Quarry Road Trails to offer Nordic Skiing, snowshoeing

WATERVILLE — A day of cross-country skiing and other winter activities at Quarry Road Trails is scheduled for three Saturdays this winter, Dec. 10, Jan. 7 and Feb. 11, at 300 Quarry Road.

These community events, hosted by the city of Waterville, offer a free pass for the Nordic trails. Community partners include Colby Outing Club, Inland Hospital, Waterville Creates, Quarry Road Ski Club, and Friends of Quarry Road, according to a news release from Caroline Mathes, volunteer for events at Quarry Road Trails.

The Nordic ski trails are open all day throughout the season with lighting on over a mile of trail.

Dec. 10 offers a free Nordic day pass, a free two-hour ski rental and ski clinics at 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. on a short loop with man-made snow. Biking and snowshoeing will not be available with the current limited snowmaking loop.

Jan. 7 offers the free day pass on the Nordic ski trails, plus free snow shoes for tours on the narrow snowshoe/bike trails.

Winter Fun Day, Feb. 11, offers miles of groomed trails with several family friendly activities between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The Welcome Center yurt will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. weekends in January and February to provide ski rentals, free snowshoes to loan, snacks, and information.

Quarry Road Trails’ snowmaking system ensures the ski trails are covered, even in periods of low natural snowfall. The alpine trail with the new rope tow will be available at a minimal cost on every Saturday and Sunday from January through March.

These free community events and the Quarry Road Trails are supported through ski pass sales, donations, collaboration with partnering organizations, and contributions from annual sponsors. This year’s current gold-level sponsors are Central Maine Motors, MaineGeneral Health, Fabian, Kennebec Savings Bank. Silver sponsors are Sheridan, Northern Light Inland Hospital, Maine State Credit Union, and bronze level support is provided by Stio.

For more information, call Waterville Parks and Recreation at 207-680-4744 or visit quarryroad.org.