How to Dress Like an Onion and Other Important Happenings

This week, I'm reminded of the magic of layers. You know, those heat-retaining, moisture-wicking saviors of winter adventures. The very things that get us from "Uhh, I think I'll stay inside and use the treadmill." to "It's so glorious to be outside! In the crisp cold, but not being cold. So glad I layered up and got out!" You have your layers (AMC advice here) and we have activities for you that you - and your budget - will love. See below for AMC Noble View Outdoor Center winter sports offerings (gear included!). And, for that part of us that's looking toward Spring, we've got fun opportunities in April for getting out on the water and honing your paddling skills. How does this all happen? Volunteers! Read on for the results of our Executive Committee 2024 planning meeting, and explore how you can be a part of the fun of creating activities that get us together outdoors. See you outside! Diane Jones, Western MA Chapter Chair

Come Have Fun With Us At Noble View

You don't have to go to New Hampshire or Maine to visit an AMC lodging facility. We have our own AMC facility right here in western Massachusetts. The AMC Noble View Outdoor Center is perched on a mountain 1100 feet above the Connecticut River Valley in Russell with a beautiful view to the east of Westfield, Springfield and the surrounding forest and farmlands. Noble View has two self-serve cottages for winter rental with cozy wood stoves and a classic front porch looking east. There are fields for sledding (bring your own or borrow ours) and miles of trails for hiking, cross country skiing, and snowshoeing. We also have a Storywalk® installation each month so you can walk a short trail with a seasonally appropriate story to read along the way. This month's story is "Ten Ways to Hear Snow" by Cathy Camper. Come up for the weekend with family and friends, or just a few hours to play. Click here for photos, a history of Noble View, and a link to register for lodging.

Setting Goals for 2024

During the region's first major snowstorm earlier this month, the Executive Committee met to develop goals and an action plan for improving how we serve you, the AMC members who call Western Massachusetts home. After looking at what went well last year and outlining ways we can do better, we started to create goals as a Chapter and by committee. We would like to plan more activities and recruit more leaders, increase our membership and make our activities more accessible to underserved populations. To help us articulate an action plan, we also want to hear from you. It would be great to know what you have enjoyed about being an AMC member and how you think we can improve. We also would like to invite you to get involved in our mission of making the outdoors accessible to all. If you have any suggestions or comments for us or would like to get involved as a leader or in any of our other volunteer opportunities, please email us at info@amc-wma.org so we can chat. We'd love to hear from you!

River Canoe Instruction Program

The Western MA Chapter is collaborating with the New Hampshire Chapter to offer a Canoe School, providing instruction in flat water, moving water, and Class 1 and mild Class 2 whitewater. Prior experience in flat water and/or quickwater is helpful. Instruction includes paddling strokes and maneuvers, as well as safety information and training. Day 1 is flat water and moving water; Day 2 covers Class 1 and mild Class 2 whitewater. People can sign up for one or both days, with Solo or Tandem instruction. Some canoes will be available to borrow. Click here for details and to register. We hope to see you on the river!