SUMMERSTOWN, Ontario – The Friends of the Summerstown Trails (FOTST) opened their gates this weekend for the public to use the forest and to rent their equipment this winter season.
FOTST is an organization that maintains the trails, rents equipment, and helps organize events. President of FOTST Paul Couture said, “It’s a great trail for beginner and intermediate snowshoers and cross country skiers. We also have an excellent rental program where you can try both for a very low price”. Renting equipment is six dollars for show shoes and 12 for cross country skis, however on Family Day, people are invited to try out the rental gear for no charge
Also, FOTST offer instructional lessons on both snowshoeing and cross country skiing taught by certified Nordic Ski instructor Tanya Deeks. “It keeps you in great shape,” Deeks said, “I’m here every weekend either training or doing lessons”.
The Trails also host a highly-regarded competition, the Dion Summerstown Forest Snowshoe Race. This race attracts many high caliber racers from across the province and is part of their official race circuit.
The friends of the Summerstown Trails invite people of every skill level to come out and use the trails this season.
“If people know about it and come out, it will go on and thrive,” said Paul Couture.