Winter Trails
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Winter Trail Etiquette
CPF’s winter trails are multi-use trails enjoyed by cross-country skiers, snowshoers, dogwalkers, fat tire bikers, and in the case of the South Trail, snowmobilers. By following these few rules of winter trail etiquette, we can improve the experience for everyone.
1) When walking on snowy trails, please use snowshoes unless snow conditions are very firm. This prevents “post-holing”—when your legs sink deep into the snow with each step.
2) On trails where tracks have been set for cross-country skiing by grooming machines or where skiers have established well-travelled tracks, please be sure to walk/snowshoe in the flat packed area and not in the ski tracks.
3) Try your best to keep your dogs out of the ski tracks. As in the case in all seasons, we ask that you leash your dog when using CPF trails and please clean up after your pets. Please remove all used waste bags from the trail and parking area. CPF properties are carry-in, carry-out.
Safe Winter Recreation Guidelines
Dress for the weather—wear layers and avoid cotton.
Tell someone where you are going.
Choose trails appropriate for your abilities.
Trail Use Disclaimer
By using CPF’s public access trails, you agree to the following liability release and waiver.
I am aware that cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and walking on winter trails is potentially dangerous. I will hike, ski and snowshoe sensibly and I assume all risks associated with the activity including but not limited to injuries caused by slips, contact with other participants, equipment malfunction, getting lost, effects of weather and/or condition of trail, hypothermia, all such risks being known and appreciated, even welcomed, by me. Having read this waiver and knowing these facts, I, for myself and my minor dependents and anyone entitled to act on my behalf, waive and release the Cazenovia Preservation Foundation and FROSTY, or successors from all claims or liabilities arising from my participation in these activities.
Winter Trail Conditions
Visit Nordic Pulse for real-time trail conditions on local trails (winter only).
Below, we’ll repost the Friends of Stoney Pond (FROSTY) trail reports here throughout the season:
Thursday, February 5, 2026
Chillers and Thrillers,
The Olympics are rolling—hip hip, hooray!
But, right here, Caz Winter Fest is the best place to play!
Some stuff got canceled—yeah, cold temps to blame?
But the crystalline trails are still in the game!
They’re groomed up perfectly, smooth as can be—
Like snow made for YOU and snow made for ME!
Grab FROSTY beer at Meier’s Creek (if you’re grown!)
It’s colder than air and looks a colorful tone.
Warm up at the Distillery—spirits so bright—
They’ll chase off the shivers and make you feel right.
Sip savory soup at the Shoppes—oh wow!
It’s tasty and toasty and warms you up now.
Critz Farms has bonus trails—extra fun!
More spots to explore 'til the winter day’s done.
Stoney Pond’s got miles and miles that glide—
So smooth you’ll feel like you’re taking a ride!
So bundle up tight, don’t be stuck inside—
Get out in the snow—for a weekend in stride!
Thursday, January 29, 2026
Winter Wonderlanders,
Thanks to ongoing low temperatures and abundant new snow, trails near and far are 100% covered in a fluffy white blanket. But the real thanks goes to the team of dedicated FROSTY volunteers, who are intrepidly out in the cold to smooth the surfaces—excellent conditions prevail for skiing and snowshoeing. Forecasted temperatures through the next week+ support optimum conditions. So don't fret the chilly air, frozen fingertips will melt when you get out on skis so svelte. The time is NOW to reap Fern's midwinter delivery!!
Upcoming events in Caz are in sync with the crisp air—here is the Feb 5-8 weekend preview:
Thursday, January 1, 2026
Happy New Year! While the recent storm buried Syracuse, the hills of Madison County missed out on the bounty of fluff. Wind-scoured fields and spotty patches of new snow atop a crusty old-snow layer currently inhibit grooming.
But wait––wooded trails are fine for snowshoeing and some trails are skiable. Continued cold temps and additional snowfall may enable grooming this weekend. Keep an eye on Nordic Pulse for updates.
Thursday, December 11, 2025
Hello there, friends of winter cheer—
A chilly December is finally here!
Winter is swooshing in, hip-hip-hooray,
And Santa’s not far with his bright jingly sleigh.
There are gifts of skis, snowshoes, poles, mittens too—
All ready and waiting for outdoor fun for you!
Caz is bustling with holiday delight:
Polar Express at Meier’s Creek, oh what a sight!
Christmas at Lorenzo, festive and grand,
Lunch at Johnny Appleseed Shoppes—so much planned!
Snow has been rolled both in Caz and afar,
Stoney Pond trails groomed smooth as a star.
Nordic Pulse has the scoop, all tidy and neat,
For snowy adventures on boot-strapped feet.
Volunteers are ready for flakes from the skies—
Waiting to groom when the next snowflake flies.
So bundle up now, step into the shine,
And enjoy every glittering snow crystal time!
Stay warm, stay merry, as Team FROSTY hopes to see you on the trails!
Sunday, November 23, 2025
Winter is on the way—oh yes, it’s nearly here!
Just in time for holidays and heaps of frosty cheer.
There’s no time for volunteers to sit or take a break,
No resting on the benches—there are snowy trails to make!
Our Gator’s out there grooming, doing everything it can,
Buzzing, smoothing, brushing—oh it’s quite a busy plan!
We’re prepping all the pathways for a white and fluffy spread,
A cozy winter blanket soon will sparkle overhead.
So grab your skis and snowshoes—get them ready, get them quick!
For trails from Stoney Pond to Meier’s Creek will soon be snowy-slick.
Through every twist and turn between, our crews have made it grand,
You’ll find groomed paths and snowy tracks stretched neatly through the land.
With Caz Winterfest approaching and Snowshoe Sundays more,
There’s sliding, gliding, marching fun—events galore in store!
So bundle up and join us as the winter world draws near,
Adventure waits on every trail—this is our favorite time of year
Details and real-time updates at Nordic Pulse.
Area venues host a variety of events year-round––check often for updates:
CPF Trails
Lorenzo State Historic Site
Meier's Creek on Facebook
Nelson Swamp Trail
Madison County Distillery
Stoney Pond State Forest
Shoppes at Johnny Appleseed on Facebook
Swiss Mountain Farms
Cazenovia calendar: Caz Life
Hamilton happenings: This is Hamilton
Madison County Tourism: Calendar of Events
Links:
Google Maps Trail Locations
Caz Area Detailed Trail Maps
Printable Trail Maps
Weatherlink Stoney Pond State Forest
Wunderground Stoney Pond State Forest
About FROSTY: Friends of Stoney Pond exists to foster year-round outdoor recreation through its efforts in trail development and maintenance, snow grooming, snowshoe rentals, and advocacy of human-powered trails-based activities. Equipment and volunteers are made available to local organizations––to assist in the expansion and usability of trail networks on public and private lands. FROSTY participates in the NYS Department of Environmental Conservation Volunteer Stewardship program, which enhances use of NYS public lands. As a registered 501(c)(3) 100% funded by donors, donations are invested in tools, equipment and supplies utilized exclusively on local trail networks.
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