forbush corner cross-country skiing

We went to Forbush corners for the first time this past weekend. There are many trails to choose from and so well groomed that even our inexperienced skiers could go down the hills! We all noticed the friendly vibe from everyone. We spent almost the whole day there and are planning on going back next year. They rent equipment if you need it. Trails are well marked. If you live down state like us, it's not too far and it's worth the trip.

I have skied at Forbush Corner for many years. I have found the trails there to be second to none. Dave Forbush designed the trails so that corners are easy to ski around. The difficulty of the trails varies from easy to challenging. The grooming is impeccable. Grooming machinery is state of the art and the operators know how to use it well. At the Corner I have skied with both beginners and international class skiers. Historically it has been possible to get ski lessons from an international class skier, call ahead for this service. The attraction at Forbush is well designed trails impeccably groomed. My temtation is to ski those beautiful trails longer than my body can manage, The pro shop features top of the line skis (custom fit), poles, and boots, with a chance to try before you buy. Practical, useful ski clothing is also the offered. As far as food is concerned the lunch room is self serve and/or bring your own. For an enjoyable cross country ski experience Forbush corner cannot be topped.

I spent a day skiing at Forbush after a recent heavy snow fall. This was my first visit, and I was happy with it overall. My introduction to the place was when I pulled into the parking lot, the first car there for the day, and met the owner and his dog inside the shop. He was very friendly and explained the whole trail system to me. As I came back a couple times during the day, he freely answered questions I had about skiing, so that was helpful. He offered to keep the place open late for me, or even open it up the following day if I wanted to come back (they are only open certain days.) The trail network is excellent, with a variety of skill-levels and terrain to suit every type of skier. Trails are generally well-marked and easy to follow, and the printed map is easy to read. The setting is lovely, hilly, and wooded. It's adjacent to Hartwick Pines State Park, so has a similar ecology and typography. A drawback to the trail system is that it got to feel rather compact and tightly spaced. Once I got the layout in my head, I knew I was never far from another trail and other skiers. I tend to prefer more extensive territory where I can get far afield and even into some wilderness. Forbush is not that, but probably for many people that's not relevant. One other drawback is that parts of the trail system run very close to I-75 (though you can never actually see it). The noise of heavy traffic intruded into the quietness of the woods a bit too much for my taste. There is also a small but pleasant snowshoe trail system, which takes walkers to some nice overlooks. The only drawback is that a lot of these trails are nearly on top of the ski trails, so again, there's no illusion of space. It just felt too compact.At the parking area there is a building with an equipment shop, bathrooms, and self-serve kitchen. I appreciated having a warm place to come and relax during the day. The kitchen is stocked only with a very limited supply of food, such as granola bars, microwavable lunches, and hot beverages. So be sure to bring your own lunch or plan to go back into town to eat. Wax, clothing, and other equipment is for sale in the small shop.

Forbush corners is a great crosscountry ski area. The terrain is very diverse and appropriate from a beginner to expert skier. Grooming is always phenomenal and have never feared skiing my A skis. They also rent nice madshus skis and boots.