In the middle of the 316-acre Windblown Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing property sits a small one-room building.
Known as the warming hut cabin, it’s a place where snow sport enthusiasts can take off their skis or snowshoes, warm up by the wood stove and take a break before heading back out on the miles of trails.
During the daytime hours, the hut provides a respite for those in need of some time out of the elements and a chance to recharge. But the cabin is also a popular rental spot for a night or more, especially during the winter months for those looking to walk out the front door and hit the freshly groomed trails first thing in the morning. Even when it is rented, the cabin continues to serve as the warming hut during open hours.
“So they’re going to have other people in here during the day,” said Windblown owner Al Jenks.
When Jenks bought the property in 1968 he had a vision for the winter recreation area and it included strategically placed rental locations throughout for those seeking a getaway in the middle of the woods. There is also the Clear View Camp Tiny Home and four shelters on the trail network, three of which are available for rent year round.
The first warming hut lasted eight years, before Jenks tore it down and rebuilt a larger building to accommodate growing needs. That one lasted more than three decades before it burned down three years ago. But Jenks rebuilt the cabin, using lumber cut by Hank Somero, the New Ipswich man who died in a logging accident in Rindge on March 6. In fact, all the buildings erected in the last 25 years at Windblown were done using lumber cut by Somero.
And the warming cabin is about as rustic as you’ll find in these parts. It has no running water, as visitors are given five gallons of potable water for the night. There is no electricity, only two solar panels on the roof that feeds a 200-watt system that provides enough power for some indoor and outdoor lighting and to charge a cell phone or two.
“If you turn on your laptop and grind away for a few hours, you won’t have lights,” Jenks said. “I could have put panels all over the roof and created more electricity, but that’s not what this is for.”
There are two outhouses behind the cabin and which side you choose depends on “whether you’re sitting or standing,” Jenks joked.
The only source of heat is a wood stove with a large pile of chopped kindling located behind the building. A small door allows you to pile a hefty supply into the wood box that has a second door located inside just feet from the stove. Not only does it save on trips back and forth, but there are fewer chances to let out that precious heat.
The 16-by-22-foot cabin includes four queen-size bunk beds, but visitors must bring their own linens and sleeping bags/blankets. There are also sleeping pads and cots available that allow groups of 12 to use the cabin. In the summer months, the loft is open for additional storage and sleeping quarters.
Dishes and silverware are provided, but guests are required to wash their own, while a gas stove allows for cooking, but folks must plan ahead since there is no refrigerator, which won’t matter much during skiing weather.
“We don’t want to provide a lot of amenities here,” Jenks said. “It’s rustic. I want people to come out and know how to start a fire in the wood stove and live without running water.”
Reservations for the winter months begins the first Monday in October at 7 a.m. and “by 9:30 a.m. it’s almost always booked for the winter weekends.” Most people stay one weekend night, but there are also some who sign up for two.
“They want to be here when it’s good skiing,” Jenks said.
You can’t drive to the cabin, so it’s a 1/3 of a mile ski or snowshoe from Windblown’s parking lot. There is an option to have your gear transported via snowmobile for an extra charge.
“The whole idea is putting people in the woods and away from everyday life,” Jenks said. “And it’s hard for people to re-create what they have at home.”
In the past, Jenks has rented for the summer “off season” through Airbnb, but he is taking a different approach this year. He plans to rent the cabin out by the month for those looking to take advantage of the nice weather and the ample hiking opportunities on the property’s trails, as well as the Wapack Trail that connects to the property. The bonus during the warm time is that there’s a solar shower that provides nine gallons of heated water.
“It’s enough for a quick shower,” Jenks said.
For reservations, rates and availability, visit windblownxc.com/accommodations.