Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Skiing in the Gunks

Things to know

• Covid measures in the Gunks, NY

  57hours is committed to providing safe outdoor adventure experiences. We require all guides using our platform to have a COVID-19 safety plan and to make the details of that plan accessible to travelers. In most cases, group sizes will be reduced, guides will avoid overcrowded locations, and other safety measures will be met depending on the location and activity.

  We also expect clients to respect local regulations and take measures to protect themselves, guides and the communities they’re travelling to. For more information on COVID-19 measures in the Gunks region, NY, please refer to the New York State website and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

  Please contact us if you have any questions or require further information. We are happy to provide you with the most up-to-date information!

• What’s included?

  What you get on this adventure:

  • • An experienced, local guide with extensive knowledge of the area
    • A half or full day of snowshoeing or cross-country skiing depending on your chosen itinerary
    • Snowshoes and trekking poles (for the snowshoeing adventures)

  What’s not included:

  • • Transportation
    • Accommodations
    • Lunch and snacks
    • Technical equipment for cross-country skiing
    • Day passes for the Mohonk Preserve
    • Parking
• How fit do I need to be?

  The best thing about snowshoeing in the Gunks is that there are incredible options for all skill levels. There is a variety of trail options for snowshoers suitable for snow enthusiasts of all fitness levels.

  To enjoy the cross-country skiing adventures, you’ll need to have decent cardiovascular fitness levels. You’ll be cross-country skiing on varied terrain for several hours at a time. While cross-country skiing is a full-body workout and it can be very challenging, your guide will help you choose the right terrain for your experience and fitness level.

• What if I’ve never snowshoed/cross-country skied before?

  Snowshoeing is easy and anyone can pick it up quickly. As the saying goes, “if you can walk, you can snowshoe”. If you’ve never gone snowshoeing before, heading out with a guide is your best bet. They’ll take care of the planning, introduce you to the basics, and go through safety and correct snowshoeing techniques with you before heading out on the tour. They also have the experience and avalanche training to keep you safe.

  This cross-country ski adventure isn’t just for experienced skiers, it’s also beginner-friendly, meaning anyone with decent physical fitness can participate. If you’re a beginner, you’ll stay on relatively flat and short low-altitude trails, and your guide will teach you basic cross-country techniques while you’re enjoying the beauty of the backcountry. For intermediate and advanced cross-country skiers, the Gunks region also has plenty of red and black trails to enjoy.

• What do I need to bring?

  For technical cross-country skiing gear, you’ll need to bring:

  • Cross-country skis (can be rented)
  • Boots and poles (can be rented)

  Here’s a list of the equipment you need to bring for your snowshoeing and cross-country skiing adventures:

  • Helmet (for cross-country skiing)
  • Sunglasses or ski goggles
  • Wool or fleece hat
  • 2 pairs of gloves (one thin and one thicker pair) or mittens
  • Headband or buff
  • Neck gaiter and roll-neck
  • Wide-brimmed hat or sun hat
  • Wicking top and bottom capilene, bergaline, merino first layer
  • Lightweight insulating micro fleece top and bottom layer
  • Heavier insulating down top layer
  • Top & bottom shell outer layer (e.g. Gore-tex)
  • Ski pants (for cross-country skiing)
  • Synthetic or wool base layers, underwear, socks and liners
  • Extra clothing layers & socks
  • Thermos with a warm beverage
  • Day pack large enough to carry all the items listed (around a 25-40L bag)
  • Water — at least 2 quarts in a non-glass container 
  • Sturdy waterproof hiking boots
  • High gaiters (to keep the snow out of your boots)
  • Toiletries (sunscreen, lip balm, hand sanitizer, bug spray, toilet paper, personal medications, etc.)
  • Lunch (food you can eat on-the-go–sandwiches, energy bars, etc.)
  • Headlamp or flashlight with extra batteries
  • A pair of glasses (if you wear contact lenses)
  • Camera — optional (but recommended)

  For the snowshoeing adventures, your guiding service will provide snowshoes and trekking poles. Day pack is available for loan through your guiding service.

  Dress comfortably and for the weather in clothes you can move in. We suggest bringing clothing appropriate for the season. Layers are best and don’t wear jeans.

• Can I rent equipment?

  All mandatory gear can be rented if you don’t have your own. You can rent:

  • • Cross-country skis, poles and boots from Eastern Mountain Sports Schools.

  The rental location is in Gardiner, NY, and should be picked up the night prior to outing. If you need to rent gear, let us know and we can help make arrangements.

• Group sizes and age requirements

  Group sizes and prices:

  • For these adventures, the guest-to-guide ratio is 15:1.
  • Cost per person decreases as the group grows, so it’s the perfect opportunity to hike with friends and family! 

  Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the Gunks region can be arranged for larger groups. Contact us to make arrangements.

   

  Min. age requirements:

  • If you are older than 18, you’re good to go.
  • Minors younger than 18 may be permitted to join the hike on a case-by-case basis, but must be in the presence of a parent or legal guardian.

  If your group has snowshoers or cross-country skiers under the age of 18, contact us prior to booking to make arrangements.

• Getting there and meeting location

  To get to the Gunks, most people fly into one of the international airports in New York, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA) or Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). From there, you can rent a car or take a shuttle service for 2 hours to the Shawangunks Mountains.

  Once you and your guide agree on the details of your itinerary, your guide will suggest the best place to meet, whether that’s at the guide shop or a predetermined location. The guide will choose the appropriate terrain dependent on conditions and the ability of the group.