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10 Places to Snowshoe and Cross-Country Ski in Vermont
Enjoy Winter Recreation Before the Snow's Gone

By , About.com Guide

Oct 25 2006
Vermont is New England's winter sports capital, and if careening downhill on skis or a snowboard isn't your thing, that doesn't mean you can't enjoy playing in the fluffy white stuff. Here's your guide to 10 places in Vermont where you can cross-country ski or snowshoe--great exercise, without the risk of knocking your noggin on the slopes.

1. Blueberry Hill Ski Center
Goshen, Vermont - (802) 247-6735

Homemade soup is free with your trail pass--the perfect way to warm up after a day of cross-country skiing or snowshoeing on more than 75 kilometers of groomed and wilderness trails at Blueberry Hill Ski Center. The rental shop has waxless skis and skate skis available, as well as snowshoes for kids and adults.

2. Mountain Top Cross Country Ski Resort
Chittenden, Vermont - (802) 483-2311 or 800 445-2100

You're ensured of good cross-country skiing conditions at Mountain Top Cross Country Ski Resort, the oldest commercial cross-country ski center in the state. That's because the resort uses a snowmaking system on 2 kilometers of its 80-kilometer trail system. Ski and snowshoe rentals and instruction are available.

3. Bolton Valley Resort
Bolton Valley, Vermont - (802) 434-3444 or 877 9-BOLTON

Not only will you find Nordic trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at Bolton Valley Resort, you'll also be able to bring your four-legged friend along on the resort's dog trails. Whether you're a beginner on snowshoes or an expert, you can book a guided snowshoe tour or venture out on your own.

4. Woodstock Inn & Resort
Woodstock, Vermont - (802) 457-1100 or 800 448-7900

The Woodstock Inn has been welcoming winter sports enthusiasts to its Winter Sports Center since 1910. Now, the Woodstock Ski Touring Center maintains 60 kilometers of trails for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Rentals and lessons are available.

5. Highland Lodge and Ski Touring Center
Greensboro, Vermont - (802) 533-2647

Ski or snowshoe past frozen lakes and farms and through evergreen forests and maple groves on the 30 miles of trails at Highland Lodge and Ski Touring Center. Ski and snowshoe rentals are available, and there are guided snowshoe nature walks to enjoy on weekends.

6. The Hermitage Inn
Wilmington, Vermont - (802) 464-3511

There are 50 kilometers of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails on-site for skiers of all abilities to enjoy at this southern Vermont inn.

7. Ole's Cross Country Ski Center
Warren, Vermont - (802) 496-3430 or 877 863-3001

Ready for a cross-country skiing, ski skating or snowshoeing adventure? Ole's Cross Country Ski Center invites skiers of all levels to experience its 30 miles of rolling trails. Guided tours, rentals and lessons are available. Ski free if you're under 5 or over 70.

8. Viking Nordic Centre
Londonderry, Vermont - (802) 824-3933

Children 5 and under ski free all the time at Viking Nordic Centre, where you'll discover varied terrain along 35 kilometers of trails. Adults can ski free, too, if they stay at the Viking Guest House. Cross-country skis and snowshoes are available for rent.

9. Craftsbury Outdoor Center
Craftsbury Common, Vermont - (802) 586-7767

Home to the annual Craftsbury Ski Marathon, this Northeast Kingdom ski center guarantees skiable snow from January 2 through the second Sunday in March. More than 85 kilometers of groomed trails take you through river valleys, forests and villages. Ski and snowshoe rentals are available, as are ice skates for use on the skating pond.

10. Stowe Cross Country Center
Stowe, Vermont - (802) 253-3000

Stowe boasts 35 kilometers of groomed and 40 kilometers of backcountry trails for cross-country skiers at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels, plus 5 kilometers of trails specifically for snowshoeing. Rentals and both group and private lessons are available. And when your legs grow weary, you can feast on Vermont cuisine at the state's only mountaintop restaurant, The Cliff House.

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