March, which is appropriately known as the month of the Crust Moon, was ushered in by a major storm that delivered over a two feet of snow across the region. Curently, the solid crust permit quick and easy travel whether on skis or snowshoes.
With cool evenings, pleasant afternoon temperatures and steadily increasing hours of daylight, March is one of the finest months for winter recreation in the Adirondacks.
It is a time when local wildlife begin to stir from their winter haunts, the woods remain wide open, and the snow cover is excellent for highlighting tracks. As a wide variety of birds return to the region on a daily basis, tourist numbers begin to dwindle and the trails are lightly traveled.
Sliding: Winter's Endless Entertainment
Even if you don't ski, skate, snowshoe, snowmobile or ice fish, there are still plenty of ways to enjoy the winter, beyond taking a trip south. Although recent surveys reveal that winter sports have experienced significant growth in only two primary pursuits, snowshoeing and telemark skiing, the most popular, winter activity worldwide remains by far, the most basic.
Nearly any child exposed to a winter environment has enjoyed the activity. It is a pursuit that requires no specialized equipment, no advanced training and no unique skills.
Riding anything from a cardboard box to the seat of a pair of nylon pants, children across the northern latitudes jump at an opportunity to slide across the snow.
Lugging a sled behind them, they'll climb to the top of the nearest incline and descend endlessly; or until frozen feet, wet pants, soggy mittens and a runny nose require a trip home or a major readjustment.
We've all done it, whether on a Flying Saucer, Flexible Flyer', Ski Bob, toboggan or some other improvised device such as a cardboard box, tire inner tube, garbage bag or cafeteria tray.