About NSTA
Our cross country ski outings have been a tradition with our club ever since its origin. When we use the trails at Camp Manitowish we are on the very property that inspired the creation of the NSTA.
About us
The NSTA Board welcomes you to our website. According to our bylaws,
“The purpose of the Association shall be for the advancement and
enjoyment of silent sports”. We enjoy cross country and alpine skiing,
biking, paddling on both lakes and streams and hiking. NSTA is a fun
group. We promote exercise, safety and socializing, including with food!
Our outings are planned by member volunteers who schedule events in all
the various activities for the entire membership.
The geographical demographic of our membership has traditionally been
the Headwaters area of northern Wisconsin, centered in Vilas, Oneida and
Iron counties.
Active membership is limited to150, with both active and emeritus
members. New members are sponsored by the active members in the
club. We can help you find a sponsor if you are not familiar with any of our
members.
Some history
Back in the mid 1970’s Steve Burr was the manager of Camp Manitowish. He and manager Steve Mass from the North American Canoe Base of the Boy Scouts of America got together and sponsored a series of small meetings. The purpose of these meetings was to see if there was any interest in developing a winter program at Camp Manitowish. There were several very active cross country skiers from the area who attended the meetings which were held at meeting rooms at Camp Manitowish, the Bear Bar in Winchester and also at the Moraine Springs ski facility near Presque Isle.
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President’s Welcome
Welcome to the website of the Northwoods Ski Touring Association
(NSTA).
Now in its 46th year, NSTA is a vibrant group of people who love to
experience the Northwoods year round through a wide range of silent
sports. While our primary sport has been cross country skiing, as
indicated by our original name and logo, we also participate in downhill skiing, snowshoeing, hiking, biking and kayaking. Our all-volunteer organization does a fantastic job of creating fun, outdoor experiences. During the winter we have cross country ski outings scheduled two times per week. On Sundays, members ski at one of a variety of cross country ski venues in the Northwoods, followed by a potluck at a nearby community center or a meal at a local restaurant. On Fridays, we ski at YMCA Camp Manitowish in Boulder Junction which is made available with freshly groomed trails for our members and their guests. This is followed by lunch at a local restaurant. Some members may choose to snowshoe during these times at designated trails. We also have a group of active downhill skiers who typically meet on Wednesdays at various area ski resorts.
During the warmer months, the club offers weekly kayak outings on
Tuesdays, exploring many of the area lakes and streams. On
Wednesdays, the group has bike outings on the myriad local bike trails
and roadways. These are typically followed by lunch at a local park.
Additionally, we have a club hike in the spring and fall.
The club also organizes at least three overnight trips per year: a winter
one for cross country skiing, a summer kayaking/canoeing trip, and an
early fall biking trip. These are a fun way to enjoy new locations with
club members.
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While our primary purpose is to promote and enjoy silent sports year
round, we do enjoy gathering for socialization around meals. Each
spring and fall we have a banquet dinner. A new tradition will be a Winter Picnic provided by the club following a Friday ski, and in the summer one of the bike rides is followed by Root Beer Floats and another by a Summer Picnic. As you can see, if you enjoy participating in silent sports with others, in all seasons, NSTA has much to offer. For those seeking membership, it is necessary to be sponsored by a club member and to participate in at least three club sport events. For anyone in need of sponsorship or for any questions about the club, please feel free to contact me at JoinNSTA@gmail.com.
Maury Keesler
President
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