Explore Cook Forest State Park Jan. 12 with two programs that will get you out into the winter weather.

Pack your cross country skis and meet at 9 a.m. at the Log Cabin Inn Environmental Learning Center for a two-hour interpretive cross country ski trip through Toms Run Valley. You’ll learn how to identify animal tracks in the snow as you ski through an old-growth forest at the base of the Forest Cathedral. If the snow conditions don’t cooperate, a hike or snowshoe will take place instead.

At noon, meet at the Log Cabin Inn Environmental Learning Classroom for a two-hour interpretive snowshoe program into the old-growth Seneca Forest, in the vicinity of Ridge Trail. Eastern hemlocks some 300 years old and tall black cherry dot the trail, including the tallest known black cherry north of the Smoky Mountains. If the snow conditions aren’t good, this will be a hike instead.

For information, call (814) 744-8407.

This week’s storm brought welcome snow to the Erie area’s ski resorts. Here’s a look at conditions as of this morning:

Peek’n Peak:The Peak received 15 inches of snow over the past two days and features bases from 4 inches to 18 inches. There are 13 trails and five lifts open, plus the 180 terrain park.

Mount Pleasant: The Edinboro skiing and snowboarding facility opened Thursday with a 1-inch to 6-inch base and is making snow. The tube park could open as soon as Saturday.

Wilderness Lodge: The Wattsburg-area cross country facility had 5 miles of skate-ready trails as of Thursday.

Learn cross country skiing 101 basics Dec. 29 during a 90-minute seminar at Presque Isle State Park.

Bring your own equipment, or rent it at Shelter No. 1 in the Water Works area, and arrive at the Rotary Pavilion for the start of the seminar at 10:30 a.m.

There is no registration or fee (other than for rentals).