Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing

Vermont is known as “winter in its original state,” so naturally the skiing and snowshoeing are fabulous at the Mountain Top Resort in Chittenden, VT. Bring your own equipment or rent skis or snowshoes at the resort’s activities center, a place many U.S. Olympians have called home over the years. Set off on 60 kilometers of trails, groomed and maintained for both skate and classic skiing. (Some are dog-friendly!) The terrain is varied, with sweeping views. Snowshoe into the woods and meadows, enjoying that crisp mountain air while you get a cardio workout. The activities center provides maps and trail conditions. Ask about the resort’s Ski & Stay packages. For those seeking alpine skiing, it’s just a short drive to the Killington Ski Resort.

The Blueberry Hill Outdoor Center, located across the road from the Blueberry Hill Inn, is one of the first Nordic ski areas to be organized in Vermont. The outdoor center is open for year-round use, with information and gear for hiking, skiing, snowshoeing, trail-running, biking, and enjoyment in the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area. Located in the Green Mountain National Forest, the center provides access to the Blueberry Hill trails, the Vermont Long Trail, The Catamount Trail, and the Moosalamoo National Forest Trails. - Trail Map (PDF)

11 trails on 35km designed for classic track skiing, skate skiing, and snowshoeing. Ski equipment and snowshoe rentals and lessons; phone ahead to schedule lessons. Trails are graded for average skiers. Daily pass and rentals available.

The Catamount Trail is 300 miles long, allowing skiers and snowshoers to travel the entire north-south length of Vermont from Massachusetts to Canada. It was conceived in 1984 and fully linked by 2008, and it is supported and maintained the the Catamount Trails Association along with many volunteers.
The Trail is organized by sections, and the association’s website gives extensive maps and directions about getting onto the trail. The trail can be enjoyed for a trip of a few hours, a full day or overnight, or a multiple-day trip. The Catamount Trail Association offers short or long tours on skis or snowshoes. There are many bed and breakfasts and inns along the trail, and there is some winter camping. Many ski clubs are connected to the trail and the association holds lots of special events. - Interactive Trail Map

Right in the middle of popular Killington, Mountain Meadows Center, supported by Base Camp Outfitters, has over 40km of cross-country (Nordic) skiing and snowshoeing and a base lodge for warmth and rest. This center is close to Kent Lake and the Catamount Trail (at Section 13), which allows people to ski the length of the state. Parking is at the trailhead. Lessons and rentals available. Lodging at nearby Mountain Meadows Lodge on Thundering Brook Road.

7 miles of trails are situated on the Fox Run Golf Club facility on Fox Lane. The terrain is meadows and rolling hills and trails are groomed for classic track skiing and skate skiing. Trails offer options for skiers of all levels, from beginner to advanced. Lessons, rentals and demonstrations available. Open daily 9am - 4pm, weather permitting.

30 miles of groomed trails for every level of skier at this family-friendly area. Trail markers on the 11 trails are easy to use. Classic track skiing and skate-skiing are offered. Day lounge; heated indoor restrooms; rentals of equipment for adults and kids by the day of half-day; lessons & youth ski league available. Hours: Please check website for 2022-23 season dates.

Carroll & Jane Rikert Nordic Center is owned and operated by Middlebury College and is open to the public. It is a full-service cross-country skiing and showshoeing facility and also the home of the Middlebury College’s cross country racing team. The center offers over 55 kilometers of varied and scenic trails for cross-country skiers and snowshoers for all abilities. Snowmaking is done here. Lots of programs for families, parents, and small kids. Racing and other special events. Equipment rentals and lessons available.

Variety of trails for all levels of ability, including the a series of short gradual climbs to Bruce Trail; steep climbs along Peavy Trail to Bear Run junction; and some very advanced trials via Double Bit.
Trail fees are full day or half day, Season passes to cross country trails are available and include discounts on Stowe Mountain retail shops, equipment, and services. Lessons available. Rentals of equipment for all ages down to 3 years old. Pulka sleds available for rent.

These cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails meander through fields and back woods in the Three Corners and Four Corners areas of Hartland. The trails are all on private properties and are open to the community free of charge. Landowners allow the public to use these properties. Please be respectful and considerate. Only cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are permitted. Horses, dog teams, snowmobiles, and ATVs are not permitted. Snowshoers; please, stay off to the side of the prepared trail. Dogs allowed if on leash and kept off the prepared tracks. - Interactive Trail Maps & Access
Parking is available at three locations:

• Main trailhead near Three Corners fire station - From the junction of Routes 12 and 5 (Hartland Three Corners), drive a mile north/west on Route 12 North. Pass Bischoff Lane on the right. Continue 0.2 miles and look for the parking lot on the right and across the road from the town fire station.
• Hartland Recreation Center - Follow Route 12 North from Three Corners about 1000ft., the center will be on the right. After parking, cross Route 12 and turn left, walking on the sidewalk to the first road on the right, which is Bischoff Lane. Proceed up Bischoff Lane until you get to the field on the left. The ski trail is in this field.
• Cobb Hill Co-Housing - Follow Route 12 North to the intersection Brownsville and Mace Hill Roads. Turn right onto Mace Hill Road, then take the first left onto Linden Road. Parking is in front of the big red barn.