We are gearing up for the snow with a visit to Cascade Cross Country Ski Center, outside of Lake Placid. We always update our equipment there and manage to find quite a few deals. We have even trained our children to head right back to the consignment corner. The nice thing is the staff always helps us find exactly what we need.

The other nice thing is once we are there we have all the necessities around us, 20K of groomed trails, restaurant, ski shop and even lessons. We don't take advantage of all the options all the time. Since it is so convenient to go, we can hit the trails whenever we want.

 We have yet to find the time to be able to stay in the dorm-style lodging, but plan to when we complete the Jackrabbit Trail this winter. When the snow is deep enough, we look forward to knowing that a nice warm bed and relaxing meal by the fire awaits us. Cascade Cross-Country Ski Center's property connects the segment of the Jackrabbit trail between Keene and Lake Placid, requiring a trail fee.

For an unusual experience, each winter season, Cascade Info Center celebrates the full moon with trails lit for skiing. This year's events will take place on January 26 and February 23, 2013, from 7:00 p.m. to midnight. It is an adult-only event with bonfires, hot dogs, hot chocolate, and beer. Enjoy the groomed trails and bonfires, then come inside and warm up by the fireplace while listening to live music. 

The wonderful thing about cross-country skiing is that it is an activity that a family can do by simply pulling over to a familiar trailhead, strapping on your skies, and hitting the trail. My Adirondack guide husband recommends that you only adventure out on an evening ski or snowshoe if you are familiar with the trail, have proper equipment and safety gear packed, and always be with a buddy.

Don't worry about venturing off. Cascade Ski Center has rentals, a ski shop, and lessons available for all levels of Nordic skiers. Enjoy the snow! Diane Chase is the author of Adirondack Family Time Tri-Lakes and High Peaks: Your Four-Season Guide to Over 300 Activities.