Membership

 The Pennsylvania Cross Country Skiers Association, PACCSA for short, is an established organization that has been in existance since 1983. Formerly called the Laurel Highlands Ski Touring Association (LASHTA) when it was first formed, PACCSA is a volunteer organization that is dedicated to the development of the sport of cross country skiing in Pennsylvania and its tri-state region. Whether through general recreational uses, races, trailwork or sponsoring children's programs, PACCSA is trying to make the sport more enjoyable for everyone who participates in it. Membership fees go towards sponsoring the programs PACCSA offers and organizes for its members. All members should feel that, while being able to reap the benefits of membership, they are also helping to develop the sport in their region.

MEMBERSHIP BENEFITS

DISCOUNTS ON TRAIL FEES - Members can receive a discount on trail fees at some of the top touring centers in the region (Laurel Ridge XC Center - $1; White Grass Touring Center - $2; Wilderness Lodge - $1).

NEWSLETTER - The PACCSA newsletter is published at least three times a year.

The newsletter will keep you up-to-date with cross country ski-related information (including articles on training and technique improvement), as well as scheduled trips, waxing programs, ski clinics and lessons, and PACCSA activities.

PACCSA NORDIC CHAMPIONSHIP RACES - Three races (6k classical, 8.5k and 17k freestyle) are held at the Laurel Ridge XC Ski Center on a selected Sunday in February, with the 17k freestyle race being the Pa. Nordic Championship. Members are entitled to race fee discounts.

PACCSA WEBPAGE w/WEBCAM - www.paccsa.org is the official web address for PACCSA. All club-related information is included on this site, as well as PACCSA's webcam updated pictures from the trails of Laurel Ridge XC Center. Skiers now can see what the snow conditions are like first-hand before making the trek to the Ridge.

PACCSA NORDIC PICNIC - Members and non-members are invited to attend this free function, which includes free food, salads and desserts. The now-infamous "PACCSA Cookie Tour" and free PACCSA-sponsored xc ski lessons are highlights of the picnic.

FREE PACCSA XC SKI LESSONS - PACCSA members volunteer to lead free xc ski classes for members and non-members at the Laurel Ridge XC Ski Center.

EQUIPMENT SALES / SWAPS - Members can advertise the sale of their used equipment on PACCSA's webpage, enabling other members the chance of purchasing good equipment at a great price.

TRAIL CLEARINGS - PACCSA-sponsored trail clearings at Laurel Ridge State Park to improve the quality of the trails for hiking or skiing.

PACCSA YELLOWJACKETS CHILDREN'S PROGRAM -The Yellowjackets is the new PACCSA cross-country ski team for kids aged from 5 to 12. Our aim is to have fun and enjoy the winter whilst learning to ski, using skill sessions and games based on Cross Country Canada's Bunnyrabbit and Jackrabbit developmental programs. Kids of all abilities, including total beginners, are welcome to join Yellowjackets. 2

OTHER ACTIVITIES - PACCSA members can participate in workshop projects, such as building a waxbench, or help in the construction of the building at Laurel Ridge.

Also, trips to out-of-state xc ski venues (Lake Placid, NY; Canmore, Canada; Barrie, Canada; Royal Gorge, California; Winter Park, Colorado; Jackson Hole, Wyoming; Traverse City, Michigan) are periodically scheduled