Cross County Skiing on the GTT
The Ghost Town Trail is ready for snow, and the Young People’s Community Center (YPCC) in Ebensburg has the equipment you need to enjoy it.
The YPCC has purchased cross-country ski equipment to launch a rental program at their facility, which sits directly beside the Ghost Town Trail in Ebensburg. Funding for this project was provided by a grant from the Community Foundation for the Alleghenies.
“Adding ski rentals to what we already offer at the YPCC is a great way to get people out in the winter time,” said YPCC Recreatoin Director, Dirk Johnson. “It is an added luxury and service to our community.”
Cambria County Conservation and Recreation Authority (CCCRA) is equally as excited for the launch of this program. CCCRA Program Coordinator, Caytlin Lusk, stated that the Ghost Town Trail is regularly groomed in the winter months thanks to a dedicated volunteer, Dan Beyer. Sections of grooming may vary, but most commonly done are the segments between Ebensburg and Nanty Glo, as well as the 2-mile spur through Revloc.
“We promoted the groomed trail last year so much that it only made sense to partner with the YPCC and offer a program where equipment could be easily accessible to everyone,” said Lusk. “Dan (Beyer) works really hard to get the trail ready for skiers, so we are looking forward to seeing more people enjoy it.”
Trail users are reminded that many modes of transportation are used on the trail in the winter months. CCCRA staff ask that cross country skiers use the groomed path on the trail, and all other traffic use the natural side of the trail.
Clinics and instructions for cross-country skiing will be offered this winter season, dates will be announced in the near future.
Ski equipment was purchased at Ski Den in Johnstown. Two pair of skis have been donated to the program. The rental program at the YPCC offers 12 pair of skis to accommodate ages 13 and up, 22 pair of ski poles of various sizes, and 14 pair of boots of various sizes. Due to supply chain, several pair of boots are on back order at this time.
Rentals are now available for $8 per hour or $32 for a full day. Questions and reservations can be made at the YPCC, 300 Prave Street, Ebensburg, PA. For more information, please call 814-472-4277 or message them on Facebook.