VT Resorts and Parks Open to Cross Country (XC) Skiing & Snowshoeing

Vermont > State > Winter Activities > Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing

Cross-country skiing, also known as Nordic skiing or XC skiing, is gaining popularity. It is easier for people not enamored with the speed of downhill, and it can be done by all ages. Cross-country skiing can be done on groomed or ungroomed (back country) trails. Almost all cross-country trails and touring centers also welcome snowshoeing and make snowshoeing equipment available if rentals are offered. Book a room at a bed and breakfast or mountain resort for a longer adventure.

Many cross-country [Nordic] skiing centers offer trails, snowmaking, rentals, lessons, racing, and special events. A great resource for cross country skiing in Vermont is the Catamount Trail Association, which takes care of the Catamount Trail, on which people can ski the length of Vermont.

Cross Country Skiing & Snowshoeing in Vermont

Lake Morey Resort

82 Clubhouse Road Fairlee, VT, 05045 Phone: 802-333-4311 Toll-Free: 800-423-1211

Snowshoe trails along a lake shore make a great way to celebrate winter

No one celebrates winter quite like Vermonters, and at the Lake Morey Resort, nestled in the Vermont hills above the Connecticut River, one of the ways they enjoy winter is snowshoeing, either along the shore of Lake Morey, or on other trails on the spectacularly beautiful property. Off-site snowshoeing is just a short drive away. Sawyer Mountain, 2.1 miles from the resort, has great trails with views up and down the Connecticut River. Ask about special winter stay-and-play packages at the inviting resort, where you can also go ice skating, sledding, play pond hockey or roast marshmallows. Warm up inside by the lobby fireplace, in the heated indoor pool or sauna. Accommodations include spacious rooms and suites and private cottages with lake views.

Book Now

Nordic Skiing - Mountain Top Inn & Resort - Chittenden, VT

Mountain Top Resort

195 Mountain Top Road Chittenden, VT, 05737 Phone: 802-483-2311

It’s only natural: Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing at their best at Vermont resort

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.

Book Now

Cross Country Skiing at Bolton Valley Resort - Bolton Valley, VT

Bolton Valley Nordic and Backcountry Skiing

Bolton Valley Resort & Ski Area Bolton Valley, VT, 05477 Phone: 802-434-6876

The Nordic Center offers guided tours, lessons, and rental equipment. The 100-kilometer Nordic trail system includes 26 kilometers to groomed trails and backcountry trails for skiing and snowshoeing.

Craftsbury Outdoor Center

535 Lost Nation Rd Craftsbury Common, VT, 05827 Phone: 802-586-7767

This year-round outdoor sports center offers annual and one-day memberships for cross country skiing and snowshoeing along with the warm-season sports of skulling, sailing, and running. Ski teams are active, and there is a heavy schedule of racing. Probably not the place for small children and timid people new to cross-country skiing, although family rates are posted and children are welcome.

Ole's Cross Country Center

2355 Airport Road Warren, VT, 05674 Phone: 802-496-3430

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.

Catamount Outdoor Family Center

592 Governor Chittenden Road Williston, VT, 05495 Phone: 802-879-6001

Over 35km of trails travel through a family farm dating back six generations to Vermont’s first governor. Equipment rentals and memberships available. Snowshoeing trails are separate from skiing trails and do not require a usage fee; guided snowshoe tours available.

Stowe Mountain Resort Cross Country Ski Center

5393 Mountain Road Stowe, VT, 05672 Phone: 802-253-3658

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.

Fox Run Nordic Center

89 Fox Lane Ludlow, VT, 05149 Phone: 802-228-1396

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.

Catamount Trail Association

1 Mill Street, Suite 350 Burlington, VT, 05401 Phone: 802-864-5794

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

Brattleboro Outing Club

73 Senator Gannett Drive Brattleboro, VT, 05301 Phone: 802-246-7843

The Ski Hut is the hub of cross country skiing in the Brattleboro community. The Ski Hut offers 33 km of groomed trails, weather permitting.

Hildene Ski Touring Center

1005 Hildene Road Manchester, VT, 05255 Phone: 802-362-1788

Hildene is the house home built in 1905 by the son of President Abraham Lincoln. This historic house is open to visitors year-round. In winter, guests may use the 8 km of cross-country skiing trails, which have varying levels of difficulty. The Ski Pavilion rents skiing and snowshoeing equipment for adults and children, and also lessons, by pre-arrangement. Nordic ski season is mid-December to mid-March, weather permitting.

Wild Wings Cross Country Skiing - Peru, VT

Wild Wings Ski Touring Center

246 Styles Lane Peru, VT, 05152 Phone: 802-824-6793

Classic, track skiing and a nice small operation for families and kids. Trails roam through woods and along brooks. This location is a snow pocket, meaning there may be snow here even when other locations are bare. Regular grooming. No snowshoeing.

Nordic Trail System of the Kingdom Trails Association

Kingdom Trails Association East Burke, VT, 05832 Phone: 802-626-0737

Two separate areas provide Nordic (cross-country) ski trails. One is Dashney Farm (formerly Burke XC), where 50 kilometers of skating and classic trails that wind through field and forest. Plenty of trails for all skill levels. The Nordic Welcome Center at the end of Dashney Road is the information and pass purchase center. Located 1.3 miles up the Mountain Road from Route 114.
Darling Hill overlooks Willoughby Gap. You will ski past historic barns, inns, and Victorian houses. Trail difficulty rates from beginner to intermediate. Park at the Children’s Theater on Darling Hill Road and buy passes and get maps at a self pay kiosk.

Hazen's Notch Association

1423 Hazen’s Notch Road Montgomery Center, VT, 05471 Phone: 802-326-4799

In a town noted for covered bridges Hazen’s Notch has 70 km of groomed and marked trails passing through mixed maple, birch and evergreen forest and across gentle, open meadows. Thirty trails for all abilities provide loops of different lengths for classical cross-country skiing and or snowshoeing.

Intervale Center Nordic Trails

180 Intervale Road Burlington, VT, 05401 Phone:

This Burlington organization supports farming and food distribution on a human scale, but its extensive lands also offer lots of room for outdoor recreation, including cross-country skiing on groomed trail in the snow seasons. Recreational trails wind along the Winooski River. Three miles of cross-country ski trails are groomed for classic and skate skiers. Open to the public year-round, daily.
Parking: Visitors to the Intervale Center may park at two public parking lots off of Intervale Road, or in the lot across the street from Gardener’s Supply, at 128 Intervale Road.

Cross Country Skiing at Rikert Outdoor Center - Ripton, VT

Rikert Nordic Center

106 College Cross Road Ripton, VT, 05766 Phone: 802-443-2744

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.

Mountain Meadows XC Ski Center - Killington, VT

Mountain Meadows XC Area

2363 US Route 4 Killington, VT, 05751 Phone: 802-775-0166

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.

Cross Country Skiing at Blueberry Lake - Warren, VT

Blueberry Lake Cross Country Ski & Snowshoe Center

424 Plunkton Road Warren, VT, 05674 Phone: 802-496-6687

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.

Grafton Trails and Outdoor Center

783 Townshend Road Grafton, VT, 05146 Phone: 802-843-2350

This is a year-round outdoor recreation center. Winter offerings include Nordic (cross country) skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, and snow tubing hill in the winter. Snow making is done starting in mid-December. The 15km groomed cross-country trail network is supplemented with snow making; there is an additional 15km of back country terrain. Snowshoeing is offered on 10km of trails, and the organization offers guided snowshoe tours. A biathlon course offers a tremendous workout. There is a 600-foot snow tubing run. A base lodging offers rentals and lessons and repairs.
Summer and warm-weather activities include hiking and mountain biking on the trails.

Timber Creek Cross Country Ski Center

13 Tanglewood Road West Dover, VT, 05356 Phone: 802-464-0999

In the shadow of Mount Snow, Timber Creek offers a choice of lots of terrain for all abilities on 14 km of trails trails through forest, and even into hills and high ridges for advanced skiers. Snowshoeing is also available. Lessons and rentals available, as well as all-inclusive learn-to-ski packages that include trail fees, rentals, and instruction.

Viking Nordic Center

615 Little Pond Road Londonderry, VT, 05148 Phone: 802-824-3933

26km of ski trails and 4km of snowshoe trails pass through woods and meadows; trails are available for the novice to the expert. Ski shop offers Nordic skiing and snowshoeing equipment as well as pulk sleds for young kids, Lessons by Professional Ski Instructors of America. Trailside cabin and warming hut. Night skiing. Four-bedroom guest house near the trail; club house for rent. Group packages, rates, and rentals,

Blueberry Hill Outdoor Center

1288 Goshen-Ripton Road Goshen, VT, 05733 Phone: 802-247-6735

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)

Hartland Winter Trails

VT Route 12, just north of US Route 5 Hartland, VT, 05048 Phone:

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.

Cross Country Skiing at Prospect Mountain - Woodford, VT

Prospect Mountain Nordic Ski Center

204 Prospect Access Road Woodford, VT, 05201 Phone: 802-442-2575

Prospect Mountain features more than 30km of trails, groomed for both skate skiing and track skiing. Trails range from beginner to expert. Most trails have tracks set each side of a wide center skating lane. Also, snowshoeing and track skiing trails are available. The base lodge has a large fireplace, woodstove; meal service for all tastes at reasonable prices. It's recommended to purchase a day pass to help support the area. If you have a SkiVT Season Pass, it is accepted here.

Smugglers’ Notch Nordic Ski & Snowshoe Adventure Center

4323 VT Route 108 South Smugglers' Notch, VT, 05464 Phone: 802-644-1173

30 kilometers of cross-country trails offer fun and challenge for for novices to expert; another 24 kilometers are reserved only for snowshoeing. Group and private lessons may be done by skiers of all levels. Join a tour for extra adventure. Rental for skiing and snowshoeing and also for ice skating. Access to Nordic trails is free with a lift ticket for Smugglers’ Notch downhill skiing. Base lodge has a cozy lodge and woodstove.

Central

Northern

Southern

Northeast Kingdom