RXCSF Trail Signage

Author: Anna Gorbold

For some time there has, without doubt, been a demand and concern for improving signage for XC trails at Mendon Ponds Park, Harriet Hollister State Park and possibly at Durand Eastman Park and Webster Park. At this time RXCSF’s focus is primarily on Mendon Ponds Park and Harriet Hollister where we are working in conjunction with the park management.

Continue reading

Rochester Nordic Racing Summer Recap

Author: Jason Hettenbaugh

The Rochester Nordic Racing summer program recently wrapped up its 14th summer of programming. For the second year in a row two options were offered. The traditional evening practices are all encompassing with a focus on roller skiing proficiency, technique, agility, skill acquisition, and strength. The morning practices are by qualification and invitation only. These practices focus primarily on building fitness and strength while continually working on technique development. The athletes who are involved in the morning practices also take part in the evening practices and are often utilized as mentors to the younger skiers, often times leading agility and technique drills. The crossover between the two groups allows for teaching and learning at the same time!!

Continue reading

A Message from the President…

Author: Jim Pippin

Happy mud season.  I hope some of you were able to take advantage of some skiing in central NY or the ADKs last week after the nor’easter passed through.  Mt. Van Hoevenberg reopened for the weekend to accommodate skiers for one last spin around their trails.  Overall, I think here in Rochester we had a great ski season.  The weather held up well and ended up providing consistent skiing here locally from January and on.  Thank you to Darren and all the groomers who worked hard out there to provide us with all the great grooming…

Continue reading

End of Season Grooming Recap

Author: Darren Leach

Hi RXCSF supporters. I hope this letter finds everyone healthy and happy with Spring being here and warmer weather on its way. I’m sure there are some of you that would still rather be out on the snow on your favorite trails. My apologies for welcoming the warmer weather. Maybe roller skiing or water skiing might help fill the offseason void.

Continue reading

Rochester Nordic Racing Season Recap

Author: Jason Hettenbaugh

It was another great winter for RNR athletes. With the return of USSA Junior Nationals, this season was as important as ever for athletes who are skiing at a high level. Due to the cancellation, after 1 race, of the Junior Nationals in the spring of 2020 and the complete cancellation of Junior Nationals in 2021 everyone was looking forward to getting back to the big show!

Continue reading

A Message from the President

Author: Jim Pippin

I hope everyone has been enjoying the 2022 Beijing Olympics, especially the Nordic skiing events.  Jackie had the pleasure of discussing some of the local Olympians from our area with Ruth Hayes, a legend in the Rochester Nordic skiing palmarès, and has put together a very interesting article from her discussion.  Stina Bridgeman from the Rochester Orienteering Club provides a look at “Ski-O” which is a great way to enjoy an afternoon with friends for fun or even participate in some competitive events. Lastly, local skier Todd Williams and his family share their experience participating in the 2021 virtual Canadian Ski Marathon and provide details for this year’s event.

Continue reading

A History of Local Olympians

Authors: Jaclyn Masci & Ruth Hayes

In the spirit of the Olympics, we wanted to highlight the skiers from our area who have competed in past Olympics. I had the pleasure of speaking with Ruth Hayes recently about these former Olympians. Ruth deserves full credit for the information presented here. She shared incredible stories, some dating back to when these Olympians were mere middle school students. We hope you enjoy this read and come out of it with maybe a touch more pride for our local xc ski community. Many great skiers have come out of our community in years past and, with continued support of the sport, there will be more in the years to come.

Continue reading

An Intro to Ski Orienteering

Looking for a new direction this winter?  Try ski orienteering!

Author: Stina Bridgeman

Ski orienteering combines the map-based navigation sport of orienteering with cross-country skiing.  Participants use a detailed topographic map showing ski trails, water features (streams, marshes, ponds), clearings, buildings, and other landmarks in order to navigate to a series of checkpoints.  Unlike summer forms of orienteering, all of the checkpoints are on trails – if you can use a trail map, you can do ski orienteering!  It’s a great way to explore new areas, or to see familiar places with a different perspective.

Continue reading

2022 Canadian Ski Marathon – Virtual Event

The Canadian Ski Marathon (CSM) runs from Feb 5 – March 20. The most important thing to know is that the CSM is NOT a race! It is a celebration of winter and the community of Nordic Skiers. In it’s 56th year, the CSM will be virtual again which makes for a great opportunity to extend the season and set new goals for skiers. Read the full feature from local skier Todd Williams in the attached PDF below. 

Continue reading