NCCOC - Sunday, Jan. 4 - Friday Jan. 9, 2026, Adirondack Winter Trip Information:

We leave Sunday, January 4, 2025, meeting at 8:30 AM in front of the Public Safety office at NCC; we will be using private cars.  You should bring lunch with you so we do not have to make a long stop and we will arrive at the Loj in time for dinner at 6pm.  On the way back we may stop for dinner on the way so you will need money for that meal. You should bring extra money if you want to go downhill skiing on one of the days (or possibly buy anything in the stores).  Otherwise all costs at the Loj are included in the $100 fee.  (That fee represents much less 1/3 of the actual cost; the remainder is paid by the club with Student Activities money.)  A deposit of $50 is due on December 18 or before. (The deposit can be given to an advisor at the Thursday meeting or mailed to Don.  Contact Don at the numbers below to make arrangements for that option.)

We will return late in the evening of Friday, January 9, 2026. We could get back to school late, depending on traffic and road conditions. On the way back we may stop for dinner and, if we do, you will need money for that meal.

This Trip is limited to 10 students and participation is limited to those who have gone on at least one,  previous club activity.  Any questions or problems, please call the faculty co-advisors, Don Wade, at 718-426-8555 (cell 917-697-5701) or  Prof. Janis Mazza, 516-670-6307.  There is no reliable cell phone service at the Loj.  There is a regular phone so if you need to make calls bring a calling card or the advisor will have one to use.  There is electric power in the Loj but no TV.  Last year there was very limited wi-fi service available.

We will be staying in a heated wooden building (The Adirondack Mountain Club's Adirondak Loj) with common washrooms and showers.  We will be sleeping in a 12-person co-ed bunk room with occupancy limited to 10 of our group -- there may be others staying in the loft.  The Loj will supply everything including sheets, blankets, pillows, and towels. You do not need to bring your own bedding unless you sleep very "cool" and want extra blankets (all rooms are heated).  Pack your things so they will be easy to carry -- we can usually park the vans about 100 ft. from the Loj but if it is icy we might have to park it further away.  A duffel bag or suitcase is good -- a "backpack" in not needed.  Breakfast and Dinner will be eaten in a communal dining room along with any others staying at the Loj; lunch will be bag trail lunches.  More information about the Loj is available on the Adirondack Mountain Club Web site, www.adk.org.  In case you need it, the phone number of the Loj is: 518-523-3441.  Please note that there is no alcohol on this trip.  College policy explicitly states that "The College expressly prohibits the unlawful use, possession, manufacture, distribution, or dispensation of controlled substances, which includes alcohol, in all Nassau Community College facilities or while attending or conducting college business off campus."

You need to be prepared for outside winter activities all days. The hikes in the Adirondacks are all long and difficult -- much more difficult than hikes in Harriman Park.  Winter conditions add to the difficulty. If you have winter "poly-pro", polyester, or fleece insulated underwear, bring it. For a discussion of Winter footwear, see the link on the main club web page. Here's a list of suggested items to bring (modified from the list made by then president Mike Scholz for our very first Winter trip many years ago). The club is able to lend such things as a pack or headlamp but be sure to arrange for this in advance.  All the winter outdoor equipment we will need (cross-country skis, snowshoes, etc) will be rented or supplied by the club.  However if you want to go downhill skiing or snowboarding you will need to rent or bring your own equipment and you will have to pay lift fees. (Whiteface Mountain ski area, www.whiteface.com, is about 10 miles from the Loj.). 

Clothes, etc:

• 2 wool or warm hats -a hat is essential
• 2-3 pairs gloves or mittens
• 3 pairs warm pants
• 3 warm shirts
• 2 sweaters
• 1 jacket
• 1 scarf
• 5 pairs underwear
• sleepwear as needed
• 2-3 pairs Long Underwear (tops & bottoms) Polypropylene (or other synthetic like polyester, Capaline, or Dacron) is recommended, wool is OK. Cotton is NOT warm when wet and is NOT recommended.
• 7 pairs socks (including several pairs of heavy socks for your boots -- again wool or a synthetic is recommended over cotton).
• 1 pair boots that can stand being in the snow all day (see note on main club web site about recommended winter boots).  A rubber bottom boot or "snow-pac" is recommended.
• 1 pair sneakers or slippers (for the cabin)
• rain gear, poncho, etc.

Other

• Good headlamp (or flashlight) with extra batteries  (NOT your cell phone).  The club can lend you one if arranged in advance.
• Canteen (plastic soda bottles or water containers) for hiking.  You should have at least 2 quarts (2 liters) of water with you on any hike.
• Vision Stuff:  If you have an extra pair of glasses, bring them.  If you use contacts, it is important that you bring glasses to use in case of emergency.
• toiletries, soap, toothbrush, etc.
• day pack for hiking
• sunglasses, sunscreen
• First Aid Kit, if you have one

Optional

• Camera or cell phone with camera
• ski-pants
• stuffed animals (as needed)
• snacks
• musical instruments
• board games
• Cross-country skis and/or snowshoes if you have them  (otherwise the club will supply them).
• Traction aids (micro-spikes, etc) for your boots if you have them (otherwise the club will supply them).
• Downhill skis (or snowboard) if you have them and are planning on going skiing.

Remember:  Dress warmly but in layers so you can take off one layer and still be protected from the cold. A lighter windbreaker or jacket, combined with several sweaters is preferred to one big, heavy coat.  We encourage you to discuss any questions with one of the advisors: Don Wade, at 718-426-8555 (cell 917-697-5701) or  Prof. Janis Mazza, 516-670-6307.

to top of page ....to main NCCOC page ... to NCCOC Trip Listings Page.

revised 12/10/25