Biathlon Weekend: Ski, Shoot and Snowshoe

We depart NYC on Saturday morning and head for the “Dacks,” or Adirondack State Park: a six million acre wilderness home to countless lakes, rivers, peaks and wildlife of all kinds. Along the way, we will stop for bathroom and snack breaks and for a chance to stretch our legs. The Adirondack’s in the winter offer a rare chance to experience the solitude and stillness only found in the remote snow-laden forests.

Today’s journey begins with an afternoon snowshoe to Hadley Mountain, a beautiful, four-mile round-trip hike past frozen waterfalls, snow-capped trees and a 2,000-foot summit hosting a newly restored fire-tower. The tower offers incredible 360-degree views, notably of lake Champlain to the east and the High Peaks to the North.

After the hike, we will retire to our resort in Saratoga Spa State Park. Here, you can indulge in a relaxing spa treatment, explore the magnitude of the park right outside of our back door, or just relax for the night.

TRAIL STATS

• Hiking Distance 4 miles
• Elevation Gain 1,600 feet

After a warm and cozy night’s sleep followed by a hearty breakfast, we drive a short distance to a private nordic ski center and shooting range. Here, we will meet our biathlon trainers and learn this unique and classic sport. Winter biathlons most commonly combine both nordic (cross-country) skiing and target shooting with a rifle. No experience is necessary to learn this age-old sport, but you must be in decent physical condition and have a willingness to learn.

Saratoga Springs is home to the Saratoga Biathlon Club, and we will receive private instruction from the organizers of this major event. You will be outfitted with nordic skis and given a chance to practice and improve your stride. With over six miles of nordic ski trails, you will have plenty of opportunities to explore the area on skis before and after target practice.

We will also teach you how to safely handle a rifle as well as step-by-step instruction on how to load and shoot a rifle at a stationary target. Once everyone has picked up the basics, and satisfied the safety qualifications of the day, we will begin a mock biathlon- just our group of beginners- to put our skills to the test! At the end of the day, we will head back to the city by 8:00 PM, allowing you to celebrate Dr. King’s birthday on Monday in New York.

TRAIL STATS

• Skiing Distance 1-6 miles
• Elevation Gain <100 feet

We offer adventures for everyone, no matter what your skill level. This guide will help you decide which trip is right for you.

• Activity

  How long (in hours) you may be active every day during the trip.

• Distances

  You should feel confident that you would be able to complete these distances every day of your trip.

• Surfaces

  What types of terrain you may encounter and should be prepared for on your trip.

• Elevation Change

  The largest elevation change you may encounter on your trip.

• Altitude

  The highest elevation you may reach on your trip.

Welcome to the outdoors! These trips are designed to introduce you to new challenges and new adventurers. Take in the scenery, tackle moderate elevation, experience some local flavor, and enjoy your day out of the office.

• Activity

  You can expect to be active for one to three hours. Take a long walk around Central Park to make sure you’re comfortable being outdoors and active for at least a two-hour period.

• Distances

  For our Level 1 trips, you’ll be walking or hiking less than three miles. Think about this distance in terms of the width of Manhattan. Walking from the Hudson to the East River via 14th street is just under two miles.

• Surfaces

  You’ll be walking on flat terrain. This means there will be limited rocks and a few tree roots.

• Elevation Change

  There will be little or no elevation change on this trip. To simulate the change in elevation, trying walking three flights of stairs and back.

• Altitude

  Less than 3,000 feet.

Level 2 trips will give you a taste of what hiking is all about. Test yourself on intermediate terrain, including light rock scrambles and ascending multiple peaks. The trips will invigorate you and inspire you to continue strengthening your hiking skills.

• Activity

  You can expect to be active for four to six hours. Prepare for the trip by jogging three miles around Central Park.

• Distances

  Plan on getting starter miles under your belt. You’ll be doing up to six miles on this trip. You can imagine this distance in terms of the full Central Park loop, which is 6.1 miles.

• Surfaces

  You’ll be hiking on rolling terrain. You can expect rock surfaces, steeps, roots and small boulders.

• Elevation Change

  There could be up to an accumulative 1,500 feet per day.

• Altitude

  From sea level to 6,000 feet.

Level three hikes will challenge you with a faster pace and longer distances. This hard work allows you to see more terrain and higher vistas. You should expect to be tired and fulfilled on the van ride home.

• Activity

  We’ll be out on the trails for five to eight hours. Prepare for this trip by maintaining your daily fitness regime that includes both cardio and strength.

• Distances

  Be ready to cover some serious distance. We may hike up to ten miles today before heading back to the city. This is the distance between Battery Park and Washington Heights in Manhattan.

• Surfaces

  We’ll be walking on rolling or mountainous terrain. This will require navigating various rock faces and trail conditions including steep inclines and uneven ground.

• Elevation Change

  There could be up to 2,000 feet per day.

• Altitude

  From sea level to 10,000 feet.

Deep inside you is a desire to push past your limit. On these hikes you’ll be challenged by some of the steepest elevations and technical terrain available. These trips are for endurance athletes and those who wish to push their physical abilities.

• Activity

  You can expect to be active for six to nine hours. You can best prepare for a Level 4 trip by maintaining your intense fitness regiment, trying to get your mile time below 7 minutes, and hiking consistently on the weekends.

• Distances

  Level 4 hikes can be up to 16 miles. This is the distance between Wall Street and Yonkers.

• Surfaces

  These trails will be mountainous with exposed terrain, uneven trails and steep ascents/descents. Most hikes will require not only hiking boots but also additional gear like hiking poles and headlamps.

• Elevation Change

  There could be elevation change of up to 3,000 feet per day and possible altitude.

• Altitude

  From sea level to 14,000 feet.

Prepare yourself for the ultimate outdoor experience. If you yearn to touch the sky and think the rewards outweigh the risks and extreme conditions, this is what you’re looking for. Over the course of multiple days you will be called upon to prove you belong among the best.

• Activity

  You should be ready for at least ten hours a day of pain, challenge, and constant small victories.

• Distances

  You should expect to be hiking for at least twelve miles a day. Prepare for this by racing in triathlons, training for a marathon and up keeping your hiking skills.

• Surfaces

  On Level 5 trips you will be trekking in remote mountains with exposed terrain and loose features.

• Elevation Change

  There could be elevation change of 5,000 feet per day.

• Altitude

  Altitude change could also reach up to 14,000 feet.