Cross country skiing centers near Burlington, Vermont are perfect for Nordic skiing enthusiasts as well as those looking to get into the sport for the first time.
I wrote about free cross country skiing options in Burlington previously. In this post, I’ll add a few of my favorite cross country skiing places that are within an hour’s drive of the city. Winter up in the northwest corner of Vermont is calling!
Some of the cross country skiing centers have trails for snowshoeing, fat biking, or for dogs. Check the Nordic center website before you go for current operating hours and trail fees.
Posts may contain links to products and services I love. I may make a small commission from them, at no extra cost to you. Thank you for supporting my blog.
Sleepy Hollow Ski and Bike Center
Sleepy Hollow Ski Center is a family-owned touring center up a backroad in Huntington. The 35 km of ski trails are meticulously groomed for classic and skate skiing. Add to that, 15 km of dedicated snowshoe trails wind over the ridges. There is a 2 km loop with machine-made snow and solar-powered lights so you can enjoy night skiing.
Feel the old-time charm when you arrive at the rustic warming and rental building. Rentals of both cross country gear and snowshoes are available. You can even borrow a pulk to pull your small kids around the trails.
A beautiful easy loop is out on Lower Saddle trail around to Liberty Meadow trail to return. To have a bit longer run head up the mountain to join up with the Upper Saddle trail past a scenic sugarbush. From Upper Saddle, you can take a little sneak trail to join up with the Butternut Cabin trail. You don’t want to miss a visit to this awesome log cabin with views of Camel’s Hump. Butternut Cabin can be rented for overnight stays. From the cabin, descend on the black diamond trails to the east for a jaw-dropping kamikaze adventure. However, for a milder way down, the Bishop trail will get you back to the lodge in one piece.
Catamount Outdoor Family Center
This cross country ski and snowshoeing destination is about 20 minutes east of Burlington center near Williston. It makes it feasible to drop in for an hour or an afternoon and still have time for downtown Burlington fun.
The splendid forest was the original home of the Western Abenaki people. Private owners started a cross country ski center there in 1978 to encourage people to get outdoors. Now the 26-mile network of trails is managed for four-season recreation. Biking, running, and hiking are popular as well as winter activities such as sledding, fat biking, snowshoeing, and Nordic skiing.
There is a fee for cross country skiing and fat biking, but it’s free for snowshoeing or walking. Just don’t walk on the set ski tracks! Rentals of skis and fat bikes are available. Lessons are by advance reservation. Leave Fido at home as no dogs are allowed on the trails.
Catamount Outdoor Family Center has a wide range of ski trails. Green and blue trails are congregated on one side of the area. Start with a ski through a white pine forest to find the Sandman trail for a spin through the property. You will glide through hemlock, beech, and birch mixed forest on the winding trails.
On the other hand, take some steep black trails to the Lookout for sweeping views of the highest peaks in Vermont.
Snowshoeing trails are separate from ski trails. Don’t miss the scenery on the Cliffs of Insanity dedicated snowshoeing trails that transverse the property.
Catamount Outdoor Family Center is at 592 Governor Chittenden Road in Williston.
Related post -> Amazing Places in the Berkshires for Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
Camel’s Hump Nordic Ski Center
This extensive network of trails for all abilities is nestled in the shadow of Camel’s Hump. The volunteers of Camel’s Hump Nordic have created a skier-friendly 35-mile trail system. Easy green and rolling blue-rated trails predominate. A few challenging trails climb up the side of Camel’s Hump for the hardcore crew. Access to the Honey Hollow Trail and the Camel’s Hump Challenge Trail is possible from the center. Additionally, the Catamount Trail, Vermont’s long-distance backcountry ski trail, weaves its way through the ski area.
Grooming is excellent with wide paths for both skating and diagonal stride classic skiing. The higher elevation of Camel’s Hump Nordic means that the area is a good bet to have fine snow conditions. For those who like to ski with their dogs, there is a special loop to bring your furry friends. You’ll need a canine membership for your pooch.
A spectacular view of the surrounding mountains can be found on a ski down the easy Northern Lights trail. The challenging Lion’s Ridge Loop has splendid views of Camel’s Hump for more experienced skiers.
There is a tiny hut to get out of the wind and pay your trail fee. The center doesn’t rent equipment so you will need to bring your own.
Cross country skiing and snowshoeing gear
The best snowshoes for enjoying the Vermont winter woods are MSR’s Revo Explore. These rugged snowshoes can glide and climb easily, perfect for varied terrain. If you are looking for a women’s model with a more narrow stride, go with the MSR Revo Ascents.
For cross country skis, I’m a huge fan of Fischer skis. I’ve skied many different Fischer skis over the past 50 years and loved them all. Pair them with a Thinsulate Alpina boot that’s super comfortable and warm. I use Leki poles because they are so durable, I’ve had the same pair for about 30 years.
However, if you aren’t ready to buy yet, you can rent cross country skis at Umiak in Stowe or the Ski Rack in Burlington.
Find Camel’s Hump Nordic Ski Center at Bert White road in Huntington.
Bolton Valley Backcountry and Nordic Sports Center
Bolton Valley has some of the best backcountry skiing in New England. The nordic center trails are steps from the Bolton Valley alpine ski hill. Hence, you can go uphill skiing at the ski resort and earn your turns coming down. You can also enjoy the 100 km of nordic trails spread out over 12,000+ acres of prime Vermont wilderness.
There are 15 km of groomed cross country ski trails with the usual mix of greens, blues, and blacks. My favorite ski day on the groomed trails is out Broadway and back along the Maple Loop trails.
However, the real draw to Bolton Valley is the unparalleled backcountry skiing through the birch-maple forests. The high ridges of Bolton Mountain and Mount Mansfield sit 3000 feet above the Champlain Valley, thus the snow comes early and stays late on the flanks of these mountains. It’s a prime place to find powder turns with exquisite views. It’s the backcountry and uphill skiing at Bolton Valley that make it one of the best cross country skiing centers near Burlington.
The Nordic Sports Center rents everything you need for winter activities at Bolton Valley. Nordic ski, skate, and backcountry packages are all available. You can ski with your small child by renting a pulk. There’s nothing like starting the kids early. Additionally, the center rents snowshoes and poles for the dedicated snowshoe trails.
If you want to extend your adventure to an overnight stay, Bryant Camp is a primitive backcountry cabin in the Bolton Valley backcountry about a mile ski or snowshoe from the nordic center. Alternatively, Bolton Lodge is a rustic, wood-heated cabin also on the Bolton Valley trails. It’s about 1.5 miles from the nordic center.
Related post -> Successful Winter Camping: Tips from an Outdoor Pro
Trapp Family Lodge
When you are cross country skiing at the Outdoor Center at the Trapp Family Lodge you can’t help but think about their tagline, “a little of Austria, a lot of Vermont”. That’s because the skiing and snowshoeing start on a high meadow with a 360° view of the mountains reminiscent of being in the Alps. Soon after the snowy trails pass a working sugarbush so you know you are experiencing pure Vermont.
Trapps boasts being the first nordic ski center in the U.S. and has 40 miles of groomed cross country ski trails. The wide trails make it easy for skate skiers and kick and gliders to have plenty of room to enjoy the impeccably groomed terrain. You will glide through mostly maple-beech forests, interspersed by alpine meadows with amazing views.
Connections with backcountry trails including the Catamount Trail make Trapps Family Lodge an excellent starting point for exploring the backcountry of the Green Mountains. Even better is to finish an adventure ski there so you can enjoy apres ski fun at the brewery and bierhall.
Rentals of classic, skate, and backcountry ski packages are available at the Outdoor Center. Snowshoe rental for the dedicated trails is also offered. First-time skiers can take a lesson with skilled instructors.
On the cross country ski trails at Trapps
Beginning Nordic skiers will take delight in looping Sugar Road out and Russell Knoll Track back to the center. The trail gives a wonderful glimpse of the Trapps sugarbush on gentle terrain. More adventurous skiers will appreciate the blue trails heading uphill to the Slayton Pasture Cabin. This rustic warming shelter has cook Phil’s homemade soups and sandwiches. The cheddar soup made with the von Trapp brewery’s famous lager is delicious.
After a visit to the cabin, it’s all downhill to the Outdoor Center. Experience the constant descent of Chris’ Run as it winds down from Round Top mountain.
Trapp Family Lodge Outdoor Center, one of the best cross country ski centers near Burlington, can be accessed off Trapp Hill Road in Stowe.
Related post -> Best Cross Country Skiing in the Adirondacks
Accommodations Close to the Cross Country Skiing Centers near Burlington
To fully enjoy the cross country skiing centers near Burlington, book a ski week or weekend. As a result, you will be able to sample more than one of these wonderful places for winter adventures.
Staying in South Burlington puts you close to the skiing destinations while still being able to experience the vibrant city life of Burlington. Green Mountain Suites Hotel is the perfect place for a family or small group to stay for a ski trip near Burlington. Their heralded breakfast and the well-appointed kitchens in the suites are highlights. Add in a pool, fitness room, great room with fireplace, and a cocktail hour of craft beers and wines from Vermont to complement the beautiful accommodations.
A stay at the Home2 Suites in Williston puts you a short drive from the best cross country skiing centers near Burlington. The suites with kitchens let you make meals after skiing (or store your after-ski snacks). They also have a hearty breakfast to indulge in before an active day on the trails.
Certainly, the best place to stay for cross country skiing at the Trapp Family Lodge is at the lodge itself. Ski from the door of your comfortable suite and return to the old-world amenities in the lodge to warm up. The history of the family made famous by the Sound of Music movie is fascinating (spoiler alert-the truth is different from the movie).
Wrap Up of the Best Cross Country Skiing Centers near Burlington
Vermont is often hailed for its storied alpine ski resorts, however, the state has premiere cross country skiing centers as well. I’ve shared a few of my favorite cross country skiing centers near Burlington, but there are many others throughout Vermont. Even when your backyard looks devoid of snow, many of these nordic centers have excellent ski conditions. All are family-friendly so you can get the kids outdoors to enjoy the beauty of the snowy woods.
My post on Proven Winter Hiking Tips will help you enjoy winter comfortably.
Don’t forget to grab my FREE Checklist for what to bring on a Cross Country Skiing Day Trip!
Pin it for later!
I’ve compiled my posts on my favorite cross country skiing places in the Northeast for you to explore!
7 Comments
Josy A · March 21, 2023 at 5:18 pm
Oooooh these look so fun (apart from the idea of cliffs of insanity!!)
I finally had a go at cross country skiing this year! I loved it, but oh my goodness my arse ended the day very bruised. I was surprised by how easy and fun it is to go uphill…but then I hadn’t practiced going downhill by the time we reached the highest point (oops.) Next time I’d like to have a go on some more rolling terrain, rather than head for a hill!
Going down was so much scarier than alpine skiing!
Lori Many · March 22, 2023 at 1:25 pm
I have downhill skied in the area many times. But I have never done cross country. Seems so intimidating. But it looks like you had a great time!
Hannah · March 22, 2023 at 1:51 pm
How cute is that Slayton Pasture Cabin?? 😍
Taylor · March 23, 2023 at 12:23 am
I’ve never been to Vermont nor tried X-country skiing. Would love to do both!
Deirdre Jenkins · March 23, 2023 at 9:00 am
I never tried cross country skiing but I’m sure I would enjoy it. These places look very tranquil and the terrain doesn’t look too harsh.
Melinda · March 23, 2023 at 3:20 pm
There’s nothing like cross country skiing on a cold but sunny winter’s day. Your post and photos make me miss it. Such great exercise too!
Susan · March 23, 2023 at 4:43 pm
These all look so wonderful, Karen! The cabin at the first place is calling my name. I need to work on my stamina so I can tackle some of the harder and longer trails!