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Cross-Country Skiing and
Snowshoeing in Northeastern
Vermont
Craftsbury Outdoor Center (802-586-7767, www.craftsbury.com) is a year-round resort with 85 km of xc ski trails in Craftsbury Common, VT. For a full page of info click Craftsbury.) Snowshoeing, orienteering, backcountry tours, ice skating, rowing mountain biking, nature studies, fitness room, massage, yoga, and more. Xc ski lessons and rental equipment are available. Accommodations and programs also available. CCSAA member
Morse Farm Ski Touring Center (800-242-2740, www.skimorsefarm.com) in Montpelier, VT is a family friendly center with views of Camel's Hump and the Hunger Mountain range. There are 20 km of groomed and tracked trails with 15 km for skaters, XC ski and snowshoe rental equipment are available. There is a warming hut and gift shack for cider and maple goodies.
Highland Lodge & XC Center (802-533-2647, www.highland.lodge.com) is in Greensboro, VT. There are 60 km of groomed trails for classic of which 40 km are groomed for skate xc skiing. This family owned lodge has been run by the proprietors for 50 years. It is nestled in the heart of Vermont' Northeast Kingdom and the trails pass through high country meadows, boreal woodlands and frozen ponds and lakes. Lessons, xc ski and snowshoe rental equipment are available. Highland Lodge attracts families and couples who cross country ski to be outdoors in nature. Great views of Mount Mansfield to the west, Burke Mountain to the east and the Caspian Lake below.
Nearby in the Northeast Kingdom, there is the Burke Mountain Resort for alpine skiing, Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium and the Cabot Creamery. Guided treks, instruction and xc ski equipment rentals are available at East Burke Sports (802-626-3215).
Burke Cross Country Ski Area (802-626-8338, www.burkexc.com) in West Burke has 60 km of trails groomed for classic of which 55 km are groomed for skate skiing. Woodlands and hillsides in the Northeast Kingdom offer eight main trail loops. Lessons and xc ski rentals are available. Burke has a snack bar and a ski shop. CCSAA member
The Inn at Mountain View Farm (800-572-4509, 802-626-9924, www.innmtnview.com) has 35 km of xc skiing groomed trails that network into 50 miles of the Kingdom Trails in the area. These xc ski trails are accessed from the inn's doorstep and there are 440 acres of historic farm property. The Inn has 14 elegant guest rooms and luxury suites, massage and sauna and horsedrawn sleigh rides. The Westmore Wing of the Farmhouse is great for families or groups.
The Wildflower Inn (800-627-8310, 802-626-8310, www.wildflowerinn.com) was named as a Best Family Resort in New England by Yankee Magazine and Boston Magazine's New England Travel & Life. The inn has xc skiing and snowshoeing on groomed trails that network into 50 miles of the Kingdom Trails in the area (www.kingdomtrails.org). These xc ski trails are accessed from the inn's doorstep and there are 570 acres of property nestled in the rolling hills of the Northeast Kingdom. The Inn has classic rooms, multi-room suites and the School House Cottage. The Stepping Stone Spa is an off site health center. Take advantage of a variety of themed packages including Family Vacation, Pampered in the Kingdom (spa treatments), Romantic Escape, and Feel the Fur (Christmas tree cutting).
Groton State Park (802-584-3829, www.vtstateparks.com) is near Groton and Peacham, VT and it has thousands of acres to explore with 8.5 km of groomed trails for xc skiing and snowshoeing. The Seyon Ranch is a facility in a secluded setting with private rooms and a kitchen service for family style meals. It can accommodate 16 guests with private and semiprivate rooms and is ADA compliant. Snowshoe rentals available. Only $2.50 for a trail pass for nonguests.
Jay Peak Nordic Center (802-327-4653, www.jaypeakresort.com) has 15 km of cross-country skiing groomed for classic and skating on a golf course and wooded trails. Instruction and xc ski equipment rentals are available. Two-hour, naturalist-led tours on snowshoes are scheduled throughout the week in the afternoons and evenings and includes guide, snowshoes, headlamps, and poles. The Jay Peak alpine ski area is known for the most powder in the eastern US and its liberal boundary policies that opens the entire mountain to skiing in the trees.
Hazen's Notch Association (802-326-4799, www.hazensnotch.org), in Hazen's Notch, is owned and operated by the nonprofit Hazen's Notch Association. The 64 km of groomed and backcountry trails include 16 km of snowshoe-only trails. The views alone are worth the trip, plus the high elevation ensures bountiful snow. You'll find ski and snowshoe rentals, plus instruction by reservation. Ask about naturalist-guided snowshoe tours and full-moon snowshoe tours. CCSAA member
