AMC Western MA 20s/30s+

Activity Type: Skiing | Cross Country
Difficulty: 4 - Moderate
Trip Leader(s): Hew Hart, Zenya Molnar, Alexandra Molnar
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP:https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UUN000001uurl
Register By: 3/6/2026
Audience: 20’s & 30’s

Description: (This event will also run on February 22 ( click here )! Join us for one or both days.)
Join the Western MA and Worcester 20s & 30s for a day of cross-country skiing in the Berkshires. All abilities are welcome!
We'll meet at Notchview, located in Windsor, MA, in the mid-morning and break the day up into two halves with lunch in the warm lodge in between.
Morning: Open ski (for those with experience) or a lesson (for beginners or those who want to brush up on their skills). Afternoon: Break into groups to explore the many trail options (over 25 miles) at Notchview! Mileage and difficulty levels dependent on group interests, skills, and conditions.
Participants are responsible for their own trail passes ($20 for Trustees members, $22 for non-members). Rentals are available on a first come-first served basis ($23 for adults). We strongly encourage beginners and those brand new to Nordic skiing to take a lesson ($33 for adults, includes pass/rental/lesson). Leaders are willing to provide tips and informal instruction for those who desire. Participants should have some prior experience with winter conditions, including knowing how to layer to regulate body heat. The Worcester Chapter has some gear available for those who would like to borrow; please contact the leaders to learn more or if you have questions. Participants are required to bring the following: Lunch, 1-2 liters of water, snacks Small backpack or hip pack to carry gear Synthetic/wool baselayer (no cotton) top and bottom Synthetic/wool midlayer top Breathable shell top and bottom Neck gaiter, hat (or headband; two recommended), gloves (liner and water-resistant outer pair) Please disregard the difficulty rating (“4-moderate”) assigned in the trip posting. Active time and pace will be dependent on participant interest and conditions.
**** Join the Western MA 20s/30s+ WhatsApp Group , where we post upcoming events, share photos, and connect for informal non-AMC outings!
Follow us on Instagram @AMCWesternMA20s30s !
We always welcome your feedback on this activity and your experiences with the AMC Western MA 20s/30s+ community.February 22

Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!

Activity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 3 - Easy
Trip Leader(s): Kevin Morgan-Rothschild, Jakob Palches
Registration Type: Registration
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX0000012OfB
Audience: 20’s & 30’s

Description: Join other folks in their 20s/30s on Saturday, March 21 for a spring equinox outing that combines a classic Western Mass sugar shack breakfast with a scenic hike at Chesterfield Gorge.
We will start the morning at High Hopes Farm for an all-you-can-eat hearty sugar shack buffet. High Hopes Farm is a rustic sugar shack with a fireplace and beautiful river views. The buffet is $20 per person (+ tax) and typically features pancakes, french toast, eggs, home fries, sausage and bacon.
After breakfast, we will drive about 7 minutes to Chesterfield Gorge for our hike.
The hike is 5.24 miles with approximately 812 feet of elevation gain. Expect a steady climb, scenic river views, and quiet forest terrain. The group pace will be moderate and social, with short breaks along the way.
Estimated hiking time: 3 to 3.5 hours with breaks
Let us know if you have any questions. Looking forward to a cozy meal and a beautiful day on the trail.
Leaders: Kevin & Jakob
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Kevin Morgan-Rothschild (he/him) : Kevin grew up in Amherst, MA and moved back a couple years ago after a 17-year hiatus in Louisiana, France and the Netherlands. He enjoys bike touring, hiking, cooking anything from pancakes to New Orleans cuisine, gardening, sustainability, and of course exploring woodsy Western MA.
Jakob Palches (he/him): Jakob loves multisport activities in the valley and making sure every trip is a little bit of an adventure! Please wear shoes that can get wet and muddy. They will do both of those things. When not in the woods Jakob is in the woods at Camp Chesterfield working on renovations as the new camp Ranger for The Ashmere Project.
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Stay Connected with Western MA 20s/30s! Join our 20s/30s WhatsApp Group for upcoming events and informal meetups Follow us on Instagram @AMCWesternMA20s30s We always welcome feedback on your experience with AMC Western MA 20s/30s.

Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!

Activity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 3 - Easy
Trip Leader(s): Hew Hart, Roseanna Lacas
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX0000010sZJ
Audience: 20’s & 30’s

Description: Join other folks in their 20s and 30s on Saturday, March 29 for an easy 2-mile loop around Bray Lake in Holyoke. This mostly flat, wooded trail circles the lake and offers peaceful water views and a pleasant early-spring setting. Late March conditions may include mud, lingering ice, or wet sections, so please come prepared for variable footing.
This hike will move at a slow, conversational pace and include frequent stops. In addition to enjoying the trail, we’ll be incorporating structured leadership practice as part of AMC’s hands-on Outdoor Leadership Training. Leaders-in-training will take turns guiding short portions of the hike, offering brief trail talks, and working through realistic leadership scenarios.
All participants should expect: Periodic stops for short leadership exercises and group discussion To take part in light, pre-assigned role-play scenarios that simulate common trail situations A slower pace than a typical 2-mile hike If you’re open to a slightly different kind of trail experience—one that actively supports and develops new volunteer leaders—this is a great way to contribute to the AMC community while still enjoying time outdoors.
Distance: ~2 miles Elevation gain: Minimal Pace: Slow and conversational Estimated time: ~2-3 hours
Expect typical New England early-spring conditions (mud, wet leaves, possible ice). Sturdy waterproof footwear is strongly recommended. Trekking poles and traction may be helpful depending on conditions.
This outing helps prepare new AMC hike leaders, who will go on to co-lead mentored hikes before leading independently. We appreciate your flexibility, patience, and good humor as we create a supportive learning environment on the trail.
More details will be shared closer to the date.

Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!

Activity Type: Hiking, Local Walks, & Trail Running | Hiking
Difficulty: 2 - Relaxed
Trip Leader(s): Roseanna Lacas
Registration Type: Application
Please Click Here to RSVP: https://activities.outdoors.org/a5UVX0000011twL
Audience: 20’s & 30’s

Description: Join other folks in their 20s/30s+ for an early evening walk/hike along the Robert Frost Trail to the Eastman Brook Conservation Area on Thursday, April 9! We’ll meet at 5:30 PM at the trailhead for a relaxed 1.5-hour walk. Expect easy (but potentially wet!) terrain, great company, and a chance to unwind outdoors.
After the hike, we’ll head down the road to 3 Amigos for dinner—totally optional but a great way to keep the conversation going.
Dogs are allowed, and must be leashed at all times; please let the leader(s) know if you intend to bring your pup!
**** Join the Western MA 20s/30s+ WhatsApp Group , where participants share upcoming events, photos, and occasionally connect around informal, non-AMC outings!
Follow us on Instagram @AMCWesternMA20s30s !
We always welcome your feedback on this activity and your experiences with the AMC Western MA 20s/30s+ community.

Reminder: Please click the RSVP link above to register!