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Outdoor Recreation

Cross-Country Skiing

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A cross-country skier skis through snowy forest in the sunshine.

A cross-country skier skis across a frozen lake with a rocky ledge in the background.

Winter Activity

Solitude in the Outdoors

Nordic skiing has deep roots in Vermont. Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe was the first cross-country ski center established in the U.S., and today, the sport flourishes in Vermont. With 30 cross-country ski areas throughout the state and trails suitable for all ages and ability levels, stunning views and the chance to truly escape awaits. Many ski areas offer equipment rentals and guided tours.

Top Attractions

Hundreds of miles of groomed trails and untouched backcountry welcome classic and skate skiers. Some of Vermont’s cross-country ski areas offer their own snowmaking tech, meaning a good day on the trail is always within reach.

CRAFTSBURY OUTDOOR CENTER

105 kilometers of groomed trails offer views of Hosmer Pond and the Northeast Kingdom’s beautiful backcountry.

RIKERT OUTDOOR CENTER

55 kilometers of varied and scenic trails welcome visitors in Middlebury.

GRAFTON TRAILS

15 kilometers of groomed Nordic trails take visitors across 2,000 acres of recreation space in southern Vermont.

TRAPP FAMILY LODGE

Austrian-inspired in Stowe, Trapp Family Lodge has 40 miles of groomed trails. Ski to the cabin for a roaring fire and refreshments.

Vermont State Parks

Vermont’s 55 state parks are open year-round, though unstaffed in the winter, and many have trails suitable for cross-country skiing.

MOUNTAIN TOP RESORT

40 kilometers of groomed trails and an additional 20 of backcountry skiing take visitors to new heights in Chittenden.

SLEEPY HOLLOW INN

32 kilometers of groomed trails for classic and skate skiing. Offering night skiing in Huntington.

Woodstock Inn & Resort Nordic Center

Two trails wrap around and through historic downtown Woodstock on the Mt. Tom and Mt. Peg trail networks.

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Discover More Places

Ski Vermont is your source for resort information, including Nordic ski area locations and conditions.

Ski Vermont

Vermont is home to the nation’s first cross-country ski center, Trapp Family Lodge.

– More Vermont Facts

On a sunny spring day, a Nordic skier heads uphill towards a tree with a sap bucket hanging on it, and nearby a barn has wood stacked out front.

Catamount Trail

300 miles of cross-country skiing is free and open to the public on the Catamount Trail, stretching from the Massachusetts border to the Quebec border. Established in 1984, 31 sections of maintained trail traverses through Vermont’s cross country ski areas, private land, and mountain passes.

Catamount Trail

A person skis and smiles while looking at the camera.

Travel Planning Resource

Vermont Adaptive Snow Sports Program

Those with disabilities can get out on the snow and experience winter activities with Vermont Adaptive. The organization offers lessons and adaptive equipment at a handful of resorts spread around the state.

Learn More

Indoor scene of a ski lodge and a sign that reads Craftsbury and people in the background getting fitted for skis.

A room with wooden wall panels, a couch, area rug, and table by a window.

Sustainability

Solar Power Operation

Craftsbury Outdoor Center is expecting to produce 100% of its electrical needs using solar panels. Working in concert with an increasingly electrical energy system, including electric vehicle charging, the location is working toward sustainability in its buildings, energy, and food systems – including meatless Mondays.

Learn More