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Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
at Ole's Cross Country Center in Vermont
2355 Airport Road, Warren, VT
Ole's Cross Country Center (802-496-3490, www.olesxc.com) in Vermont's Mad River Valley (Waitsfield and Warren) has a snowy spot and scenic views of Sugarbush Resort. Waitsfield is loved by Outside Magazine in annual ski town polls. Ole's has 30 miles (48 km) of trails that are groomed for classic and skate skiing on moderately rolling countryside. The original owner of this area named Ole developed this site more than 30 years ago at the Warren-Sugarbush Airport (a rural runway) and he has since returned to his Norwegian homeland. Ole's is the most modern xc ski area in the region and a well-equipped xc ski shop with a full selection of the major product brands.
At Ole's Cross Country Center, you should expect maps and marked trails, plowed parking areas, heated indoor restrooms, and a day lounge. There are deli lunches and snacks available, too.
Trail fees are $16 for the day or $13 after 1 PM. Juniors (6-17) and seniors (65-75) can ski for $13 or $10 after 1 PM. Older than 75 or younger than 5 ski for free at Ole's. Snowshoers can use the trails for $12 per day and Jr/Sr snowshoers can go for $10.
XC ski rental equipment is available at $18 for a full day and $15 after 1:00 PM. Jr/Sr rental gear is $14 for the day and $12 for the half day. Skating gear is $22 for the day or $18 after 1:00 PM and the Jr/Sr prices are $16 and $14 respectively. Snowshoe rentals are $16 for the day and $13 after 1:00 PM while Jr/Sr snowshoe rental prices are $13 and $10 respectively.
Group ski lessons for skiers are one hour and held at 10:30 AM and 1:30 PM for $30 per person. Jr/Sr prices for group lesson participants are $20. Private lessons are $45 per person or $35 for Jr/Sr. A guided snowshoe tour with a naturalist is 2 hours for $25 and for Jr/Sr $20, but call the area in advance for reservations. On Sundays there is a free skate ski clinc at 10:00 AM.
Alpine skiing and snowboarding is nearby at Sugarbush Resort and Mad River Glen (but no snowboarders are welcome there). For more info (great lodging, restaurants, other activities) about the Mad River Valley click http://www.madrivervalley.com/
Directions: From the south, take I 93 or I 91 to I 89 North to Exit 9. Left on to Rte. 2, Right to Rte. 100B, 13 miles to Waitsfiled. Left on Bridge Street, bear right to East Warren Road, take right on Airport Road and go 7 miles. Follow signs to Ole's. From the west (Burlington, VT) take I 89 South to Exit 10 Waterbury and then Rte. 100 South to unction of Routes 100 and 100B. Take right on Rte. 100 to Waitsfield and follow the same as above. CCSAA member. Photo by Curran Photography
