A few questions have arisen about cross-country skiing at Koulas Farm, and the honest answer is yes and no.
Yes, there is a designated route, and it has now been marked. With a bit more snow, it will be passable and enjoyable. No, it is not perfect yet.
One short section near the sledding hill is steeper than ideal. That area has long been identified for a future switchback and better grading. This is not a new idea. Going all the way back to the Koulas Task Force, this section of trail was intentionally designed extra wide because several uses were planned from the start.
Cross-country skiing, ADA-friendly access, and emergency access are all essentially the same design goal here. The width and alignment were meant to support mobility devices, walkers side by side, and access for one of the town’s Gators if needed for medical or fire response.
Given current priorities, ADA access is at the top of the list. I expect Friends of Koulas will be seeking approval to add the switchback and improve grading in that steeper section as part of ongoing improvements.
If we get four to five inches of snow, I would expect this newly marked loop to be usable for cross-country skiing. As winter work parties resume this week, making sure this loop can at least accommodate a ski track alongside the walking trail will be a priority.
This is another example of how the original trail design was intentionally multiuse and why that extra width matters year-round.