Where to Cross-Country Ski in Vermont

It’s winter in Vermont - the local favorite season. Snow-covered fields are framed by stark leafless maple trees and white mountains, creating an irresistible landscape to wander through. The best way to enjoy this winter scenery, get exercise, and spend time with friends? Cross-country skiing! Also known as nordic skiing, this sport is loved by many and we in Vermont are fortunate enough to have tons of places to go. If you already have the right pair of nordic skis for your adventures, read on for some of our favorite locations to cross-country ski.

Intervale Center

Burlington, VT

Photo from the Intervale Center Nestled in the heart of Burlington, the Intervale Center consists of 360 acres of farms and trails dedicated to strengthening community food systems. They groom several trails for cross-country skiing that wind through the many farms and riverside paths. The network is mostly flat and great for beginners or for those who live in Burlington and don’t want to travel too far to spend a day on skis. Pro tip: Stop at Kismayo Kitchen after your adventure for some incredible Somali cuisine. Their tea is delicious and will warm you right up.

• Day-Use Fee: None
• Rentals available on site: No
• Miles of trails: 5.8 miles

Craftsbury Outdoor Family Center

Craftsbury Common, VT

Photo from Craftsbury Outdoor Center With over 65 miles of trails that meander around farms, fields, and forests in the Northeast Kingdom, Craftsbury is a cross-country skier’s dream destination. They have several mapped loops with varying degrees of elevation so folks of all skill levels will find something fun! Is it a low snow year? Fear not, Craftsbury sustainably makes snow to supplement what nature does (or doesn’t) provide. This also allows them to host weekly races, events, and more to build a community around cross-country skiing and encourage more folks to give the sport a try. Pro tip: The Craftsbury Village Store has some tasty treats to put in your backpack to enjoy while you stop and enjoy the views from the trail - don't forget your camera!

• Day-Use Fee: $10 for adults, $5 for children 6 and older
• Rentals available on site: Yes
• Miles of trails: 65.3 miles

Camels Hump Nordic Ski Area

Huntington, VT

Photo from Vermont Huts Association For those who love backcountry cross-country skiing, Camels Hump Nordic Ski Area is perfect. This network consists of primarily forested trails that your metal-edged skis will do well in, but they also groom 12-13 miles of trails for race and classic use. Lion’s Ridge trail is a fan favorite, as it offers breathtaking views of Camels Hump. They even have a dog-friendly 5k loop for those of you who want to bring your four-legged friends! Pro tip: The Vermont Huts Association has a ski-access-only yurt that you can rent at CHNSA. Complete with bunk beds, a wood stove, board games, and a skylight, you’re in for a night of maximum coziness.

• Day-Use Fee: $10 for a day pass, $90 for a season pass
• Rentals available on site: No
• Miles of trails: 35 miles

Sleepy Hollow Inn, Ski & Bike Center

Huntington, VT

Photo by Paul Hansen Just 30 minutes from Burlington, Sleepy Hollow grooms over 20 miles of trails for classic and skate cross-country skiing with plenty of elevation. Their ski loops will take you through beautiful oak and beech forests home to barred owls and deer - keep your eyes open to see some of the wildlife! Plus they’re open for night skiing with discounted day pass rates if you want to go for an after-work or after-school ski. Pro tip: You can also rent Butternut Cabin through the Vermont Huts Association! The cabin faces east so if you wake early enough, you’ll be treated to an incredible sunrise over Camels Hump while you’re warmed by the woodstove.

• Day-Use Fee: $22 for adults, $17 for children 7 and older
• Rentals available on site: Yes
• Miles of trails: 21.7 miles

Trapp Family Lodge

Stowe, VT

Photo from the Trapp Family Lodge Trapps is the very first cross-country ski center in all of the US! With 37 miles of groomed trails and 62 miles of ungroomed, this picturesque area has terrain and trails for folks of all abilities. The rolling hills through the woods make for a fun challenge while the flatter terrain in the fields gives you great views of the Green Mountains. A stop at the Slayton Pasture Cabin is a great way to break up your ski adventure. Nestled in the woods three miles away from the ski center, you can warm up by the fire with some soup or hot chocolate then head back out onto the trails for more snowy fun! Pro tip: If you like beer, the von Trapp Brewery is a quick ski away from the main trails. Their beer, pastries, and sandwiches are a must-have after a day sliding on the snow.

• Day-Use Fee: $25 for adults on weekdays, $28 for weekends, varying rates for children
• Rentals available on site: Yes
• Miles of trails: 99 miles

Blueberry Hill Outdoor Center

Goshen, VT

Photo by VTDigger This nonprofit organization is committed to providing outdoor recreation opportunities while promoting the conservation and sustainable use of the land. In their own words, cross-country skiing has always been at the heart of Blueberry Hill. All of their trails are ungroomed and meander through the serene hardwood forests and meadows of the property. If you’re seeking a place to use your classic or backcountry cross-country skis, this is the place! You won’t find any groomed trails or tracks - it’ll just be you and the organic snow. Pro tip: Need some coziness to fill your cup even more after a day out on the trails? Stop into the Inn for some hot soup and cookies.

• Day-Use Fee: None
• Rentals available on site: Yes
• Miles of trails: 21.7 miles

Catamount Trail

The length of Vermont The Catamount Trail is a Vermont classic. This 300-mile winter-use trail was completed in 2002 and spans the entire length of Vermont. You can try and do it in one go, or break it up into multiple trips: the trail is divided into 31 sections, all of which act as day tours. You won’t find a lot of groomed terrain on the trail, but you will find tons of fun! The Catamount Trail Association maintains the trail and offers organized single and multiday tours - check them out here. Pro tip: A popular section of the Catamount Trail is Bolton to Trapps (section 22) - they even have a shuttle service ! We hope you add these spots to your must-go-to list of places to cross-country ski! Sliding on skinny skis is a great way to get outside during the winter months and you’ll be blown away by the natural beauty all these areas have to offer. While we love all these areas, there are many more spots to get your cross-country on throughout the state. As our good friends at The North Face always say, never stop exploring!

Have fun out there!