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.
Highland Lodge 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.
Dashney Nordic Center at Burke Mountain Resort (802-626-8338; www.skiburke.com) in East Burke has trails groomed for classic and skate skiing at Burke Mountain Resort operated in partnership with the Northwoods Stewardship Center. Woodlands and hillsides in the Northeast Kingdom offer 11-15 km of trails for XC skiing and snowshoeing. Rental equipment available. For a full page of info click Dashney Nordic Center.
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.
Kingdom Trails in northeastern Vermont is a multiple-use trail system that caters to non-motorized trails year-round with opportunities for all levels of ability. Located in East Burke, VT, Kingdom Trails maintains over 10 kilometers of trails groomed for skate and classic skiing, all situated on fantastic terrain in a beautiful setting. The region is known as a mecca for mountain bikers and has been attracting fat bikes in the winter.
The Inn at Mountain View Farm 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.
Morse Farm Ski Touring Center 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.
Groton State Park 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.
Memphremagog Ski Touring has 25 km machine-maintained for classic and skate skiing with more ungroomed trails too for skiing and snowshoeing in the Derby-Newport, Vermont area. An individual day trail pass is $5 and there is trailhead parking in a variety of locatioins at the MSTF Barn and Derby Recreation Path. The Mt Hor trails in the Willoughby State Forest is a snowy area and there the other trails segments are on Quarry Road and the Premeau Trail section. CCSAA member.
The Little Gnesta Bed & Breakfast is a Swedish-inspired b & b in downtown Newport, VT with 4 charming rooms in a clean, warm, and inviting inn only minutes from Lake Memphremagog.
Jay Peak Nordic Center has 25 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. There is also an indoor water park and new hotel facilities at Jay.
Hazen's Notch Association 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