Mark your calendars for Saturday January 9 from 11-2 for Winter Trails Day. It’s a unique opportunity to introduce friends to winter sports. TART is teaming up with the Vasa Ski Club to host several activities at the Vasa Pathway Trailhead:

• Beginner x-country ski lessons- Get a lesson and gain confidence when you’re gliding about on the trails. Don’t have skis? No problem. Free equipment will be provided by Brick Wheels. Pre-registration required by calling TART at 941-4300.
• Beginner snowshoe hike- Go for an organized snowshoe hike and work up a sweat! No equipment? Again, no problem. Free equipment will be provided by Brick Wheels. Pre-registration required by calling TART at 941-4300.
• Advanced x-country ski clinics- Offered by the Vasa Ski Club, clinics will be held during the same time period for advanced skiers. Hone your techniques and learn how to kick and glide with the best of ‘em. Pre-registration is not required for the advanced clinics. Just show up and prepare to have a good time.

If you are planning on attending, please arrive to the trailhead at 11:00. The actual lessons will begin at 12:00. Instructors will be on hand at 11:00 to meet with skiers to discuss their ability levels, equipment and more.

And to make Winter Trails Day even more fun, TART will also be hosting our first Vasa Open House of the ski season during the same time frame, so when you are done having fun outside- you can warm up by the bonfire, nosh on homemade cookies and sip a hot cocoa! It doesn’t get any better than that! So don’t miss it!

The Vasa Pathway Trailhead is located off US31 to Bunker Hill Rd, turn right on Bartlett and left into trailhead parking area. TART operates a trail grooming program under contract with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Located in the Pere Marquette State Forest, the Vasa Pathway features a series of loops (3K, 5K, 10K, 25K) that offer users a variety of challenges from easy to difficult. TART grooms the trail for both skating and classic style skiing.