available
intermediate skills (45 minutes)
This 45-minute group session takes cross-country skiing skills beyond Get Gliding. This lesson is for participants who are confident with the basics of cross-country skiing and wish to learn intermediate skills.
Lesson Schedule:
Select Sundays at 1pm
Lesson Fee:
$30 (does not include rental)
Sunday, March 1 | No dates available
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 expert instructor will lead them onto the trail to practice navigating the landscape, including hills and turning.
Lesson Schedule:
Select Sundays at 2pm
Lesson Fee:
$45 (does not include rental)
Sunday, March 1 | No dates available
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
UPCOMING WINTER EVENTS
Winter Wild Walk Series
Explore winter ecology topics through walks, talks, and family-friendly activities. Alongside one of our expert educators, discover winter hiking, snowshoe history, animal babies, and more!
MAPLE SUGARING WEEKENDS
Enjoy a pancake breakfast and maple sugaring trail demos at the RMSC Cumming Nature Center’s 48th annual Maple Sugaring Weekends!
Current Trail and Weather Conditions
Trail Conditions
Weather Conditions
powered by Ambient Weather
Trail Condition Definitions
| Good | 2”-4” inches of compacted base. 90-100% of the trail has ample snow cover. Few spots which may impair formation of fully-molded, full-depth Classic Tracks. |
| Fair | 1”-3” of compacted base. At least 80% of the trail has adequate snow cover with some icy/rough/thin sections, and sections with some debris (leaves, pine needles, grass, etc.). |
| Poor | 1”-2” of compacted base. 20% of open trails are not recommended for skiing, due to bare patches, exposed obstacles and extremely icy conditions. |
| Closed | Lack of snow, dangerously icy conditions or maintenance work in progress. |