Four of the activities planned for the 2023 Step Outdoors Winter Outings Series in Tioga and Potter counties are being held at the Sinnemahoning State Park Office and Wildlife Center at 4843 Park Drive in Austin, Potter County and require those that want to participate to pre-register.

For Winter Survival Skills, Cross-Country Skiing for Beginners, and Snowshoeing Basics, pre-register online through the DCNR Calendar of Events at events.dcnr.pa.gov by searching for the park name (Sinnemahoning State Park) and the program title.

For Winter Women in the Wilds, pre-register at PA Parks and Forests Foundation (PPFF).

Free Winter Survival Skills Program is Saturday, Jan. 7; Pre-register by Thursday, Jan. 5

Experienced Mountaineer Search and Rescue team member, Steve Bajor is teaching Winter Survival Skills on Saturday, Jan. 7 starting at 10 a.m. and ending at 12 p.m. It’s free. Pre-registration is required by Thursday, Jan. 5. The program begins indoors in the park’s Wildlife Center classroom with a presentation and kit-making and then moves outdoors for hands-on practice in an off-trail area. Learn what the basic necessities are that people should always carry with them when exploring the outdoors; the steps to take when lost; how to keep safe and warm overnight; and how to improve the chances of being found.

Free Cross-Country Skiing for Beginners Program is Saturday, Jan. 14;  Pre-register by Thursday, Jan. 12

Those interested in joining experienced cross-country ski instructor Curt Weinhold on Saturday, Jan. 14 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. for a fun, free lesson on this popular sport, must pre-register by Thursday, Jan. 12. All equipment, including skis, poles, and boots in adult sizes will be provided or participants can bring their own. The program will begin indoors in the Wildlife Center classroom with an introduction to cross-country skiing equipment and styles, followed by guided practice instruction on level ground and then a short excursion on the trail. If snow depth is insufficient for skiing, an overview of ski equipment and techniques will be held indoors, followed by a two- to three-mile nature hike.

Winter Women in the Wilds is Feb. 3-5; Pre-register Now; Fills Up Fast

Ladies, beat cabin fever this winter while trying something new during Winter Women in the Wilds, a fun outdoor recreation and environmental education weekend being offered Friday, Feb. 3 at 6 p.m. through Sunday, Feb. 5 at 1 p.m. at the Sinnemahoning State Park Wildlife Center at 4843 Park Drive in Austin, Potter County. Sessions include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, winter bird identification, winter survival, open hearth cooking and more. The program fee is $90 per person and includes three full-catered meals and participant’s choice of up to six classes. Group size is limited. Pre-register with PA Parks and Forests Foundation (PPFF) by Friday, Jan. 20 or until all seats are filled on a first come, first served basis.

Snowshoeing Basics is Saturday, Feb. 11; Pre-register by Thursday, Feb. 9 

Thursday, Feb. 9 is the deadline to pre-register for Snowshoeing Basics being held Saturday, Feb. 11 from 10 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. It’s free. Snowshoeing is a great way to explore favorite trails in winter. New to the sport?  No problem. Experienced snowshoer Kim Lott will help get participants started. Snowshoes and trekking poles will be provided. The program will begin indoors in the Wildlife Center classroom with an introduction to snowshoeing equipment and styles, followed by guided practice instruction on level ground and then a short excursion on the trail. If snow depth is insufficient for snowshoeing, the indoor portion of the program will still be held, followed by a two- to three-mile nature hike.

FMI:

For more information about these programs, email SinnemahoningSP@pa.gov or call the park office at 1-814-647-8401.

.Visit www.stepoutdoors.org any time to learn more about all 2023 Winter Outings events or for updates on trail conditions, directions and other information or search for Step Outdoors Tioga County on Facebook.