Appalachian Mountain Club Expands Winter Adventure Programs for Ages 50+

12-17-2008

With the growing popularity of its programs especially for outdoor enthusiasts ages 50+, the Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) this winter is continuing to introduce new weeklong 50+ Adventure Camp choices, while also expanding locations to offer a 50+ Adventure Weekend in the Maine Woods.

AMC’s all-inclusive 50+ Adventure Camp is being held at Joe Dodge Lodge for the first time this winter, adding to weeks at Highland Lodge and providing a choice of two different locations in the heart of New Hampshire’s White Mountains. Located near the base of Mt. Washington, Joe Dodge Lodge is centrally located for exploring the trails, ponds, and scenic vistas around Pinkham Notch. The five-night program at both lodges brings together outdoor enthusiasts ages 50 and older for a variety of easy, moderate, and advanced snowshoe hikes and cross-country ski tours; outdoor skills workshops; cultural and historical tours and talks; evening programs; and social activities.

For a taste of winter in the Maine Woods, AMC’s 50+ Adventure Weekend at Medawisla Wilderness Camps in the Moosehead Lake region is another new experience this year, building on AMC’s 50+ programs in the White Mountains. Private cabins with wood stoves make toasty retreats following a day on the trails.

All of the lodges have access to snowshoe and cross-country ski trails surrounded by diverse natural habitats for wildlife watching. Amenities include private rooms or cabins, freshly prepared meals, and green-friendly practices—plus every program offers the benefit of expert guiding and instruction. The L.L. Bean gear room at Highland Lodge also provides guests with free use of outdoor clothing and equipment, such as hiking boots, backpacks, water bottles, and fleece jackets.

Visit AMC’s Winter Planning Guide for full details, including information about AMC’s new health and wellness weekend series, naturalist-led Lodge-to-Hut overnight trips, 50+ mid-week Ski & Stay specials, and other deals – www.outdoors.org/winterguide.  

AMC’s weeklong 50+ Adventure Camps and shorter getaways this winter include:

Five-night 50+ Adventure Camps

• February 1-6, 50+ Winter Sports Adventure Camp, Highland Lodge, White Mountains, NH
  Try a sampling of winter outdoor pursuits, including daily snowshoe hikes, cross-country ski tours, and nature walks, with the opportunity to take a day hike to AMC’s Lonesome Lake Hut and summit one of New Hampshire’s snow-covered 4,000-foot peaks. Indoor activities will include a combination of daily historic and cultural talks and tours of the New England Ski Museum and other local landmarks, along with skills workshops on winter sports and gear and winter safety and survival. Package rates, including meals and lodging, start at $690, plus taxes, for non-members ($495 for members). 
• February 8-13, Winter 50+ Adventure Camp, Joe Dodge Lodge, White Mountains, NH
  Join the first 50+ camp offered at Joe Dodge Lodge, the ideal location to explore the wintry wonderland at the base of Mt. Washington while snowshoeing, animal tracking, and cross-country skiing. Adding to these adventures, AMC naturalists will share their knowledge of winter ecology, local wildlife, and cultural history of the area. Package rates, including meals and lodging, start at $439, plus taxes, for non-members ($399 for members).
• March 1-6, 50+ Spring Skiing Adventure Camp, Highland Lodge, White Mountains, NH
  Spend a full week skiing some of the best cross-country ski trails in the White Mountains, ranging from the extensive groomed network at Bretton Woods Nordic Center to the backcountry trails around the scenic Zealand Valley. Warm up indoors during daily historic and cultural talks and tours. Previous Nordic Skiing experience required. Package rates, including meals and lodging, start at $690, plus taxes, for non-members ($495 for members). 

Mid-week and weekend 50+ getaways

• January 20-22; March 24-26, 50+ Adventure Mid-Week Getaway, Joe Dodge Lodge, White Mountains, NH
  Steal away for a mid-week escape to go snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the shadows of the Northeast’s highest peak, with snowshoe hikes ranging from a meandering nature walk to a more challenging snowshoe hike to the base of Tuckerman Ravine on Mt. Washington. All of these naturalist-guided outings will blend snow sports with White Mountain winter ecology and animal tracking. Package rates, including meals and lodging, start at $155, plus taxes, for non-members ($145 for members).      
• March 6-8, 50+ Adventure Weekend, Medawisla Wilderness Camps, Moosehead Lake Region, ME
  Venture out into the wintry night on snowshoes or cross-country skis to listen for the calls of owls. The following day, explore the vast, snowy landscape of the Maine Woods while tracking signs of wildlife and hearing about seasonal adaptations of the area's snowshoe hare, moose, deer, coyote, and lynx. Over a campfire the second night, relax under the starlit skies. Early risers can make full use of daylight hours to ski some of the local trails around the lodge. Package rate, including meals and lodging, is $289, plus taxes, for non-members ($245 for members).

Rates and reservations
Rates vary as indicated above. Starting at rates for Highland Lodge and Joe Dodge Lodge include accommodations in a private bunkroom or family room with shared bath for up to six people, dinners, breakfasts, and lunches (dinner includes fresh baked bread, soup, salad, entree, and dessert), guided programs, use of snowshoes, cross-country ski pass, and instruction. Individuals may be subject to a single supplement or be assigned to a shared room on a same-sex basis. Private rooms with private baths are available for an additional charge. At Medawisla Wilderness Camps, accommodations are in private cabins and guests must provide their own snowshoes or cross-country skis. All meals, guided programs, and instruction are included. For reservations, call (603) 466-2727.

Founded in 1876, the Appalachian Mountain Club is the oldest conservation and recreation organization in the nation. With 90,000 members in the Northeast and beyond, the nonprofit AMC promotes the protection, enjoyment, and wise use of the mountains, rivers and trails of the Appalachian region. The AMC supports natural resource conservation while encouraging responsible recreation, based on the philosophy that successful, long-term conservation depends upon first-hand enjoyment of the natural environment.

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