Wilderness Kids Alexandria Celebrates Winter Wonderland on Snow and Ice

High school students learn about balance and pole position on cross country skis.

On a weekend in late January that brought all kinds of winter weather, Wilderness Kids embarked on two separate trips before cozying up for the big snowstorm. With school off on Friday, high schoolers made the long trip out to Canaan Valley, West Virginia. In a high-elevation valley that gets more average annual snowfall than anywhere in Maine, the group enjoyed a day of cross country skiing at White Grass Ski Touring Center! It turned out to be a beautiful sunny day. With snow drifted by the wind, everyone got to stumble into their own little pockets of fresh powder, as they zigzagged across picturesque pastures surrounded by views of the Allegheny Mountains.

With the help of knowledgeable, warm and kind staff from White Grass, students quickly learned to stride smoothly down the ski tracks, going both up and down hills. Many falls and subsequent laughs were had, as is the mark of any rewarding learning process in the company of good friends. Over and over, the students helped each other up, dusting the snow off, and continuing to improve. They pushed to explore deeper into the forest, and got excited to return again soon. Wildernes Kids is thankful to Chip Chase and the welcoming environment he has cultivated for anyone who wishes to give skiing a try!

Striding towards the orchard: students glide through maple syrup tap lines together, in search of more powder and fun downhills.

The following day was the middle school students’ time to shine. Heading east to Annapolis, the group went ice skating next to woods and rivers at Quiet Waters Park. In spite of biting cold temperatures (and the challenges of balancing on some really sharp shoes!) the students persisted and all found their glide on the ice. Though each individual demonstrated a different ability level, they all were ready to help each other and provide encouragement. Whether it was challenging their friend to try a full lap with them without using the wall, or just taking that terrifying first step into the rink, they were there to support one another.

The Wilderness Kids team is grateful that winter is here in full force, allowing students to try special seasonal activities like these, while learning to feel safe on snow. This weekend was a friendly reminder that, while it initially feels scary and unstable, there is nothing better than overcoming friction to glide freely across the Earth.

A small but mighty group of middle school ice skaters!