NORTHFIELD, Mass., December 15, 2020—FirstLight Power, a leading clean power producer and energy storage company in New England and owner-operator of the Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center, today unveiled its revised plan to open its trails this winter to skiers, hikers, walkers, and other recreational use while remaining consistent with the Commonwealth’s COVID-19 safety and social-distancing guidelines.
“Knowing what an enormous challenge the social distancing requirements and limitations on socializing at home are proving to all New Englanders, we’re pleased that Northfield Mountain will be able to remain open for people to enjoy fresh air, exercise, sunshine, and socially-distanced fellowship with a few common-sense precautions, including use of masks and social distancing at all times,” said Carter Wall, FirstLight’s community liaison. “Due to the rising COVID cases in the area, we will not be selling trail passes or renting equipment – trail use will be free to all, but trails will not be groomed or patrolled, and no restroom facilities or warming facilities will be open. We hope that when conditions change we will be able to offer our usual full-service ski facilities in the future.”
When snow cover is sufficient, trails at the center will be opened for skiing and snowshoeing to all guests who are wearing masks and practicing social distancing at all times. At times when snow cover is absent or too icy, thin, or inconsistent, trails may be opened for hiking, walking, and cycling on fat bikes, again with masking and social distancing required of all. Visitors can get information about trail conditions and allowed activities by visiting FirstLight’s Northfield Mountain Facebook page www.facebook.com/northfieldmountain, web site www.firstlightpower.com/recreation, the Western Mass Cross Country Ski Areas Association web page, or by calling 413-659-4426.
Some changes this year because of the COVID-19 pandemic:
- Trail passes for skiing and snowshoeing are not required, and trails will not be groomed regularly.
- The Visitor Center and yurt will remain closed to visitors. No restroom facilities will be provided.
- Skis and snowshoes will not be available for daily rental.
- Visitors are urged to comply fully with the Massachusetts COVID-19 Travel Order when planning a visit.
“While visitors should expect to see a few changes in amenities and procedures, what hasn’t changed at all is the natural beauty of the Northfield Mountain Recreation and Environmental Center and what a refreshing, invigorating place it is to visit for outdoor winter recreation,” Ms. Wall added.
About FirstLight
FirstLight Power (FirstLight) is a leading clean power producer and energy storage company in New England with a portfolio that includes nearly 1.4 GW of pumped-hydro storage, battery storage, hydroelectric generation, and solar generation—the largest clean energy generation portfolio in New England today. As part of the company’s commitment to environmental awareness and sustainability, FirstLight maintains and operates nature trails and recreation and environmental programs at our facilities in Massachusetts and Connecticut. Numerous opportunities are offered year-round for the public and school groups free of charge.
Contact: Carter Wall 413/834-2126 carter.wall@firstlightpower.com
