Making Tracks at Guida Farm Conservation Area

Guida Farm Conservation Area, is best dressed in snow.  What makes it such a great place for cross country skiing is first and foremost it is close to home, at the crossroads of Coleman and Round Hill Roads which is just under 5 miles from downtown Middletown .  Secondly skier's have 99 acres in which to roam with a choice of wooded trails, or open fields that are realitively flat. The third reason I find this spot so great is that beginners and experienced skiers alike can enjoy what the park has to offer. The open flat fields, of which there are 8, allow the beginner to hitch on the ski's without having to worry about a narrow trail, the next tree on the downhill, or the torment of skiing up hill, when you have not yet mastered 100 yards on flat territory. There is however just hill enough where the fields connect to allow for practicing the skills of going up and downhill. There is also just enough
challenge in those hill grades for the skilled skier to enjoy a midweek workout with a few loops around the combination of fields. Setting tracks in the fields also means that skiing at night especially under a full moon (next full moon is New Year's Eve), is easily done with a headlamp to light the way. By way of warning there are 2 ponds on site and a stream, the map only shows one of those ponds. Before heading out for an night-time run, you might want to make a daytime dry run. For directions to the Guida Farm Conservation Area, and more information please go to pages 18 and 19 of the MIDDLETOWN TRAIL GUIDE.  It's not to late, you can still ask Santa for ski's. If you do find some under the tree, (or unused in the back corner of your garage or basement) you won't have far to roam from home, to enjoy them.