Sun, Jan 11 – High Peterskill Loop
Moderate. c. 5 miles.
Leader: Roberta Forest, robertaforest@gmail.com
We will hike or snowshoe from the lower Awosting lot of Minneswaska state park on a section of the High Peterskill trail. This is a rolling hill trail with views. From there, we’ll make our way back to our vehicles by checking out Awosting Falls. Bring water or a hot drink, snacks and lunch. Meeting details will be sent to those who register.

Mon, Jan 19 to Thu, Jan 22 – Adirondack Loj Campground – Climb Wright & Phelps Leaders:  David Mong davidcmong@gmail.com & Bob Coia – A Rating
This is a joint event with AMC.
Camp at a campground near our cars but with no other group heated shelter available.  Facility owned by the ADK and has a heated bathroom and shower facility for campers.  During each of the climbing days we will tackle high peaks nearby with Wright and Phelps as the focus.  Wright has an elevation gain of 2,400′ with 7.6 miles round trip.  Phelps has an elevation gain of 1982′ with 8.8 miles round trip. Each person’s share of the campground fee is $33.00.  Contact the leader on how to pay your share if approved to attend.  Contact leader for more information or to register.  -20F sleep system along with boots that have removable insulation, snowshoes, ice axe and crampons are required.  Here is a link with a gear list. Backpacking Gear List Winter is at the end. 

Cancelled – Sun, Jan. 25 – Hike up Balsam Lake Mtn. in the Central Catskills.
Moderate; 6 miles Round Trip with 1,333′ Elevation Gain – Rated B
Leader: Russ Faller 845-297-5126 (before 9 PM) or russoutdoors@yahoo.com
This hike is not very difficult. We’ll be on an old fire tower road, except for the last 0.75 miles to the top. The view from the fire tower, for such a hike, is outstanding. This will be an out-and-back hike. We must remember to stay off any x-c ski tracks that have been laid down. Bring snowshoes, microspikes, extra gloves, extra socks, extra beanie hat, flashlight or headlamp with good batteries, lunch and at least 2 qts. of water. A thermos is optional. A face mask is recommended if the forecast is for a cold, windy day. Dress in layers to avoid overheating and perspiration. Rain will reschedule this hike. Contact the leader if interested or if you have questions.

Cancelled due to cold weather Sun, Feb 1 – Ashokan High Point Trail in Southern Catskills
Moderately easy hike (C+)
Leader: Georgette Weir, gwmhadk@gmail.com.
Moderately easy hike (C+), just to col (not the peak). with almost 1000′ elevation gain, very gradual, along the scenic Kanape Brook.  Microspikes and possibly snowshoes required. We’ll see what 5.4 miles RT the conditions are. Contact leader for meeting time and location.

Fri, Feb 27 – Mon, Mar 2 – Weekend Getaway at Wiezel Cabin at Heart Lake –
Leader: Ginny Fauci gefauci@gmail.com or 845-399-2170 (text only)
Embark on a revitalizing weekend retreat at the enchanting Wiezel Cabin nestled by the tranquil Heart Lake. Immerse yourself in an extraordinary experience surrounded by the natural beauty of the Adirondacks High Peaks Wilderness. Unleash your adventurous spirit as you explore the wonders of nature through invigorating activities such as hiking, skiing and snowshoeing. The Wiezel Cabin, your home away from home, opens its doors to trails of every difficulty level right from the front door. Venture into the charm of the two-time Olympic Village, Lake Placid, just a stone’s throw away. Experience the more refined side of the Adirondacks with an array of shops, restaurants and captivating activities. Glide across the ice at the Olympic rink or delve into the Olympic legacy with insightful tours of training facilities.
Details – ADK gave a us a one-time additional discount this year so the prices are lower than normal.
$67 per person for a bunk or $250 for a room of 4 bunks (availability-dependent).
Surcharge of an additional $20 per person for non ADK members if there is room. Direct family members of attending ADK member exempt from surcharge.
Refunds – Available until February 14, 2026. Afterwards, refunds only if your spot can be filled.
Dining – Potluck dinners on Saturday and Sunday. We will have a sign-up for the potluck dinners. The kitchen is available for other meals. Participants are responsible for their breakfast and lunch. On-site ADK Loj can provide trail lunches and dinner on Friday night. These must be signed up for in advance.
Important Notes – Activities are self-directed. The weekend is not formally planned by MHADK. Bring your own happy hour essentials. Reservations are first-come, first-served. However, reservations are not complete until your check made out to Mid-Hudson ADK is received by the leader. Please contact leader for address. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable weekend of adventure and camaraderie!

Sun, Mar 1 to Thurs, Mar 5 – Winter Skills Workshop – Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing, Massawepie Scout Camp near Tupper Lake NY
C+ rating
Leaders: David Mong, Bob Coia and Gregg Homeyer, davidcmong@gmail.com
This program is designed for participants to sleep either inside or outside.  Some of the participants will go on cross-country ski trips in the nearby region and the snowshoe participants will do the same at nearby small mountain peaks. Total cost for all 4 nights is $40.00 for lodging.  The lodge has space for 48 people with separate dorm rooms for men and women. The main room and dorm rooms are heated by wood stoves that we maintain with wood provided by the camp.  There are 3 heated bathrooms with showers and a large commercial kitchen.  Meals are potluck and provided and shared by the participants.  Here is a link for information about Gannett Lodge at Massawepie: https://campreservation.com/397/Facilities/344/6213.  Contact the leader for more information or to register.

Sun, Mar 8 to Thu, Mar 12 – Cross Country Skiing at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center in Vermont
Leaders: Rich Cerruto, qrskier@gmail.com
My wife and I are organizing a trip to Craftsbury Outdoor Center (Vermont) for XC skiing.

Though it’s my first time, Craftsbury holds the reputation as being the best XC ski center on the east coast. We welcome ADK members, and non-members who wish to attend as a trial.
Where: Craftsbury Outdoor Center
Address: 535 Lost Nation Rd, Craftsbury Common, VT 05827
Trail fee: included in lodging fee (day pass : $5 – $10)
Lodging: On-site @ $136.24 (single) or $234.35 (two persons). More expensive rooms available.
Meals: Three buffet meals per day are included
Facility: 105 km of “meticulously groomed trails”
Ski style: I will come prepared for classic and skate skiing
Hotel cancellation policy: If you can within 14 days prior you will forfeit one night’s deposit.
If you plan to attend let me know and make your reservations directly by calling Craftsbury. They don’t do on-line reservations.
RSVP: By March 3rd (extensions granted based on extenuating circumstances).

Fri, Mar 27 to Sun, Mar 29 – Introduction to Winter Backpacking in PA
Leaders:  David Mong & Bob Coia davidcmong@gmail.com
For those with some previous three season backpacking experience we have created a two night program at a large group campsite at Hickory Run State Park in White Haven PA to get one on one help learning how to camp out in cold weather. This will help those folks interested in starting the transition to winter backpacking. While we will be camped near our cars, there is no other heated space. There is a portable toilet without running water. There is a pump to get drinking water. All of our activities will take place outdoors. No alcohol is allowed. No pets are allowed. There is no cost for the program but participants will need to provide all of their own hiking and camping equipment along with food. We have some gear available to loan out and we will be able to share some gear like winter stoves. The exact gear needed will depend on the weather but you can think about needing to have a sleep system rated to zero degrees. This can be achieved with a combination of pads and multiple sleeping bags. In general for winter backpacking we prepare for -20F weather. No one will be allowed to attend if we don’t think you have the gear to stay warm enough. Expect to be contacted by one of the leaders for a detailed review of what you will be bringing. This program is open to families with youth 16 and up as long as they are accompanied by a parent or guardian. Contact the leader for more information or to register.