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 | Weston Ski Track |
The Weston Ski Track, also known as the Leo J. Martin Ski Track, is a cool place for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. It's located in Weston, Massachusetts, which is about 13 miles west of Boston, Massachusetts. This fun outdoor spot is right next to the beautiful Charles River.
The Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation manages the ski track. It's usually open during the winter months, from December to March. When it's warmer, the same land becomes the Leo J. Martin Golf Course.
This track has a special 2-kilometer loop that is lit up at night. It even has snowmaking equipment, so you can ski even if there isn't much natural snow! There are also 13 more kilometers of trails that rely on natural snowfall.
Contents
What Can You Do at Weston Ski Track?
Skiing and Snowshoeing Fun
The trails at Weston Ski Track are prepared for two main types of cross-country skiing. These are called skate skiing and classic skiing. Skate skiing is a bit like ice skating, while classic skiing is more like walking on skis.
Learn to Ski and Join a Team
Many young skiers learn and practice here! The track is home to the Eastern Massachusetts Bill Koch League junior Nordic ski program. This program helps kids learn and love cross-country skiing. Many local high school and college ski teams also use the track for practice and races. Even adult ski teams train here.
Skiing for Everyone
Weston Ski Track is a welcoming place for everyone. It has hosted races for skiers with disabilities and veterans. This makes it an important center for adaptive skiing in the area. Adaptive skiing means making changes so people with different abilities can enjoy the sport.
Explore More Trails
If you're feeling adventurous, you can even cross a bridge to find more groomed trails. These extra trails are located in the nearby town of Newton, Massachusetts.
Gear and Lessons
Don't have your own skis or snowshoes? No problem! You can rent equipment right at the track. They also offer lessons if you want to learn how to ski or improve your skills. There's an indoor ski center with locker rooms where you can get ready and store your things.
How Trails Are Kept Ready
The trails are kept in great shape by a special machine called a PistenBulley 100 groomer. This machine makes sure the snow is smooth and ready for skiing. Bright LED lights allow for night skiing, so the fun doesn't have to stop when the sun goes down!
History and Management
When Did Weston Ski Track Start?
The Weston Ski Track first opened its doors in 1974. It has been a popular spot for winter sports ever since, operating in the same location for many years.
Who Manages the Track?
For a long time, a private company called Charles River Recreation managed the ski track. However, in 2015, the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) took over. The DCR is a government agency that looks after parks and recreation areas. They are now in charge of running and maintaining the facility. Charles River Recreation still handles things like the ski shop and equipment rentals.
