Cross-Country Skiing and

Snowshoeing at Okemo Valley

Nordic Center - 77 Okemo Ridge Road, Ludlow VT 05149

The Okemo Valley Nordic Center (802/228-1396, www.okemo.com), set along the Black River, only a half-mile from Okemo Mountain, off Route 103 North on Fox Lane in Ludlow, VT. This is great for the family on the getaway day at the end of the weekend. Get outdoors, do a few km, then have lunch before the drive home. It is located at the Okemo Valley Golf Club. There are 26 km of groomed trails for classic and skating and 10 km of dedicated snowshoe trails, across pristine meadows, hillsides and along the Black River.

Okemo Valley Nordic has a rental and repair shop that features Rossignol xc ski equipment and Atlas snowshoes for rent. The Rossignol Demo Center features the latest in xc equipment and offers a test drive to purchase a pair equipment at the Nordic Pro Shop. Instruction is available.

The clubhouse features the Willie Dunn's Grille, a full service restaurant and pub for lunch, dinner or apres ski cocktails. Great American fare, great views, never crowded. . There is a cozy fireplace that warms the dining room and an adjacent lounge. Changing rooms and lockers with showers are available.

Deer Run, Beaver Loop, Fox Trot and Vista Views are great trails for the family and first time skier. They are gentle and provide spectacular views.Bail Out, Back Drop and Ridge Runner are sure to challenge any snow enthusiast.

Trail fees range from $20 a day and $15 for a half day offered at 12:30 p.m. Lower fees for young adults, juniors and seniors. Packages with rental equipment range from $25-32 and instruction is a one and a half hour lesson for $25 ($50 for a private lesson). Guided Snowshoe Treks are available in the evenings with a reservation. Equipment and a guide for a one and a half trek is $25 per person.

Special "Get Nordic Skiing" Sunday Start-Up Package includes trail fee, rental equipment, one-hour lesson all for $25.00 and is available every Sunday afternoon starting at 12:30 PM all winter (excluding holidays).

The Okemo Valley Nordic Center is unique with its indoor golf program, a 700 square foot putting green, swing stations and a computerized virtual golf simulator. Golf instructional programs are available with group and private lessons offered. The center is open from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. on weekends and holidays; Monday through Friday, it opens at 9 a.m. CCSAA member.