Skiing the Great Camp Santanoni historic carriage road. (Provided photo — Diane Chase)

Great Camp Santanoni is once again hosting three special winter weekends: Jan. 17-18 (Martin Luther King Jr. weekend), Feb. 14-15, and March 14-15. Though the grounds and trails are open year-round from dawn to dusk, the buildings are only open from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. during special events. Special thanks to Adirondack Architectural Heritage, the state Department of Environmental Conversation, the town of Newcomb and SUNY Environmental Science and Forestry Adirondack Interpretive Center for hosting each event.

Skiing or walking the trail to Great Camp Santanoni is something I hope everyone could add to their bucket list. In the summer there are some accessibility options like wagon rides and the Great Camp Santanoni Electric Wheelchair program. My husband and I are earmarking the Valentine’s weekend event because we are romantic. Cue the hearts.

The 9.5-mile round-trip snowshoe/Nordic ski adventure starts from Camp Santanoni’s Gate House and follows the old carriage road to the shores of Newcomb Lake. Parking is located near the Gate House which houses information regarding the previous owners and the property’s extensive history. Reaching the old farm buildings in 1 mile and 0.5-mile spur trail leading to the nearby 3.6-mile Adirondack Interpretive Center’s trail system. The easy trail continues along the old carriage road leading to the Main Lodge and Artist Studio. The trail is perfect for the novice skier and challenging enough to provide a great workout for a more experienced person. Friendly, leashed dogs are welcome.

According to the AARCH, the original owner Robert Pruyn of Albany fashioned the Main Lodge into his own Japanese Ho-o-den (villa of the phoenix). Pruyn lived in Tokyo when his father served as Abraham Lincoln’s ambassador to Japan. Pruyn had his architects use Japanese influences to tie the Main Lodge buildings together to form a bird in flight. The history of the property is too vast to discuss here, but all questions can be answered when visiting the property.

There are outhouses at the parking area and Main Cabin, but in case your child uses all the provided products, bring your own toilet paper. It’s best to always be prepared. It is a wilderness trail so please bring what is necessary for a winter ski such as food, extra clothing, water and headlamps. There will be volunteers around, but I know you always travel smart and safe. Though it shouldn’t need to be said, carry out what you carry in. Enjoy!