At Lake George Elementary School, winter isn’t something to endure, it’s something to embrace. One of the school’s most unique offerings is its cross-country skiing program, an experience that connects students directly to the outdoors while building lifelong habits of physical activity, confidence, and appreciation for their local environment.
Set in a true four-season community, Lake George provides a natural classroom rich with outdoor recreation opportunities. With an abundance of trails throughout the region, and a trail system located right on the elementary school, students are immersed in the landscape that defines their hometown. Through cross-country skiing, they learn to move through that environment, discovering that physical education can be both adventurous and deeply connected to place.
The program’s roots are deeply personal and community-centered. The initial equipment was generously supplied by the Paddock Family following the death of their son. Wanting to honor his memory, they hoped all LGES students would have the chance to learn and enjoy a sport their family loved. That legacy continues today, shaping a program that reflects the values of connection, resilience, and shared experience that define the Lake George community.
For many students, cross-country skiing is a brand-new experience. The program opens the door to a sport that some families may not have access to outside of school, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to try something new. The trails vary in difficulty, allowing students to progress at their own pace, build skills over time, and gain confidence as they grow more comfortable on skis. This gradual development helps create a genuine love for the sport and highlights opportunities for continued participation at the junior and senior high school levels, where cross-country skiing is a team sport.
“For most of our students, this is a completely new sport,” said LGES Physical Education teacher Heather Usher. “Learning cross-country skiing encourages them to try new things, push beyond their comfort zones, and realize they’re capable of more than they might expect.”
Accessibility is also a cornerstone of the program. Physical therapists and teaching assistants join classes to provide one-on-one support, ensuring that all students, of all abilities, can participate and feel successful.
“Cross-country skiing is truly a lifelong sport,” Usher shared. “It’s low-impact, gentle on the joints, and builds endurance, strength, and balance at any age or skill level. Living in this community, with so many beautiful places to ski, makes it easy for students to stay active all winter long.”