MADAWASKA, Maine — Cyprian Branscombe had two specific goals in mind at the Four Seasons Ski Lodge Christmas celebration Sunday afternoon.
“He wanted to come to slide down the hill and to see Santa,” Erika Branscombe, the 5-year-old’s mother, said as her son ate a hot dog in the lodge. “It’s a great day to get outside, and that’s a great way to spend some time together.”
Families spending time together enjoying the outdoors is what the Four Seasons Trail Association and Lodge is all about, and residents had their pick of activities Sunday.
Outside, a horse-drawn sleigh took riders on a loop around the lodge, while other visitors took to the cross-country ski or snowshoe trails. Nearby, a local musher treated people to sled dog rides.
“This is my first time out on skis this season,” said Isabelle Jandreau, 8.
“We just put our skis on and are ready to go,” said her mother, Gina Jandreau. “This is just a great place to come and hang out.”
Built with volunteer help and donated supplies from local businesses, Madawaska’s Four Seasons Lodge is part of the Maine Winter Sports Center’s series of ski lodges across the state.
“We opened up in 2007 and we have a really great following with about 250 members,” Doug Cyr, club president, said Sunday afternoon. “We are promoting a healthy lifestyle and providing a place for healthy activities.”
Sunday’s event, Cyr said, was all about the young people.
“Today is really for the kids,” he said. “It’s our big Christmas festival here.”
Downstairs, Dawn Bragdon, the club’s youth ski coach, was outfitting youngsters with rented cross-country skis.
“This is a sport you can do for life,” Bragdon said. “You can start at a young age and go to 90.”
Brothers Max and Craig Gendreau were ready to hit the trails and “get some fresh air,” according to Max, 9.
His brother had somewhat loftier ambitions.
“I like to take the jumps,” Craig, 11, said with a wide grin.
“It’s just great to see so many people getting outside and getting excited about skiing,” Bragdon said.
“It’s big-time cool,” said Travis Thibeault, 13, while taking a break on the ski trails to watch the horse-drawn sleigh pass by. “It’s nice weather today, and this is my third day out skiing in the past week.”
Waiting inside, Cyprian Branscombe was collecting his thoughts for Santa’s expected visit.
“I’ve been good this year,” he said, “but what I’m asking for is a secret between me and Santa.”