Activities
NSTA is a silent sports club which enjoys using the many trails, waterways and other venues of the Northwoods for activities year round. Below are summaries of our activities. Each of these activities is planned, scheduled and led by our members—supporting NSTA’s goal that members should not only be active through attendance but through facilitating the activities we undertake. Guests of members may attend any of these events (except where noted), but they must sign a waiver and adhere to NSTA rules.
Paddling
Skiing
In summer,Tuesdays are for kayaking adventures, generally
launching at diferent Northwoods lakes, rivers and flowages at
10:00 a.m. and averaging two hours each. Each tour is comfortable for the majority of our members, striving to balance easy- versus- moderate-exertion tours. Most are out-and-back tours and some require shuttles. Afterwards we enjoy picnic lunches or occasionally a restaurant meal. Wearing PFDs is required for all NSTA paddles.
We usually also try to schedule a Moonlight Paddle in August or September and often a Fall Colors tour.
In addition to our regular schedule, we may sponsor a Safety Education Program based on the American Canoe Association guidelines, or recommend one held locally by another organization.
We also have a 2-3 day members-only overnight trip in another location, usually in late June. Lodging is arranged as are at least 2 dinners. Some members may chose to camp if there is a nearby campground.
In keeping with the initial purpose of the Northwoods Ski Touring
Association, the advancement & enjoyment of cross-country skiing is the
cornerstone of our winter activity. We cross-country ski every Friday after
New Year's Day on the groomed trails of Camp Manito-wish in Boulder
Junction, commencing at 10am. Skiing is usually followed by lunch at a
local restaurant.
Beginning in early January, we meet to cross-country ski every Sunday
afternoon, starting at 2 PM. Each year, a committee of members plans a
schedule that gives us an opportunity to cross-country ski on a wide variety
of the Northwoods' beautiful and diverse trails. Sunday skiing is usually
followed by a social hour and a potluck dinner at a nearby community
center.
Members who downhill ski also meet every Wednesday morning, when
conditions permit, most often at Big Powderhorn Mountain Resort.
Biking
Biking is another silent sport enjoyed by NSTA members, with weekly rides scheduled in a different location each Wednesday from May through the end of August. The rides begin at 10:00 a.m. and typically last about 90 minutes to 2 hours. Rides are typically followed by a BYO picnic lunch or occasionally a meal at a restaurant selected in advance. A weekly schedule is planned and distributed prior to the start of the biking season
by a committee of volunteers who also share in hosting each weekly ride. For safety reasons, no one is allowed to ride without a bike helmet.
In addition to the weekly rides, an annual 2-3 day members-only overnight bike trip takes place in September, usually following the long Labor Day weekend. The selected destination normally is within a four hour drive, and NSTA members drive themselves or carpool.
Lodging is prearranged at a central hotel, although some members may choose to camp if there is a campground nearby. There are usually two prearranged dinners, usually on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Hiking
In addition to summer and winter activities, NSTA has a Spring Hike and a
Fall Hike in interesting locations within about an hour's drive for most
members. The hikes feature woodlands, lakes, vistas and waterfalls and
and are followed by a picnic lunch.
The Spring Hike gathers our members for a fun day outdoors between ski
season and summer sports. It is usually held in late May when wild flowers
are in abundance.The Fall Hike is usually scheduled in late September or
early October when we can enjoy peak fall colors.