Written by Barbara Radcliffe Rogers and Stillman Rogers Updated Sep 26, 2022 We may earn a commission from affiliate links ( ) The mountainside forests and pastoral valley landscapes of Vermont are never more beautiful than when covered by a blanket of snow, and cross-country skiers can enjoy them at their pristine best. Oh man. The wood frogs and peepers are starting to make an appearance. Rikert Outdoor Center participates in the Ski Vermont reciprocal program. Address. Prospect Mountain Nordic Ski CenterProspect Mountain Nordic Ski Centerfeatures more than 30 miles of expertly-groomed trails and a comfortable lodge with excellent hot food available. 55+ km of skate and classic skiing, snowshoeing, and fat-biking. Leashed dogs are welcome on the snowshoe trails. Both lessons and rentals are inexpensive, and the trail fee is only $10 a day, among the lowest in the state. At the highest base elevation of any Nordic ski area in the state, Prospect Mountain has earned its reputation of being the "snow magnet." . People head to Dauphin Island as conditions improve on the beach - WCAX Rentals are available at the base lodge, where skiers can enjoy soups, sandwiches, and grilled foods as they warm up near the woodstove or big stone fireplace. Guided snowshoe tours and full moon and stargazing snowshoe experiences are popular activities. Join us on Wednesday, June 28th for an I, With a view like this, its as if the meadow was, Be True Home - XC Skiing A few of our favorites are Equipe Sport (multiple locations, but our fave is in Bondville), and Outdoor Gear Exchange in Burlington. Will it be the With expansive terrain covering 2,600 vertical feet, Sugarbush brings some of the flavor of western skiing to the East and boasts one of the largest Hit the slopes at one of North Americas oldest ski resorts! On Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday evenings, four kilometers of the trails are lighted for skiing from 5 to 8pm. As we mentioned in an earlier question, be sure to keep in mind the Hot Chocolate Rule and keep em smiling out there! The Green Mountain State boasts a treasure trove of cross country ski areasthat provide wonderful settings to get some exercise and take in the gorgeous natural beauty that Vermont is known for. Sleds for the sledding hill, as well as pull sleds for younger children are also available. The 2,250-foot base elevation make up for Prospect Mountain's location as the southernmost of Vermont's major Nordic ski centers, assuring a good snow cover throughout the winter. Address: 1245 Goshen-Ripton Road, Goshen, Vermont, Official site: https://www.blueberryhillinn.com/about-outdoor-center. These conditions and its more than 12,000 acres of wilderness on the leeward side of high faces of the Green Mountains make it the state's and New England's number one site for backcountry skiing. Address: 4323 VT-108, Jeffersonville, Vermont. 20 Top-Rated Attractions & Places to Visit in Vermont, 14 Top-Rated Attractions & Things to Do in Burlington, VT, 15 Top-Rated Romantic Getaways in Vermont, 15 Best Things to Do in Vermont in Winter, 16 Top-Rated Ski Resorts on the East Coast, 2023, Vermont in Pictures: 25 Beautiful Places to Photograph, 12 Top-Rated Ski Resorts in Vermont, 2023, From Rome to the Amalfi Coast: 6 Best Ways to Get There, 24 Best Places to Visit in the United States, 21 Best Luxury All-Inclusive Resorts in the World, Photo Copyright: Mountain Top Inn & Resort, https://www.blueberryhillinn.com/about-outdoor-center, https://www.skisleepyhollow.com/skiing-snowshoeing/, best places for cross-country skiing in New Hampshire. A retail shop at the center sells winter clothing, ski equipment, and accessories. Have you ever found that perfect A-frame set on 10 private acres, with a roaring fire and bottle of wine? Mad River Glen became one of Vermonts first major ski areas when the Single Chair began carrying skiers to the top of General Stark Mountain in 1948. What to do, where to stay, and what to eat - the inside scoop on how to make the most out of your next weekend in the mountains. Lessons are also available. Though our trails are narrow by some modern standards, every one of Viking's ski trails are groomed with skate skiers in mind. Great music and cold drinks, if youre looking to let loose, head to The Barrel. The great news is there are all kinds of deals and specials running all the time and a little research can go a long way! Some of our favorites: Grizzlys at Stratton, Black Bear Tavern at Smuggs, James Moore Tavern at Bolton Valley - honestly we could go on and on and on. The snow today is looking tired as it melts and the earth starts to poke through and wake up. Extending across pristine snow-covered meadows and rolling hills, a hidden world of beauty and adventure invites people of all ages and abilities to discover the joys of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Trapp Family Lodge XC Ski Center Ski Vermont Were firm believers that youre always going to have the best time on the mountain when youre most comfortable. Sixteen kilometers of the marked trails are reserved for snowshoeing, and the association offers naturalist-guided and full-moon snowshoe tours. Mountain Top Inn and ResortMountain Top Resort offers 60km of trails. As the late, great Warren Miller said, If you don't do it this year, you will be one year older when you do. Get out there, friend! Timber Creek offers a great variety of terrain ranging all levels of difficulty, and skiers appreciate the quiet and scenic route through the trees while still offering gorgeous views of Mount Snow. Rikert Outdoor Center Alright, we know youre looking for a black and white answer, but sometimes its just not possible. These network the inn's 2,400 acres of highland meadows and woods that open onto vistas of snow-covered mountains. Would riding on a different setup put a damper on your day? Lessons can be reserved in advance. Home | Advertise on this site | Subscribe | Contact SkiMaven | Social feeds | Privacy, 2023 SkiMaven. Stowe, Vermont 05672 The great thing about starting your kids off skiing or riding at an early age is theyre rubber and theyll soon come to love their time out on the hill even earlier! Located just 8 miles from Burlington, COFC offers more than 20 miles of trails with breathtaking views of Camels Hump, Mount Mansfield, Lake Champlain and the Adirondacks. The Icon Pass and the Epic Pass being the two big players in the game. Guided snowshoe tours and full moon and stargazing snowshoe experiences are popular activities. That certainly includes cross-country skiing. The birthplace of Phish and an absolutely legendary music venue. ), then a lesson is exactly whats in order. Connect with your winter roots on our 26km of groomed ski trails winding through old growth forest, farmland, beaver ponds, and CCC timber stands, all under your own power. That being said, there are a few spots that really just go the extra mile into making your skiing and riding adventure the vacation that your family will be talking about for years to come! Is it a PITA to schlepp 5 pairs of skis, boots, and poles in the car? Open daily 9-5 (or sundown) in season as conditions allow. And if you can snowshoe, then you can get outside and experience the beauty of a Vermont winter. The Catamount Trail also winds its way through the Mad River Valley. Skiing in a Winter Wonderland: Jackson XC. With 37 miles of groomed trails and 62 miles of backcountry trails, its varied terrain makes it an ideal destination for both beginners and experienced skiers. 1 1/2-hour group lesson. The well-marked trail network features 22 km of machine-tracked and skate-groomed lanes for skiers, and 13 km of trails dedicated to snowshoeing. Nordic instruction is available on site, and the Bolton Nordic Center offers rental equipment for classic, skate, and backcountry Nordic skiing, as well as snowshoes and Pulks for outings with small children. Tom follow old carriage roads through Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park. Best Cross-Country Skiing in New England | Where to Go Guest can access designated terrain via self-guided trips or opt for guided tours on the Gate House trail and into Slide Brook Wildlife Management Area. It'll go quick next week so get out and enjoy a few last laps. Guided tours, rentals, and lessons are available. The Craftsbury Center is a member of the Vermont Fresh Network, assuring fresh, local, organic ingredients. The full-service resort includes guest rooms in the Trapp Family Lodge and ski-in ski-out chalets, plus several dining options, a swimming pool, spa, and rec center. Weve seen babies being carried before they can walk, toddler rippers absolutely shredding, and pocket-sized skiers tearing it up. At our rental shop, we offer a wide selection of nordic snowsport gear including snowshoes, touring gear, performance skate ski and classic ski packages, and backcountry gear. "Real skiers ski uphill" is an old expression in Vermont, where cross country skiing is as much a winter tradition as hot chocolate and making snow angels. Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing in Stowe, VT - Trapp Family Our comprehensive Snow Reports and real-time updates about the weather in Southern Vermont include the expected snowfall total as well as the current snow conditions and atmospheric observations. We also have a full selection of kids gear for children age 3 and older, including little snowshoes and sleds for the sledding hill. No way! 10 Best Cross-Country Skiing Vermont Locations For You To Enjoy On Your Next Ski Trip. We totally get it, buying your tickets or seasons passes can be a bit overwhelming these days. "Real skiers ski uphill" is an old expression in Vermont, where cross country skiing is as much a winter tradition as hot chocolate and making snow angels. This brought our skating lanes total to 10km. With options for every size group and budget, these are our favorite places to stay when were hitting the slopes. The 31-room Mountain Top Inn & Resort has a restaurant and spa. Cross-country lessons include 1.5-hour group lessons, one-hour private lessons, and Mom & Me/Dad & Me lessons in which parents learn the sport with their children ages 6 and older. Tom Trails, Blueberry Lake Cross Country and Snowshoeing Center. The environment is wonderful, and the water is outstanding and immaculate. Nearly half of the groomed trails are located in the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park providing a truly unique skiing experience. 535 Lost Nation Road, Craftsbury Common, VT 05827. Also available is a pulk sled for parents with infants/toddlers. With early season riding, please keep an eye out for wet spots, sticks and branches from storm blowdown. Stowe Mountain Resort is best known for its downhill skiing, and includes luxury lodging at The Lodge at Spruce Peak, multiple dining options, a large ice-skating rink, and scenic gondola rides to the summit. They were incredibly helpful with educating, evaluating, and assisting all of us learn to scull during my first outing. Trails are groomed for classic and skate skiing, and the loops are marked with colored arrows for easier navigation. Address: 427 Ski Lodge Drive, Huntington, Vermont, Official site: https://www.skisleepyhollow.com/skiing-snowshoeing/. The Intervale is a 700-acre sustainable farm along the Winooski River, and in the winter, about five kilometers of trails across the fields and through the forest are groomed for skiers. ", Cross-country skiing, also called Skinny skis, is one of the most fun and recommended activities in certain countries across winter. The same philosophy applies to the more technical considerations. Close your eyes and imagine the quintessential Vermont ski towna place youd love to find yourself snowed in some winter weekend Stratton offers an enticing menu of year-round activities and adventure to share with friends and family, and to make your group outings unique. With so many winter ski resorts spread out across the state, it's no surprise that Vermont is the top skiing destination on the East Coast. Here are more details from XCSkiResorts.com about XC skiing at these fabulous New England ski towns: when planning your cross-country ski trip. Adult Beginner Cross Country Ski Group Lesson. The snowshoe trails are separate from the ski trails and meander through our property. The 150-kilometer network of trails maintained by the Jackson Ski Touring Foundation provides some of the best cross-country skiing . The best time of year to go cross-country skiing in Vermont is obviously during the winter months when conditions are ideal for a great day of adventure. Cross-Country Snow Report - Vermont.com Most of these places to go cross-country skiing in Vermont offer rental equipment, and most also have learning programs. Sleepy Hollow Inn, Ski & Bike CenterThe Sleepy Hollow Inn, Ski and Bike Center offers 32km of nordic ski trails groomed for both skate and classic. With the abundance of winter ski areas throughout the state, it's no wonder Vermont is the premiere skiing destination on . Cross country skiing at Mountain Top has been a favorite pasttime since 1964. Catamount Outdoor Family CenterFor more than 40 years, Catamount Outdoor Family Center has offered a verywide variety oftrailsfor all abilities of cross country skiers. Suicide Six Ski Area The Woodstock Inn & Resorts Nordic Center grooms 45km of trails for cross-country skiing in hills surrounding the picturesque village of Woodstock, Vermont. Tom Trails Phew, bringing on the heat here! Okemos Nordic Center trails are ideally suited to all ability levels and are groomed daily using state-of-the-art grooming machines. Couples like the romantic night skiing on certain evenings, when the trails are lit by antique lanterns. The Mad River Valley lures downhill skiers to Sugarbush and Mad River Glen, but the cross-country ski sites are plentiful as well. Some years, the trails are covered enough to begin skiing in mid-November in the northern areas and higher elevations. Late Fall in Vermont A Special Time to Visit. Several cross country ski centers make snow to augment what falls on its trails, while others depend on Mother Nature to supply the goods. ", "I recently had some time outdoors skiing with some pals. Top 5 Goggles For Skiing In Low Light Conditions. We are located in Peru, a small Vermont town, high up in the Green Mountain National Forest. Sleepy Hollow Inn, Ski & Bike CenterThe Sleepy Hollow Inn, Ski and Bike Center offers 32km of nordic ski trails groomed for both skate and classic. Sappy we know, but youll always find exactly what youre looking for at each and every one of these mountains, just get out there and enjoy it! So, now you need to ask yourself, do I want to be able to see where the snowfall takes me this year and ski at multiple Vermont mountains, or would I prefer to put in a ton of days at a singular resort and get to know one area really well? Woodstock Inn & Resort Nordic Center - Mt. Ski and snowshoe rentals are available. Trail Map Trail Conditions Snowshoeing Dashing through the snow is a great way to enjoy the outdoors in the wintertime, get some exercise, and have fun all at the same time! More Details in Skiing News: Today is the last day of the season, ski it while you can. BUT! What makes Smugglers Notch a unique resort is our complete and single-minded commitment to making your stay with us the family vacation of a lifetime! With extra large tires, bikers can ride over snow that would stop a normal mountain bike cold. You're guaranteed good cross-country skiing conditions on well-groomed trails at Mountain Top Inn's Nordic Ski & Snowshoe Center, the oldest commercial cross-country ski center in the state. It's a good day to get out early to hike or ride. Sign Up For The Ski Vermont Daily Snow Report Email Alpine Resorts Open Resorts Killington Resort Updated May 26 2023 6:33 AM Snow Info 24HR 0.00" 48HR 0" Base 13" - 13" Last Snow 1" on Apr 18, 2023 Resort Info Open Trails 1 OF 155 Open Lifts 1 OF 22 There are a ton of ways to save and get onto the hill. Trail Conditions | Snowshoeing Stowe, VT | Edson Hill For beginners and experts alike, if you want to get better this season (and we all have something we want to work on, right? Mountain Top Inn and ResortMountain Top Resort offers 60km of trails. In Manchester, don't miss The Crooked Ram, Northshire Bookstore, and H.N. Weve been very fortunate to have unbelievable days at all of these ski areas. Wild Wings is a family friendly Nordic ski touring center. ", Address: Route 58, Hazen's Notch Road, Montgomery, Vermont. Copyright 2023 PlanetWare Inc. All rights reserved. For more information regarding trail conditions at our hotel in Stowe, VT, check in with this page & stay up-to-date with any weather changes. With programs for all ages and ability levels, their instructors are patient, talented, and most importantly for the little groms, fun! Snow conditions at Vermont's 40+ Cross Country ski centers are generally just what you would expect in winter from December through March, and sometimes beyond. Vermont weather can be a bit unpredictable, so always check the snowfall status, etc. Will it be the still of a moonlight snowshoe trek or the adrenaline of snowmobiling under the stars. The Bolton Nordic Center sits at elevation 2100 and is one of the highest cross-country trail networks in New England, providing a consistent snowpack all season long. Plus, a lot of times theres a separate line for ski and snowboard lessons, so youve basically unlocked the answer to lift lines! Luckily there are some true magicians out there! A relatively modern technique created in the 1980's, skate skiing involves pushing your skis backwards at an angle, much like ice skating. The resort hosts the NCAA Ski Championships among other major Nordic competitions. Leashed dogs are welcome on all 30 kilometers of trails at Blueberry Lake in Warren and on all 11 kilometers of trails at the small Okemo Valley Nordic Center in Ludlow. The center features a 2km snowmaking loop that's great for consistent snow conditions. Were not going to lie, it can get expensive. Lessons and equipment rentals are available at the center, which is adjacent to the Blueberry Hill Inn, a classic country inn deep in the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area, near Middlebury. Sort the Cross-Country Skiing listings by region using the map above Stoweflake Mountain Resort and Spa 1746 Mountain Rd Stowe, VT 05672 Vermont has so many opportunities for cross-country skiing that naming the top few means leaving out many fine places to enjoy a day of Nordic adventures. There are also snowshoe trails and a long sledding hill with a gradual grade. Use of the Nordic trails and Outdoor Center is by donation. Also benefitting from its high altitude setting in the Green Mountains, Blueberry Hill claims the highest groomed trail in Vermont: the newly opened Romance Trail, at 3,100 feet. $45 per person, per session. The Fairway Grill Conservatory Culinary Experiences Holiday Celebrations The Red Barns at Kelly Way Gardens Recipes Room Types Garden Woodstock Tavern Collection Legacy Suites Golf Golf Club The Course Fees & Membership Woodstock Nordic Center Falconry The Spa The Woodstock Inn & Resort's Nordic Center grooms 45km of trails for cross-country skiing in hills surrounding the picturesque village of Woodstock, Vermont. It is the highest in Vermont and the closest to major New England cities. The Catamount Trail also winds its way through the Mad River Valley. It is time to put winter away. This year we did a family cross country ski lesson, and our instructor was patient, positive, and an excellent teacher. Forbush Natatorium. Trails in the Mount Mansfield State Forest connect to the Stowe Recreation Path, leading down into the village center of Stowe. Seriously, theres no age too early to start your little ones off skiing or riding. Guests can also try fatbiking on the groomed ski trails on Mt Peg or for those seeking a greater challenge, on the single-track bike trails. Skiers appreciate the cozy warmth of guest rooms at The Black Lantern Inn, where they can dine in the excellent restaurant without having to leave "home. You'll love warming up beside the woodstove inside Charley's Cabin. Four New England Ski Towns for Cross Country Skiers' Bucket List Ole's Cross Country Ski Center. Great question! In our opinion, the Spruce Bar & Lounge at Stowe has the absolute best vantage point to sit in front of a fire with a great cocktail or meal and watch all the skiing members of your group hit the trails right outside the massive picture windows. The oldest and most popular form of skiing, the classic technique has been dated back to as early as 600 BCE! Low-key lodging at the center includes three daily all-you-can-eat meals. For the fastest path through the woods, try out skate skiing. Mount Snow Resort Right across the street from Mount Snow, youll find Timber Creek Cross Country with a vast network of trails and rental equipment available. The ungroomed trails are open for exploration on skis, snowshoes, or splitboards, and some are even available to fat bikes. Single track on one side, and a wide, flat, skate lane on the other. Edson Hill Trip Advisor Certificate of Excellence, Edson Hill 2020 Travelers Choice Trip Advisor, Copyright 2023 Edson Hill | All Rights Reserved, NEW DATE! If you can walk, then you can snowshoe. The rental shop has cross-country skis available as well as snowshoes for kids and adults. Along with a backcountry trail system, there are trails dedicated for snowshoers. This is a top notch ski and ride school with an impeccable pedigree. Bolton Valley Resort Bolton Valley offers 100km of Nordic trails, with 15km groomed for skate and classic skiing. Families are especially well-served with rental equipment, including snowshoes for ages as young as three. Easiest answer? To parents, it's just the right size with slopes that funnel Everyone's a local, no matter where they call home. Google Map and Directions. . Discover a location that will meet your criteria for a wonderful ski area by exploring the scenes of Vermont with its captivating weather and variety of possibilities. On select winter nights, 3 km of trails are illuminated with romantic antique lanterns. Resort Conditions - Ski Vermont Ski Vermont Romantic ski weekend with couples massages, and candle-lit dinner? Trails wind through tall fir trees in the Sun Bowl and are groomed daily for classic and skate skiing. Everyone has their own definition of what makes the perfect ski trip, but we can guarantee that if youre staying in one of these spots, youre doing it right. Twenty kilometers of woodland trails open to views from Mt. We will say that if you have any surfing or skateboarding experience, the learning curve is a bit easier for picking up first time snowboarding than first time skiing. April . Whether you're a beginner on snowshoes or an expert, you can book aguided snowshoe touror venture out on your own. The snowshoe terrain includes both flats for beginners and some climbs for more experienced skiers. Weve compiled all the deals, tips and tricks we can to ensure that your trip this Winter is absolutely epic! For all of these reasons (plus a ton more) our answer is: Stratton. MTR Trail Conditions. luvlens That is our mission. The trails have been dusty, this will help. Sugarbush Resort and Mad River Glen TheMad River Valleystwo cross-country centers, Oles Cross Country Center and Blueberry Lake Cross Country and Snowshoeing Center, offer an extensive network of classic and skating trails for all abilities. Our resort offers ample terrain where you can snowshoe on your own or with a scheduled group tour. Bring on the snow and bring on the savings! We could go on and on about the terrain here, the snowfall there, the nightlife, the amenities, etc. The Bolton Nordic Center offers rental equipment for classic, skate, and backcountry Nordic skiing, as well as snowshoes and pull sleds for small children. Not only is the activity accessible to beginners at modest , One of the most legendary activities in Vermont is Skiing. To contact us about other XC Ski or Snowshoe related questions, call Mountain Top Resort Activities Center at 802.483.6089. Vermont Cross Country skiing conditions Scenes Of Vermont Discover a location that will meet your criteria for a wonderful ski area by exploring the scenes of Vermont with its captivating weather and variety of possibilities. This summer, Prospect improved some trails near the top of the mountain. Of the nearly 60 kilometers of groomed trails, 20 are groomed for skate skiing. Please stop in at the Outdoor Center for maps, passes, hiking and biking information. EMPLOYMENT; The wood frogs and peepers are starting to make an appearance. An entire network of dedicated snowshoe trails leads to beautiful views of the village, valley, and surrounding hills. About half the groomed trails are in the park, which encompasses Vermont's first tree farm. Ole's Cross Country Center invites outdoorsy types of all skill levels to experience its 30 miles of mountainview trails. Plan an Exhilarating Winter Outing on Vermont's Scenic XC Trails. The full-service rental center offers Salomon classic and skate ski equipment in child and adult sizes. Enjoy it out there. The full-service Nordic Ski and Snowshoe Adventure Center includes a level learning area with a Nordic terrain park featuring small gentle hills for developing balance and speed control. The Nordic center sits at the base of a former downhill ski area, and this year, trails at the top of the mountain have been cleared for adventurous skiers, who can "skin" to the summit and ski down the former alpine trails. 53rd UVM Athletics Hall of Fame Dinner - University of Vermont Athletics