Over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, six local middle and high school students joined Friends’ Education Coordinator Elise Goplerud and Outdoor Sport Institute’s Dan Rogan on a journey they won’t soon forget: an overnight cross-country ski trip to Haskell Hut. These students, invited as part of a special leadership program, had proven their determination, teamwork, and leadership qualities throughout our summer programs. This weekend offered a unique opportunity to develop as leaders, while surrounded by the snowy beauty of Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument.
We arrived at the north end trailhead at 10:30am energized and excited. KAWW Ranger Crystal Lewis joined the group at the trailhead, sharing stories of the monument’s history and what a career with the National Park Service looks like. The students were eager to get on the trail, but soon realized their grit would be tested. Laden with heavy pulks, the group skied for more than 4 hours on 5.5 miles miles of ungroomed trails to reach Haskell Hut.
However, falls were met with laughter and encouragement, and each obstacle became a moment to practice resilience and teamwork. For some students, the snow-covered trail was both familiar and entirely new, as they had biked it with us during the summer months. Now, blanketed in snow, the landscape seemed transformed. The crisp winter air invigorated spirits as the kids took turns leading the way Moving through diverse forests, wildlife sightings added to the wonder: an otter swimming in the east branch of the Penobscot River and a rare spruce grouse fluttering into the trees offered moments of awe and connection to the land.
After arriving at Haskell Hut in the evening the students practiced cooking meals for a crowd, melting snow for water, and mastering the art of heating the cozy hut with wood. The hut’s warmth provided the perfect setting for reflection and connection. Around the wood stove, we shared stories, set goals, and discussed the responsibilities of being a leader. In fact, we were presented with an unexpected lesson in winter safety and decision-making. A forecast showing temperatures plummeting to -13°F with windchill on Monday led the group to make the difficult choice to cut the trip short. Though disappointing, this decision underscored the importance of putting group safety first—a powerful takeaway for these young leaders.
The next morning brought quiet moments of gratitude. The students sipped hot cocoa as the sunrise painted the sky in shades of yellow and orange. Dan’s famous farmers breakfast sizzled on the stove. A guided mindfulness meditation allowed them to pause and absorb the rhythms of the forest before beginning their journey home.
Though the trip was shortened, the experience made a profound impact. The physical challenge of skiing, the warm camaraderie, and the inspiring backdrop of Katahdin Woods & Waters set the stage for personal growth. As the students packed up their gear and skied back down the trail, they carried with them more than just memories—they took home new skills, confidence, and connections to nature and the people they shared it with. Trips like this one highlight the transformative power of outdoor leadership, showing that even in the coldest of winters, warmth and inspiration can be found in the shared experience of the wild.
This trip was made possible due to a collaboration with the Katahdin Region Outdoor Collective. Learn more about these youth programs here.
An Unforgettable Youth Ski to Haskell Hut
Posted: February 7, 2025 by Elise Goplerud
Over the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday weekend, six local middle and high school students joined Friends’ Education Coordinator Elise Goplerud and Outdoor Sport Institute’s Dan Rogan on a journey they won’t soon forget: an overnight cross-country ski trip to Haskell Hut. These students, invited as part of a special leadership program, had proven their determination, teamwork, and leadership qualities throughout our summer programs. This weekend offered a unique opportunity to develop as leaders, while surrounded by the snowy beauty of Katahdin Woods & Waters National Monument.
We arrived at the north end trailhead at 10:30am energized and excited. KAWW Ranger Crystal Lewis joined the group at the trailhead, sharing stories of the monument’s history and what a career with the National Park Service looks like. The students were eager to get on the trail, but soon realized their grit would be tested. Laden with heavy pulks, the group skied for more than 4 hours on 5.5 miles miles of ungroomed trails to reach Haskell Hut.
However, falls were met with laughter and encouragement, and each obstacle became a moment to practice resilience and teamwork. For some students, the snow-covered trail was both familiar and entirely new, as they had biked it with us during the summer months. Now, blanketed in snow, the landscape seemed transformed. The crisp winter air invigorated spirits as the kids took turns leading the way Moving through diverse forests, wildlife sightings added to the wonder: an otter swimming in the east branch of the Penobscot River and a rare spruce grouse fluttering into the trees offered moments of awe and connection to the land.
After arriving at Haskell Hut in the evening the students practiced cooking meals for a crowd, melting snow for water, and mastering the art of heating the cozy hut with wood. The hut’s warmth provided the perfect setting for reflection and connection. Around the wood stove, we shared stories, set goals, and discussed the responsibilities of being a leader. In fact, we were presented with an unexpected lesson in winter safety and decision-making. A forecast showing temperatures plummeting to -13°F with windchill on Monday led the group to make the difficult choice to cut the trip short. Though disappointing, this decision underscored the importance of putting group safety first—a powerful takeaway for these young leaders.
The next morning brought quiet moments of gratitude. The students sipped hot cocoa as the sunrise painted the sky in shades of yellow and orange. Dan’s famous farmers breakfast sizzled on the stove. A guided mindfulness meditation allowed them to pause and absorb the rhythms of the forest before beginning their journey home.
Though the trip was shortened, the experience made a profound impact. The physical challenge of skiing, the warm camaraderie, and the inspiring backdrop of Katahdin Woods & Waters set the stage for personal growth. As the students packed up their gear and skied back down the trail, they carried with them more than just memories—they took home new skills, confidence, and connections to nature and the people they shared it with. Trips like this one highlight the transformative power of outdoor leadership, showing that even in the coldest of winters, warmth and inspiration can be found in the shared experience of the wild.
This trip was made possible due to a collaboration with the Katahdin Region Outdoor Collective. Learn more about these youth programs here.
Category: Trip Reports, Uncategorized