On Saturday February 11, 2012 the Coopers Rock Foundation will host their first annual WinterFest (with or without snow!) Come to the Day Use Lot from 11am to 3 pm to try out cross country skiing or snowshoeing. Participate in a competitive event, like our very own biathlon which involves testing your paintball slingshot skills on a snowman! Guided hikes, cross country ski trips, and snowshoe trips to the Overlook will leave at regular intervals. Borrow some binoculars for wildlife viewing, or join an interpretive walk. Warm your insides with hot chocolate. Roast a marshmallow. Experience the unique beauty of Cooper’s Rock in the winter!
Check back often for more details, or email winterfest@coopersrock.org for more information.
Schedule of events:
All Day: 11am-3pm
Miniature Snowman Sculpting
Children’s Snow Obstacle Course
Wildlife Viewing Station
Snowshoe/XC Ski Practice Station and Rentals
Day Use Lot Fire Ring and Hot Refreshments
Overlook Pavilions Fire and Hot Refreshments
11:30 am
Telemark Micro-Slalom Time Trials
11:30 am
Guided Hike to Overlook
1:00pm
Slingshot Paintball Biathlon
12:30pm
Guided Hike to Overlook
1:30pm
Guided Hike to Overlook
3:00pm
Women’s Frying Pan Toss
Event Descriptions:
Miniature Snowman Sculpting
Use a 5 gallon bucket’s worth of snow to make your own addition to our snowman collection near the Coopers Rock sign at the entrance to the forest. Every child to participate gets a prize.
Children’s Snow Obstacle Course
A 100-200 yard-long loop marked with flagging, and including several volunteer-made snow obstacles that the little ones will have to clamber over. Specifically for children 3-7. Everyone who finishes gets a candy bar.
Wildlife Viewing Station
Bring binoculars to the Eastern shore of the reservoir to watch for birds, deer, and turkeys. LeJay Graffious, experienced birder with the Audubon Society, will be present for at least part of the day to help with bird identification. Extra binoculars will be available.
Snowshoe/XC Ski Practice Station and Rentals
For the affordable price of $5, participants can rent snowshoes or skis for the entire day. A practice station will be available for newbies to try out equipment before committing to a rental.
Day Use Lot Fire Ring and Hot Refreshments
Warm up by the fire, roast a marshmallow, and enjoy some hot food or drink. Proceeds will help the Coopers Rock Foundation cover the cost of the event.
Guided Hikes to the Overlook
Take a 6 mile adventurous round trip trek to see the beauty of the Overlook in winter. Be sure to bring some spare change to buy a cup of hot chocolate once you’re there!
Overlook Pavilions Fire and Hot Refreshments
After trekking 3 miles on foot to the Overlook, you’ll be happy to see we’ve made a cozy welcome station in the pavilions. Enjoy refreshments by the fire and recharge for the 3 mile journey back to the forest entrance. Proceeds will help the Coopers Rock Foundation cover the cost of the event.
Telemark Micro-Slalom Time Trials
If you’re a cross-country skier who can telemark turn, compete in our own very short slalom course. Timed with a stopwatch; skiers may take multiple runs to improve their times. Winner receives a golden ski.
Slingshot Paintball Biathlon
Modeled after the Winter Olympics Biathlon, but with major variations. Heats of 3 skiers or runner, each carrying a slingshot, will complete a 400 yard loop with 5 shooting stations along the way, where the skier must hit a target snowman with a paintball. The winner will be proud to take home a one-of-a-kind trophy.
Women’s Frying Pan Toss
Based on the event in the Saranac Lake Winter Carnival that has been going on for 115 years in the Adirondacks! We provide the frying pan. You see if you can chuck it the farthest! The winner receives a golden frying pan trophy that is sure to become a family heirloom.