Enhancing Health and Wellness: New Winter Sport Options

Recreation Services student workers checking out the trails at the new Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Center at Drumlins.

Beginning this weekend, students will have an exciting way to enjoy the winter weather—the Division of Enrollment and the Student Experience has announced the opening of the Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Center located at Drumlins. The new center, created in part through funding from the Invest Syracuse initiative to enhance the student experience, furthers efforts to expand options for students to stay healthy and well.

With financial support from Auxiliary Services and design work by Campus Planning, Design and Construction—both within the Division of Business, Finance and Administrative Services—a space near the golf shop at Drumlins is being renovated to house the new center. Recreation Services and Drumlins staff have converted the public side of the golf course at Drumlins to a system of groomed trails, which are now open. Trails are marked and mapped, with three trails to serve beginner, intermediate and advanced skiers.

The center also includes access to equipment such as cross-country skis, poles, boots and snowshoes. Access to the trails and equipment is free for all with a valid SU/ESF I.D. Guest passes are available for $5 on the Recreation Services website.

“We have heard from students that it can be harder to stay active and get outside during the Syracuse winters. When we host events like cross-country ski trips and snow tubing outings, we have a great response from students,”  says Director of Recreation Services Matt Hackett. “By bringing outdoor winter activities right to students through the Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Center at Drumlins, we can offer these opportunities on a regular basis and provide students with new ways to stay active and connect with other students.”

Recreation Services student employees had the chance to test out the trails and complete training in various areas such as proper equipment usage, trail etiquette, ski technique and safety, as well as facility operations.

“The new cross country skiing and snowshoeing center is a great way for students to get outside during the winter season for free,” says McKenna Walker, a senior in the College of Engineering and Computer Science and student employee in Recreation Services. “Most students don’t get to use Drumlins during the cold winter months and with this new center opening up, students can get outside and enjoy the snow and fresh new equipment no matter what their skill levels are. I highly recommend giving yourself a break from studying and hiding from the snow and go check it out.”

The Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Center at Drumlins is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The season will run from Jan. 18-March 31 (weather permitting).

Transportation to Drumlins is available through Centro Bus 340/340C from College Place.

With the opening of the new center, Recreation Services is also hosting two moonlight snowshoe hikes: Thursday, Jan. 24, and Tuesday, Feb. 19. The hike includes transportation, snowshoes and a trail guide. Pre-registration is required at least two days before the scheduled hike by emailing Julie DeLeo.

For more information or questions, contact Recreation Services at 315.443.4386.