Sports and Recreation
Backcountry Skiing
Instructor:
tba
For any level nordic
skier. Introduction to basic skills for the backcountry, including
climbing, pole adjustment, descending, turning and equipment. Stiff
boots (either 3-pin or backcountry bindings) and wide skis necessary.
Metal edges optional.
Dog Sledding
Instructor: Ed Blechner
Dogsledding is an ancient
sport that is growing in popularity through out the northern states.
Join seasoned musher, Ed Blechner, for a session on topics such as
choosing dogs, handling dogs, sled basics, types of sleds and how to
manage a team. Participants will get hands on experience with these
lovable but hard working beasts of burden. Come prepared to fall in love
with the dogs.
Ice Fishing
Instructor: Aaron Tudhope
Learn how to drill holes in the correct spots, set tackle, types of bait
and general techniques for staying warm and
enjoying our frozen lakes so that you can catch fish in the Winter!
Nordic Skating
Instructor: Jamie Hess, Nordic Skater
Experience the centuries old art of Scandinavian style cross country
skating. Learn how to skate efficiently and safely across all types of
ice surfaces. Be able to take your own “wild skating” tour.
Primitive Biathalon
Instructors:
Larry Hamel
Learn about this sport that is making a huge comeback in VT.
Traditionally, this sport involves hiking with snowshoes to different
areas and firing away at targets with a muzzleloader. At Winter Doe
Camp, this class will not be competitive, nor specific to only snowshoes
and muzzleloaders, participants can choose the firearm and gear of their
choice (snowshoes or x-country skis.) We will have some firearms
available; however, feel free to bring your own (22's or muzzleloader,)
just don't forget to bring plenty of ammunition. You will be responsible
for your own gear. Open to beginners through advanced. Be prepared to do
a lot of walking!
Skijoiring
Instructor: Ed Blechner
Strap on
your skis, put on a harness and let the dogs take you on a ride!
Learn all about how to set yourself and your dog up for many fun
adventures. Participants should have gear and feel comfortable on
x-c skis.
Snowmobile
Safety
Instructor: tba
In this
Introductory class, you will learn about the mechanics of maintaining
and riding a snowmobile. Topics covered will include, emergency
trailside repairs,
riding
skills and safety practices.
Snowmobile Trail
ride
Instructor: tba
This class is for folks who have taken the Safety class or who have
experience riding a snowmobile. Please bring your own sled.
We will have a few available; please contact us if you will need one.
Snowshoe, Birding Hike
Instructor: Bridget Butler, Bird
Diva
Strap on your snowshoes and venture into the winter woods with
self proclaimed Bird Diva, Bridget Butler. Bridget will teach you how to identify
and appreciate the hearty birds that stick it out through the
harsh Vermont winters.
Snowshoeing experience not necessary but be ready to stand and walk
around for three hours. Also note that snowshoes will only be
necessary in deep snow.
X-Country
Skiing
Instructor:
tba
This class will be open to all levels, yet geared towards beginners.
Learn how to pick the right equipment and become comfortable gliding on
the snow.
Wilderness Survival
Animal
Tracking
Instructor: tba
Learn how to track and read
the signs of wild animals. Tracking can be studied and improved upon
over a lifetime, and still there is more to learn. You may even be
lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the animal you are tracking.
Intro to Traditional
Winter Camping
Instructor: tba
There is an
increasing interest in traditional winter travel, pulling a toboggan
and setting up a traditional wall-tent with a stove for what is called
“warm camping.” Learn about the basics of this traditional art of
camping. Discuss types of toboggans, tents, stoves and foot gear.
Bonus: Stay over in the tent Saturday night!
Winter Fire Making
Instructor:
tba
As a class we will focus
on the carving, form and technique, and successfully working of a bow
drill kit. We will also push beyond that by expanding our senses to
explore the intimacy that exists between ourselves and
fire. Accordingly, we will learn more about tree ecology, fire
structures, caretaking the landscape, weather, and also local rock and
its utilitarian purposes, from cooking to community. It is our
intention to see you confident not only in asking for fire from wood,
but also in exploring how deep, entwined, and fundamental our
relationship with fire is.
Winter Campfire
Cooking
Instructor: tba
Cooking over a campfire combines the magic of fire and the allure of
good eating. Whether the weather will allow us to cook outside
around a campfire or we cook at an open hearth as our foremothers did,
we will use a fire to prepare several dishes from scratch to a piping
hot finish.
Winter Preparedness
Instructor: Julie
Clemons
This
class will cover how to stay warm, hydrated and happy in all winter
conditions! Julie's extensive experience camping in the winter
will be a large focus of the class. Any winter outdoor
enthusiast should take this class!
Winter Wild Edibles
Instructors: Nova Kim and Les Hook
Seasoned professional wild gatherers, Nova and Les, will astound you
in this unique class. Wander the woods with them and learn about
all the wild edibles that abound in winter. Prepare to be entertained
with a story or two about their experiences living off the land.
