Weston Ski Track facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Weston Ski Track |
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|---|---|
| Location | Weston, Massachusetts |
| Nearest city | Boston, Massachusetts |
| Coordinates | 42°20′00″N 71°16′02″W / 42.33333°N 71.26722°W |
| Base elevation | 15m |
| Skiable area | 15km |
| Runs | 5 |
| Snowmaking | 14% |
| Night skiing | 14% |
| Website | https://www.paddleboston.com/skitrack/skitrack.php |
The Weston Ski Track, also known as the Leo J. Martin Ski Track, is a fun place for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. It is located in Weston, Massachusetts. This outdoor area is managed by the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation. You can find it right next to the Charles River, about 13 miles west of downtown Boston, Massachusetts.
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What is Weston Ski Track?
The Weston Ski Track is a popular spot for winter sports. It usually opens in December and closes in March, depending on the weather. The track has a special 2-kilometer loop that is lit up at night. This loop also has machines that make snow, so it can stay open even when there isn't much natural snow.
Skiing and Snowshoeing Trails
Besides the lit loop, there are 13 more kilometers of trails. These trails are prepared for skiing, but they need natural snowfall to be open. The trails are groomed for two main styles of cross-country skiing:
- Skate skiing: This is like ice skating on skis.
- Classic skiing: This is a more traditional style, where you glide straight ahead.
Who Uses the Ski Track?
Many groups use the Weston Ski Track. It is home to the Eastern Massachusetts Bill Koch League. This is a special program for young Nordic skiers. Many local high school, college, and adult ski teams also train here. The center also hosts races for skiers with disabilities and veterans. It is an important place for adaptive skiing in the area.
You can even walk across a bridge to find more groomed trails in the nearby town of Newton, Massachusetts.
Services and Facilities
The Weston Ski Track offers many helpful services:
- Lessons: You can learn how to ski or snowshoe from instructors.
- Equipment Rentals: If you don't have your own gear, you can rent skis, boots, and poles here.
- Indoor Ski Center: There's a warm building with locker rooms where you can change and get ready.
The trails are kept in great shape by a special machine called a PistenBully 100 groomer. Bright LED lights allow people to ski even after the sun goes down.
How Weston Ski Track is Managed
The Weston Ski Track first opened in 1974. It has been helping people enjoy winter sports in the same spot ever since.
In 2015, the way the ski track was managed changed. The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) took over running the facility. Before that, a private company called Charles River Recreation managed it. Charles River Recreation still handles the ski shop and equipment rentals, so you can still rent your gear from them.
