Winter Sports at the VIC: Ski Race. Photo by Nancie Battaglia

Events at the Paul Smiths VIC
Winter 2014-2015

Sunday Ski and Music
Sundays during ski season

Sunday afternoons are for music and fun in the outdoors at the VIC! During the ski season we will have a variety of talented local musicians playing in our great room from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.. Stop in to enjoy the music before or after your snowshoe or ski. Free with your ski pass.

Sunday Ski & Music Series: Shamim Allen and Friends
29 March 2015

The Sunday Afternoon Ski and Music Series continues Sunday, 29 March, from 1:00 to 3:00 PM, with Shamim Allen. Entry is free with your ski pass.

Maple Sap Run
Sunday, 29 March 2015

This 5K run begins at 10:00 AM. Participants will walk or run out to the VIC sugar bush “collect” a quart of sap and return to “process” it in the VIC sugar house.  All participants take home some “sweet stuff.”  Entry fee $25 or $20 for Friends of the VIC and Season Pass Holders.   Prized furnished by Adirondack Life.

Maple Weekend
28 & 29 March 2015

The VIC will be part of the Northeastern New York Maple Producer’s region-wide event.  Come for a tour of our interpretive sugar bush, visit the sugar house, try some maple confections and baked goods, learn about maple sugaring, sign up for our Community Maple Project, and support the VIC by “adopting" a maple or by buying a jug of Paul Smith’s-made maple syrup.  There will be a "Sap to Syrup Workshop” from 9:00 AM to noon on Saturday. The cost for the workshop is $20 per person. 

The Wildlife Society Student Conclave hosted by Paul Smith’s College
27-29 March 2015

Students from regional colleges will converge on the VIC for a variety of educational sessions, presentations, and competitions. Events include photography contests, obstacle courses, and radio telemetry demonstrations.  Members of student chapters of the Wildlife Society are encouraged to attend. Participants at these conclaves learn, network, and share experiences.

Owl Prowl
Wednesday, 25 March 2015

Come and snowshoe in the woods and see whooo’s calling.  Participants will learn owl natural history, call notes, and listen for calling owls.  Bring snowshoes and a flashlight or headlamp to help guide your way and please dress appropriately for being outdoors at night.  The program begins at 7:00 PM. Cost: $10/person or $5 for Friends of the VIC. Snowshoes are available for rent.  Preregistration required by 5:00 PM the day before.

No School Days at the VIC: Spring Break
24 - 27 March 2015

Come to the VIC to learn and play! We will explore a variety of subjects related to the season; and what an exciting season it is! We will spend our time listening to the sounds of the early spring forest, finding tracks, enjoying the discoveries from under winter’s blanket of snow, and creating our own adventures. Pre-registration is required for each day. Reserve a spot by 5:00 PM on 20 March by calling 518-327-6241, or emailing VIC Educator Deb Paradis. The fee is $35 per person, $25 for Friends of the VIC

Sunday Ski and Music Series: Sunday's Kitchen
Sunday, 22 March 2015

The Sunday Afternoon Ski and Music Series continues Sunday, 22 March, in the Great Room at the VIC from 1:00 to 3:00 PM with Sunday’s Kitchen, performing a variety of traditional Celtic and old-timey tunes. Entry is free with your ski pass.

Volunteer Brunch and Training
22 March 2015

VIC volunteers and staff will gather from 10:30 AM to 1:00 PM to get the scoop on upcoming events and activities, sign up for volunteer opportunities, and attend a training session.  This is a great time for new potential volunteers to join in and see what being a part of the VIC volunteers is all about.  Please bring a dish to pass and a place setting for yourself.

Maple Weekend
21 & 22 March 2015

The VIC will be part of the Northeastern0 New York Maple Producer’s region-wide event.  Come for a tour of our interpretive sugar bush, visit the sugar house, try some maple confections and baked goods, learn about maple sugaring, sign up for our Community Maple Project, and support the VIC by “adopting" a maple or by buying a jug of Paul Smith’s-made maple syrup.  There will be a "Sap to Syrup Workshop” from 9:00 AM to noon on Saturday. The cost for the workshop is $20 per person. 

Citizen Science Training Workshop I – Observing Frogs, Birds, and Plants
21 March 2015

Join the Wetland Detective Monitoring Corps! These workshops, which run from 2:00 to 5:00 PM, will give you the opportunity to learn more about the natural world while also helping protect it. Become a citizen scientist and learn how to collect information on plants, birds, and amphibians in Adirondack boreal wetland ecosystems. This workshops is a repeat of the workshop on 28 February.

New Moon Art Show: Adirondack Artists' Guild Group Show – Not Winter
20 March - 16 April 2015

This show features works by the members of the Saranac Lake-based Adirondack Artists' Guild. Their work will be available in the VIC Great Room for viewing and purchase during the VIC hours. The exhibit will hang from 20 March through 16 April 2015. Free admission.

Sunday Ski and Music Series: St. Patrick's Day Ceilidh
Sunday, 15 March 2015

The Sunday Afternoon Live Music and Ski Series continues Sunday, 15 March, with a St. Patrick's Day Ceilidh in the Great Room at the VIC from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.

IBU World Championship Biathlon
15 March 2015

Come to the VIC at 11:15 AM to watch the home town competitors across the globe in Kontiolahti, Finland in the Men’s 15K mass start competition. We'll be cheering on our local folks on the big screen in the VIC auditorium!

Kids Wildlife Signs and Tracks Snowshoe Walk
Saturday, 14 March 2015

Bring the kids out to the VIC to go on a family snowshoe walk to look for signs and tracks of our local winter wildlife residents.  This program is geared for the kids. Snowshoes will be required and are available to rent at the VIC.  Dress appropriately for outdoor activity.  The program runs from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Cost: $20/person, $40/family. There is a 25% discount for Friends of the VIC and Season Pass Holders.  Preregistration required by 5:00 PM the day prior.

IBU World Championship Biathlon
14 March 2015

Come to the VIC at 11:30 AM to watch the home town competitors across the globe in Kontiolahti, Finland in the Men’s 4x7.5 km relay competition. We'll be cheering on our local folks on the big screen in the VIC auditorium!

Birding Trip to the St. Lawrence Valley
Saturday, 14 March 2015

Join the director of the Adirondack Birding Center, Brian McAllister, on a trip to the shoreline of the St. Lawrence River and surrounding agricultural fields near Massena. Transportation provided. Cost: $60 per person and a 25% discount for Friends of the VIC. Preregistration is required by 12 March at 5:00 PM. Please call 518-327-6241 to register.

Sunday Ski and Music Series: Tyler Dezago, Andrew Coulter, and Ryan Klem
Sunday, 8 March 2015

The Sunday Afternoon Live Music and Ski Series continues Sunday, 8 March, with PSC students Tyler Dezago, Andrew Coulter, and Ryan Klem providing rhythm, blues, and folk in the VIC Great Room from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.

NYSSRA Nordic Championship Ski Orienteering
Sunday, 8 March 2015

The New York State Skate Ski Racing Association -- Nordic is holding its long distance race at the VIC, with a starting time of 11:30 AM. For more information, go to http://nyssranordic.org/.

Snowshoe with a Naturalist
Saturday, 7 March 2015

Come to the VIC to learn about the natural wonders of winter with VIC Naturalist Brian McAllister. Topics include animal tracking, winter birding, and winter survival. Meet in the VIC building. Snowshoes required. *Snowshoe rentals are available at the VIC. Dress appropriately for outdoor activity.  The program runs from 10:00 AM to noon. Cost: $20 non-member or $10 for Friends of the VIC and Season Pass Holders (includes day pass fee). Preregistration required by 5:00 PM the day prior.

“Bunny Boot” Ball – Full-moon Ski and Dance Party
Friday, 6 March 2015

Kick up your feet for a thumping good time at the VIC!   We’ll be skiing and dancing to the classic rock music of Vinyl Arcade and generally having a good time. There will be both indoor and outdoor activities with live music, food, and a bonfire.  Wear your big winter bunny boots, but bring your dancing shoes and join us for a fun night of music and dance from 7:00 to 11:00 PM.  The cost is $15 per person or $25 per couple.  Season Pass Holders: $10 per person and $15 per couple.

Armchair Lecture Series: Antarctica – Life on the Totten Glacier System
5 March 2015

Last winter, Glenn Clark, a science teacher at Parishville-Hopkinton Central School, traveled to the Totten Glacier System in East Antarctica as a participant in the Arctic Research Consortium of the United States PolarTREC program. Come to the VIC at 7:00 PM on Thursday, 5 March, to hear his stories of this great travel and education adventure.  $5/person. Free for Season Pass Holders and Friends of the VIC.

Friends of the St. Regis Fire Tower Restoration Planning Meeting
3 March 2015

Come to the VIC at 7:00 PM on 3 March to learn how you can get involved with the ongoing effort to restore the St. Regis Fire Tower. The Friends of the St. Regis Fire Tower have worked for many years to save the St. Regis Fire Tower. The group has been designated as the lead volunteer group to work with the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation on the restoration and long-term stewardship of the facility. If all goes well, the tower could be open to the public as early as the fall of 2015.

Sunday Ski and Music Series: Steve Langdon
Sunday, 1 March 2015

The Sunday Afternoon Live Music and Ski Series continues Sunday, 1 March, when blues guitarist and singer Steve Langdon performs in the Great Room at the VIC from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.

Citizen Science Training Workshop I – Observing Frogs, Birds, and Plants
28 February 2015

Join the Wetland Detective Monitoring Corps! These workshops, which run from 2:00 to 5:00 PM, will give you the opportunity to learn more about the natural world while also helping protect it. Become a citizen scientist and learn how to collect information on plants, birds, and amphibians in Adirondack boreal wetland ecosystems. This workshop will be repeated on 21 March.

Paddle Sport Event Management Workshop
Saturday, 28 February 2015

The Adirondack Watershed Alliance will host a seminar focused on assisting communities and organizations coordinate paddle sport events.  Topics will include: the basics of event administration; event management; sponsors and racer amenities; advertising and promotion; and an introduction to the New York State Canoe Race Association.  The workshop, which runs from noon to 4:00 PM, is part of a larger paddle sport promotion supported by the North Country Regional Economic Development Council.   Pre-registration is requested by calling the VIC at 518-327-6241.

Introduction to Maple Sugaring & Community Maple Training
Saturday, 28 February 2015

Come on over to the VIC and learn about modern methods of designing, installing, and maintaining a sugar bush for bucket, bag, or tubing sap collection.  “Backyard tapping” and the VIC’s community-based maple program will also be addressed.  The program runs from 9:00 to 11:00 AM.

Owl Prowl
Friday, 27 February 2015

Come and snowshoe in the woods and see whooo’s calling.  Participants will learn owl natural history, call notes, and listen for calling owls.  Bring snowshoes and a flashlight or headlamp to help guide your way and please dress appropriately for being outdoors at night.  The program starts at 7:30 PM. Cost: $10/person or $5 for Friends of the VIC. Snowshoes are available for rent.  Preregistration required by 5:00 PM the day prior.

NOLS Presentation
Friday, 27 February 2015

National Outdoor Leadership School Northeast Branch director Lindsay Yost will lead a discussion of the NOLS network; expansion of programs here in the Adirondacks and provide information on courses offered all over the world.  NOLS Northeast has been based at the Paul Smith's College VIC for the past 4 summers.  The presentation begins at 6:30 PM. Free.

Sunday Ski and Music Series: K & M Ramblers
Sunday, 22 February 2015

The Sunday Afternoon Live Music and Ski Series continues Sunday, 22 February, with the genuine Americana music of the K & M Ramblers – Mark Keating and Don Morris – in the Great Room at the VIC from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.

VIC Volunteer Training: Winter Botany
Sunday, 22 February 2015

Join VIC Naturalist Brian McAllister for a snowshoe walk as we explore the forest and wetland plants and learn the identification of last summer’s wildflowers, ferns and other plant life. We’ll also learn to identify some trees by their bud formations and leaf scars. The program runs from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM.

Chili Ski Fest
Saturday, 21 February 2015

The VIC will host our annual “comfort food” and fun on the snow extravaganza. Chef Sarah Longley and Paul Smith's College culinary students will create pots of delicious vegetarian and carnivore chili sure to satisfy the cold weather palates of skiers and snow shoers.   There will also be ski and snow shoe demonstrations, ski with a naturalist, a waxing clinic, and a fun “Find the Gazebos” poker run.  The chili and events are included in the purchase of a ski pass or $10 per person for people not going out on the trails. ​​There will also be a Kids Snowshoe Walk and games from 10:00 AM to noon.

Local Foods Pot Luck and Armchair Lecture Series Discussion
Thursday, 19 February 2015

Come join us from 5:00 to 7:00 PM for a local foods pot luck with area farmers and sample some of the products they are growing in their own back yards.   Learn how you can participate more in the local food movement and have an informative conversation with the people who are helping to make it part of our community.  The program is hosted by The Adirondack Center for Working Landscapes in collaboration with Franklin County Cornell Cooperative Extension. 

New Moon Art Show: Mostly Landscapes
18 February- 16 March 2015

Every month on the new moon, the VIC features a different pair of local artists who adorn the walls of the VIC Great Room with their art. The February show features works by artist Nancy Brossard and photographer Eleanor Sweeney. Free admission.

No-School Days at the VIC
16 & 17 February 2015

If you are in grades 3-5, join Deb at the VIC to explore nature’s winter preparation and survival.  Each day will have a different theme, which will follow through a snowshoe walk, craft, educational piece, and related games.  Please dress your child in clothing appropriate to spend 2-3 active hours outdoors.  Your child will need to bring a lunch and a snack for their day long adventure.  There is a 4 student minimum for the program to run.  The program runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Cost:  $35/person or $25 for Friends of the VIC.  Preregister by 5:00 on 14 February.

Sunday Ski and Music Series: Curt Stager, Kary Johnson, and Tyler Dezago
Sunday, 15 February 2015

The Sunday Afternoon Live Music and Ski Series continues Sunday, 15 February, when Curt Stager, Kary Johnson and Tyler Dezago will entertain with various styles of guitar and banjo music in the Great Room at the VIC from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.

Snowshoe Stampede
Sunday, 15 February 2015

The day includes 5K and 15K adult races, plus a 1K kids' fun run.  The Adventure will start at 10:00 AM.  The 15K course will include the top of Jenkins Mountain! The entry fee is $20 per person, $15 for Friends of the VIC and Season Pass Holders. Preregistration for all races is appreciated.

Empire State Winter Games Snowshoe Race
Saturday, 14 February 2015

Paul Smith’s College will host the snowshoe sprint races at the Soccer Field in the morning; the 5K race will take place at the VIC starting at 2 PM.  To register go to www.empirestatewintergames.com.

Snowshoe with a Naturalist
Saturday, 14 February 2015

Come to the VIC to learn about the natural wonders of winter with VIC Naturalist Brian McAllister. Topics include animal tracking, winter birding, and winter survival. Meet in the VIC building. Snowshoes required. *Snowshoe rentals are available at the VIC. Dress appropriately for outdoor activity.  The program runs from 10:00 AM to noon. Cost: $20 non-member or $10 for Friends of the VIC and Season Pass Holders (includes day pass fee). Preregistration required by 5:00 PM the day prior.

Sunday Ski and Music Series Features: George Bailey
Sunday, 8 February 2015

The Sunday Afternoon Ski and Music Series continues Sunday, 8 February, in the Great Room at the VIC from 1:00 to 3:00 PM with music by singer/songwriter George Bailey. Entry is free with your ski pass.

US Biathlon Race Viewing in the VIC Auditorium
Saturday, 7 February 2015

Come to the VIC from 8:00 PM to 9:30 PM to watch the World Cup Biathlon race in Oslo, Norway on the big screen in the VIC auditorium. We'll be routing for our home town competitors: Lowell Bailey and Tim Burke.

Kids Wildlife Signs and Tracks Snowshoe Walk
Saturday, 7 February 2015

Bring the kids out to the VIC to go on a family snowshoe walk to look for signs and tracks of our local winter wildlife residents.  This program is geared for the kids. Snowshoes will be required and are available to rent at the VIC.  Dress appropriately for outdoor activity.  The program runs from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM. Cost: $20/person, $40/family. There is a 25% discount for Friends of the VIC and Season Pass Holders.  Preregistration required by 5:00 PM the day prior.

Full Moon Ski, Pot Luck, and Music
Thursday, 5 February 2015

Come join us for inside and outside fun!  We’ll bust out the tiki lights and headlamps for some night skiing and a fire outside and music by the Ceilidhl Band.  For the pot luck - bring a dish to pass and a place setting and join the VIC staff, our musical guests, and other pass holders for some good food, great music, and super skiing under the moonlight.  The cost is $10 per person.  Free for Friends of the VIC and Season Pass Holders.

Sunday Ski and Music Series: Jamie Savage
Sunday, 1 February 2015

The Sunday Afternoon Ski and Music Series continues Sunday, 1 February, in the Great Room at the VIC from 1:00 to 3:00 PM with Adirondack singer/songwriter Jamie Savage. Entry is free with your ski pass.

Birch Bark Basket Workshop
Saturday, 31 January 2015

Create rustic birch bark baskets from natural items found on site. We will talk about appropriate birch bark collection techniques and form, and decorate baskets for a variety of uses in your home. The program runs from 1:00 to 4:00 PM. Cost: $20/person or $15 for Friends of the VIC and Season Pass Holders. Preregistration required by 5:00 PM the day before.

Hunter Education Course
Wednesday, 28 January and Thursday, 29 January 2015

Hunter Education is required for all hunting licenses, including bow and arrow. This course covers basic firearms handling and outdoor skills plus hunting techniques. Each class will start at 5:00 PM and end about 10:00 PM. Participants must attend all class dates. To register, click here.

Sunday Ski and Music Series: Sunday's Kitchen
Sunday, 25 January 2015

The Sunday Afternoon Ski and Music Series continues Sunday, 25 January, in the Great Room at the VIC from 1:00 to 3:00 PM with Sunday’s Kitchen, performing a variety of traditional Celtic and old-timey tunes. Entry is free with your ski pass.

Volunteer Training: Frozen Heron Marsh
Sunday, 25 January 2015

Grab your snowshoes and explore the wilds of Heron Marsh. Snowshoes will be required and are available to rent at the VIC. The program runs from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Please dress appropriately for outdoor activity.

Empire State Snowshoe Racing Association Championships (5K and 10K)
Sunday, 25 January 2015

The course will consist of both groomed (60%) and ungroomed (40%) trails. There will be a 5K loop; the 10K athletes will traverse the loop twice. Registration is from 9:00 to 10:45 AM. The race begins at 11:00 AM. For more information go to: www.empirestatesnowshoe.org.

Wildlife Signs and Tracks Snowshoe Walk
Saturday, 24 January 2015

Bring the kids out to the VIC to go on a family snowshoe to look for signs and tracks of our local wildlife winter residents. Snowshoes will be required and are available to rent at the VIC. Dress appropriately for outdoor activity. The program runs from 1:00 to 3:00 PM. Cost: $20/person, $40/family. There is a 25% discount for Friends of the VIC and Season Pass Holders. Preregistration required by 5:00 PM the day before.

Snowshoe Bird Walk
Saturday, 24 January 2015

Brian McAllister will get you out on the trails in search of our VIC winter resident bird population. Snowshoes will be required and are available to rent at the VIC. The program runs from 9:00 AM to 11:00 AM. Dress appropriately for outdoor activity. Cost: $20 per person or $15 for Friends of the VIC or Season Pass Holders (includes trail pass fee). Preregistration required by 5:00 PM the day before.

New Moon Art Show: Jim Bullard and Meg Bernstein
20 January - 17 February 2015

Every month on the new moon, the VIC features a different pair of local artists who adorn the walls of the VIC Great Room with their art. The January show features works by James Bullard and Meg Bernstein. Free admission.

Children's Nature Programs: No School Day at the VIC
Monday, 19 January 2015

If you are in grades 3-5, join Deb at the VIC to explore nature’s winter preparation and survival. The program runs from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Please dress your child in clothing appropriate to spend 2-3 active hours outdoors. Your child will need to bring a lunch and a snack for their day-long adventure. $35/person or $25 for Friends of the VIC. Preregister by 5:00 PM on 17 January.

Winter Birding Trip to Champlain Valley
Saturday, 17 January 2015

Join the Adirondack Birding Center on a trip to the shores, farm fields, and meadows of the picturesque Champlain Valley, one of the best areas to go birding in the North Country. We’ll search for waterfowl on the lake, hawks along the farm fields, and finches feeding in the hedgerows. Forty species could be observed on this full day event. Bring a bag lunch and hot beverage. We will be birding from the comfort of a 12 passenger van. Cost: $75/ person or $55 for Friends of the VIC. Preregister by 5:00 PM on 15 January. Contact the VIC with questions or to register: 518-327-6241.

Armchair Lecture: Curt Stager -- In Search of a Pristine Adirondack Lake
Thursday, 15 January 2015

The VIC's Armchair Science Lecture series continues on 15 January 2015 with a presentation by Curt Stager: "In Search of a Pristine Adirondack Lake." The program runs from 7:00 to 8:30 PM.

Volunteer Potluck
Thursday, 15 January 2015

VIC volunteers gather every month to get the scoop on upcoming events and activities, sign up for volunteer opportunities and organize training sessions. Bring a dish to pass and a place setting. We will meet for hors d'oeuvres at 5:30 PM. Dinner is at 6:00 PM. New volunteers are welcome to attend.

Winter Owl Prowl
Wednesday, 14 January 2015

Come and snowshoe in the woods and see whooo’s calling. Participants will learn owl natural history, call notes, and listen for calling owls. Bring snowshoes and a flashlight or headlamp to help guide your way and please dress appropriately for being outdoors at night. The program runs from 7:00 to 8:30 PM. Cost: $10 per person or $5 for Friends of the VIC. Snowshoes are available for rent. Preregistration is required by 5:00 PM the day before.

Wilderness Skills: Fire Building
Saturday, 10 January 2015

VIC Staff will demonstrate a variety of fire-building methods and explain the materials needed to sustain a fire. Participants can try to spark their own flint and steel fire. We’ll use the fire to cook up a few s’mores! The program runs from 1:00 to 2:00 PM. Cost: $10/person or free with a day or season ski pass.

Nature Movie Matinee
Saturday, 3 January 2015

Come out to the VIC for a ski or snowshoe and spend the afternoon in the VIC Theater enjoying a nature-themed movie with popcorn and hot chocolate. Cost: Free with a day or season ski pass.

Children's Nature Programs: No School Days at the VIC
Tuesday, 30 December 2014

If you are in grades 3-5, join Deb at the VIC from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM to explore nature’s winter preparation and survival.  Please dress your child in clothing appropriate to spend 2-3 active hours outdoors.  Your child will need to bring a lunch and a snack for their day long adventure.  Cost $35/person or $25 for Friends of the VIC.  Preregister by 5:00 PM, Saturday, 27 December.

VIC Ski Club
Tuesday, 30 December 2014

You are invited to join the ski club for all of our VIC pass holders on Tuesday and Saturday mornings from 10:00 PM to noon.  Come join the ski community and enjoy some time on the trails together.  If you want to be part of the group, all you need is your trail pass!  RSVP helpful by 5:00 PM the day before.

Volunteer Training:  Animal Tracking
Sunday, 28 December 2014

Head out on the trails with Brian McAllister from 1:00 to 3:00 PM to see what’s moving around out here on the VIC trails.  You will be inside and outside for this training, so please dress accordingly. 

Snowshoe with a Naturalist
Saturday, 27 December 2014

Come to the VIC from 10:00 AM to noon to learn about the natural wonders of winter with VIC Naturalist Brian McAllister. Topics include animal tracking, winter birding, and winter survival. Meet in the VIC building. Snowshoes required. Snowshoe rentals are available at the VIC. Dress appropriately for outdoor activity. Cost: $20 non-member or $10 VIC Friend or Season Pass holder (includes pass fee).  Preregistration required by 5:00 PM  the day prior.

VIC Ski Club
Saturday, 27 December 2014

You are invited to join the ski club for all of our VIC pass holders on Tuesday and Saturday mornings from 10:00 PM to noon.  Come join the ski community and enjoy some time on the trails together.  If you want to be part of the group, all you need is your pass!  RSVP helpful by 5:00 PM the day prior.

VIC Ski Club
Tuesday, 23 December 2014

You are invited to join the ski club for all of our VIC pass holders on Tuesday and Saturday mornings from 10:00 PM to noon.  Come join the ski community and enjoy some time on the trails together.  If you want to be part of the group, all you need is your pass!  RSVP helpful by 5:00 PM the day prior.

Holiday Decorations
Saturday, 20 December 2014

Spend some time together out at the VIC from 1:00 to 4: PM crafting and creating new holiday décor items.  Deb will have all of the materials out with a few ideas to choose from.  Great for the kids or the whole family to come by and get creative on a Saturday afternoon!  Cost: $20/person  $40/family (2 adults and any kids under 18).

VIC Ski Club
Saturday, 20 December 2014

You are invited to join the ski club for all of our VIC pass holders on Tuesday and Saturday mornings from 10:00 PM to noon.  Come join the ski community and enjoy some time on the trails together.  If you want to be part of the group, all you need is your pass!  RSVP helpful by 5:00 PM the day prior.

Owl Prowl
Wednesday, 17 December

Come and snowshoe in the woods at the VIC at 7:00 PM and see whooo’s calling.  Participants will learn owl natural history, call notes, and listen for calling owls.  Bring snowshoes and a flashlight or headlamp to help guide your way and please dress appropriately for being outdoors at night.   Cost: $10/person or $5 for Friends of the VIC.   Snowshoes are available for rent.  Preregistration required by 5:00 PM the day prior.

VIC Ski Club:  First Day
Tuesday, 16 December 2014

You are invited to join the ski club for all of our VIC pass holders on Tuesday and Saturday mornings from 10:00 PM to noon.  Come join the ski community and enjoy some time on the trails together.  If you want to be part of the group, all you need is your pass!  RSVP helpful by 5:00 PM the day prior.

Winter Wonders Artists' Reception
Sunday, 14 December

Meet the artists and discuss their work on a lovely Adirondack afternoon from 2:00 to 5:00 PM.  Light refreshments and a little musical enjoyment will be provided.  Round out your Sunday here at the VIC by enjoying a ski or snowshoe on the trails or purchasing your ski pass for this season!

Nature Movie Matinee
Saturday, 13 December 2014

Take a break from the holiday madness from 2:00 to 4:00 PM. Come spend a relaxing afternoon in the VIC theater and enjoy a nature-themed movie with popcorn and hot chocolate.  Cost: Free with a day or season ski pass

Armchair Lecture Series: Bob Marshall in the Adirondacks
Thursday, 11 December 2014

Phil Brown, the editor for the Adirondack Explorer, will present a slide show at 7:00 PM based on his book “Bob Marshall in the Adirondacks,” a collection of Marshall’s writings. Marshall was a pioneer in the national movement to preserve wild lands.  He got his first taste of wilderness here in the Adirondacks.  Bob and his brother George, along with their guide, Herb Clark, were the first to climb all 46 of the Adirondack High Peaks.  Cost: $5/person or free for VIC Friends and Volunteers.

Volunteer Holiday Potluck
Thursday, 11 December 2014

VIC volunteers gather every month from to get the scoop on upcoming events and activities, sign up for volunteer opportunities and organize training sessions.  Bring a dish to pass and a place setting.  We will meet for hors d'oeuvres at 5:30 PM.  Dinner is at 6:00 PM.  RSVP to Karen Potts by Dec 9th.

21st Annual Jingle Bell 5K Snowshoe Race
Sunday, 7 December 2014

The Paul Smith's College Striders are hosting the 21st Annual 5 kilometer Jingle Bell snowshoe race to give area runners the opportunity to challenge themselves on this early season snowshoe race.  In conjunction with the 5K event, the Striders will coordinate a .8K snowshoe race for kids age 14 and under.  So bring the whole family to the VIC for some fun in the snow!  Registration: 9:30-10:00 AM in the VIC lobby on race day or contact Jim Tucker (518) 327-6286.  Cost: $20/adult on race day ($15 for prior registration) and $2 for kids age 14 and under.

Holiday Wreath Making
Saturday, 6 December 2014

We will be getting into the holiday spirit over at the VIC with a wreath making class from 1:00 to 3:00 PM.  Sign up and spend time with Deb going through the step by step instruction and walking away with beautiful wreath you made yourself.  We will provide the wreath ring, wire, balsam, and ribbon.  We will be working in a colder part of the building, and you always get a little sap on yourself and your clothes, so please plan ahead for that.  Also, if you have a pair of hand pruners please bring them to assist in making your wreath.  COST: $20/person and $15 for Friends of the VIC.  Space is limited.  Preregistration required by 5PM the day prior.

Kids' Corner
Saturdays in December, starting 6 December 2014

For the month of December, the VIC will have games, craft materials, and more out for any kids and families to drop in and enjoy free activities from 11:00 AM – 2:00 PM.  Make it a family outing to the VIC for a packed lunch, kids programming, and maybe a snowshoe or ski on the trails. 

New Moon Art Show: Winter Wonders
2 December  2014 – 19 January 2015

The artist line up is:  Mark Kurtz, Suzanne Lebeda, Nancy Brossard, Ed Murphy, Karla Brieant, Joyce Hanson, Catharine Moore, and Sandra Hildreth.  This is one show you won’t want to miss; and, as always, items will be available for purchase.  A great holiday gift idea!


Past Events


Explore the VIC

The Paul Smiths VIC offers a wide variety of programs throughout the year to educate and inform Adirondack Park residents and visitors about the natural wonders of the Adirondack Mountains. You can help support these programs by joining the Friends of the VIC. More information on Friends of the VIC memberships

Explore the Trails

The VIC trails are free and open to the public, from dawn to dusk, spring through fall. In winter, the trails are open to cross-country skiers and snowshoers for a fee. Day or season passes may be purchased.