It may be raining now, but it looks like we may be getting winter back on track this weekend with some colder temperatures and new snow. Some of my favorite trails have lost their base layer and the paths are better suited to crampons than skis. Despite the dreary sounding conditions there is still plenty to do to get outside and enjoy the Adirondack winter wonderland.

For the second year The New Land Trust in Saranac has teamed up with Dion snowshoes to host the annual Cock-A-Doodle Shoe on January 18 at 10 am.  This year race organizers added a 5K to the existing 10K snowshoe race format. According to Race Organizer Jeremy Drowne the event is on. Drowne feels that this warm front will soften the base and the new snow will add a nice layer for the upcoming race.

There is a $20 registration fee (advanced registration closed January 11) with all proceeds benefiting The New Land Trust.  Food and beverages are included with the registration. All participants are automatically entered into post race raffles, which include snowshoes, area gift certificates and other merchandise.

Each top overall male and female finisher in the 10K will receive a $150 cash prize and trophy while the top male and female finisher in the 5K will receive a $50 cash prize and trophy.

For those interested in furthering their racing career, this event is one of the only area qualifiers for the United States Snowshoe Association (USSA) National Snowshoe Championships taking place February 28-March 2 at Prospect Mountain Area in Woodford, VT.

If you are looking for a more casual event than mark your calendar for the February 15^th The New Land Trust Chili Fest. Chili Fest offers visitors a chance to share a potluck noon meal and evening bonfire while utilizing the New Land Trust’s free trail system. With over 28 trails of varying abilities on 287 acres, every member of the family will find a favorite place to ski, snowshoe or just enjoy the scenery.

The New Land Trust is a volunteer-run 501(c)3 organization that was founded in 1977 by SUNY Plattsburgh students as an experiment in cooperative land management. It is easy to stay within the property boundary. The New Land Trust borders Stillman Brook to the west, the railroad tracks to the northeast and 37 Road to the east. To get there from Rt. 3 in the town of Saranac, take Chazy Lake Rd to Clark Hill Rd to 236 Plumadore Rd., following the NLT signs.