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Want to find the best free cross country skiing in Vermont? Without a doubt, Vermont has some of the best Nordic skiing in the country. The touring centers are world-class and perfect for a day on exquisitely machine-groomed ski trails.
However, sometimes I just want to ski for an hour or two and not commit to a whole day at a touring center trying to “get my monies worth”. I just want to take my dog out for a quick ski. Or I want to adventure in new wilderness areas to see the beauty of Vermont in the winter. That’s where free cross country skiing in Vermont comes in.
I share some of my favorite free cross country ski trails across the state.
Notes about Free Cross Country Skiing in Vermont
Since the places I mention are not ski touring centers, there are a couple things to remember.
First, you are on your own. There is no ski patrol on the trails if something goes wrong. Therefore, dress WISEly. If you don’t know about dressing WISEly, check out my post on proper winter layering. Get my Free Checklist below for tips on what to pack and wear for a cross country ski day trip.
Second, many of these ski places are run by non-profits, schools, or volunteers. Many private landowners have graciously allowed trails on their lands. Be appreciative of their generosity by respecting the land and rules. Don’t walk on the ski trails. Make sure your dog is welcome and well behaved. Give a donation to support them if you are so moved.
Lastly, the trails I suggest can be enjoyed by skiers using classical cross country touring gear. Some places are groomed for skating as well. There are options for beginner skiers in all the areas. Be aware that many of these trails are multi-use so watch out for snowmobilers, snowshoers, and if you are lucky, wildlife.
Free Cross Country Skiing in Northern Vermont
Hazen’s Notch Association Trails
As it’s close to the Canadian border, you can be sure Hazen’s Notch Association Trails will have great snow. This non-profit conservation organization provides free cross country skiing on private lands in Montgomery.
There are 25 trails mixed across all ability levels comprising 20 km of ski trails. The trails are groomed and sometimes tracked after new snowfall. The beauty of Hazen’s Notch lives in the spectacular views of the Green Mountains in all directions. Ski across the open meadows of the Hayfield loop and see magestic Jay Peak on the horizon.
In winter, access all trails from the HNA Welcome Center on Route 58, Hazen’s Notch Road, Montgomery, Vermont. Cross country ski rental is available at the Welcome Center. To preserve the integrity of the groomed trails and the wildlife, dogs are not allowed in the winter.
Lamoille Valley Rail Trail
There are two open sections of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail that are great for cross country skiing. I’ll cover the 15 mile long St. Johnsbury to Danville segment in this section.
The Lamoille Valley Rail Trail runs along the right-of-way of the former St. Johnsbury and Lamoille County Railroad. When the trail is completed it will span 93 miles across northern and central Vermont.
The VAST snowmobile system includes this section of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail. Local snowmobile clubs groom the trail making it not only good for snowmobiles but also excellent for cross country skiing.
My favorite ski is to start at the St. Johnsbury trailhead and cruise the trail past northern forest and through an old train tunnel. After skiing as much as you want, turn around and enjoy the gentle continuous downhill ride back to town.
There are two main access points for the trail. The trailhead at the start of the trail is at 543 Main Street in St. Johnsbury. In Danville, you can park at Marty’s 1st Stop on Rt 2, just east of the village.
Related post: Northeast Kingdom of Vermont Best Outdoor Adventures
Free Cross Country Skiing in Eastern Vermont
Hartland Winter Trails
Talk about generosity. Since the mid-’70s a group of volunteers has maintained cross country skiing trails on the private property of kind landowners. The Hartland Winter Trails near Hartland are the result. With 25km of groomed and tracked trails, there is skiing for everyone.
The ski trails pass over varied terrain from easy trails through the woods or across rolling meadows to black diamond screaming descents. The green trails are near the entrance but as you ski further into the property, you’ll find the hills and descents of the black diamond trails. Leashed or voice-controlled dogs are welcome.
The trailhead is on Vermont Route 12 about one half mile west of the Three Corners of Hartland, Vermont. The parking lot is directly across from the Hartland Fire Department.
Thetford Academy
Who knew that you could ski at the oldest secondary school in Vermont? Thetford Academy has a 5 km Woods Trail that extends into Thetford Hill State Park. This groomed trail winds gently up and down through mature pine/hemlock woods. There are two loops to the trail so if you can ski just a 2 km loop if you want a shorter ski outing.
Thetford Academy is located on Academy Road in Thetford, Vermont. The trail starts near the baseball backstop behind the school. Park out of the way near the athletic fields in the back. Dogs are welcome.
Related post: Free Cross Country Skiing near Hanover, New Hampshire
Free Cross Country Skiing in Southern Vermont
Grout Pond
Grout Pond is a winter wilderness in southern Vermont. For years, I took college students there to winter camp. As we skied into the beautiful undeveloped pond, they would marvel at a winter landscape unlike any they had seen before. You will be amazed too.
The first part of the Grout Pond trail is a snowmobile track that makes the gentle ups and downs a perfect ski into the pond. When you reach the pond, the Pond Loop trail is gorgeous. This trail that circles the pond is not groomed but many people ski it so it’s usually tracked out.
The winter parking lot is on the Stratton-Arlington Road (aka Kelley Stand Road). Ski into Grout Pond via Forest Road 262, which is also a snowmobile trail. It is approximately 1.5 miles to the pond.
Free Cross Country Skiing in Central Vermont
Stowe Recreation Path
Besides the beautiful Nordic touring centers near the iconic town of Stowe, there is free cross country skiing right in the village.
The Stowe Recreation Path is a multi-use trail that winds from the north of town into the lower village at Stowe. The trail is groomed and tracked by Stowe Nordic when conditions allow. The 5.5-mile trail can be accessed from 4 parking areas spaced along the trail.
The Stowe Recreation Path glides through woods, beside snowy fields, and scenic barns and churches as it follows the course of the West Branch of the Little River. Stops at local shops or restaurants are possible along the way to warm up. Additional trails including the Mayo Farm loop, the Topnotch resort trails, and other loops make up about 8-10 miles of groomed trails. Leashed dogs are welcome on the Rec Path.
Trailhead parking is at the following locations.
- Lintilhac Park: behind the Stowe Community Church on Main Street in Stowe Village
- Chase Park: across from Stony Brook Condominiums on Luce Hill Road, just off the intersection of Route 108
- Thompson Park: off Route 108 across from Percy Farm Corn Maze
- Topnotch Access: off Brook Road, just past Topnotch Resort on Route 108
Cambridge Greenway
I guess in the winter it should be called a whiteway, but the Cambridge Greenway is a great place for a quick ski. The actual Greenway trail in Jeffersonville is less than 2 miles but it continues as part of the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail for many miles. It’s a multi-use rail-trail so expect to see walkers, snowmobilers, and maybe even a mushing team.
A ski trip with glimpses of the Lamoille River in the winter is splendid. The historic Poland Covered Bridge, built in 1887, is along the way. The snowmobile grooming and the flat surface of the trail make it a great place to start for beginning skiers. Leashed dogs are welcome.
Trailhead parking is available at the Cambridge Community Center trailhead on Old Main Street. Additionally, the Cambridge Junction Trailhead parking is approximately 1 mile east of downtown Jeffersonville on Route 15, near the Poland Covered Bridge.
Free Cross Country Ski Trails in Western Vermont
The Intervale
The Intervale covers over 700 acres of farm and forest bottomland by the Winooski River in Burlington. In the summer it’s a thriving tribute to sustainable farming and local food. In the winter, groomers transform the trails that wind across open fields and through the woods near the river. Over 3 miles of trails are groomed for both classical and skate skiing. And it’s all free to use.
The ski trails are mostly in the open so wind chill is a factor on windy days. However, glimpses of the frozen Winooski River are magnificent. And skiing on a sunny day in the Intervale is divine. The best part is that it’s in the heart of Burlington so you can drop by for a quick ski in between your errands in the city.
Smuggler’s Notch Road
Smuggler’s Notch Pass is closed to traffic in the winter. Therefore, Rt. 108 just past the Smuggler’s Notch ski resort over the pass down to Stowe is the snow covered domain of winter outdoor adventurers.
Cross country skiers can join the parade to the top of the pass. On your ski trip you might see backcountry skiers skinning up the snow covered road in search of glades to get some turns in. There are ice climbers dangling from the ice formations on the side of the road. Hikers, snowshoers, kids on sleds, and everybody’s dog is on the snowy road too. So you won’t be alone, however the scenery is so worth the ski trip.
The road is not always officially groomed but all the winter activities mentioned creates a nice base to ski on. Park just before the gate that closes off Route 108 past Jeffersonville.
The ski up to the notch is constant but reasonable uphill skiing. When you reach the top, enjoy the beauty of the rocky cliffs that form the base of Mt. Mansfield. Then begin your fun ski descent. You can maintain a consistent speed on the downhill. Relax and enjoy the scenery that whizzes by.
Related post: Free Cross Country Skiing in Burlington, VT
Wrap Up of Free Cross Country Skiing in Vermont
I would certainly be remiss if I didn’t mention the Catamount Ski Trail that runs the length of Vermont. Many sections are designed for backcountry skiing with alpine touring gear. However, there are more mellow sections to kick and glide with touring gear. Section 1 along the Deerfield River is scenic and flat. A ski trip through the Green Mountain National Forest on Section 6 is another option. Remember, except for snowmobile trails and passing through touring centers, most of the Catamount Trail is ungroomed.
As Vermont is a cross country skiing mecca there are certainly many more places to enjoy cross country skiing for free. If you have a favorite, mention it in the comments and I’ll try to include it here in the future.
Don’t forget to grab my FREE checklist to remind you what to pack for a day of cross country skiing.
Pin it for later!
26 Comments
jetlaggedroamer · January 24, 2021 at 7:00 pm
I would love to visit Vermont, especially in the winter. It looks so beautiful from your pictures. I think is is incredible it is free to do some cross country skiing. I like Hazen’s Notch Association Trails the most. Great post will be pinning to have this guide when I visit.
Karen · January 24, 2021 at 8:15 pm
Vermont really is incredibly beautiful in the winter. I hope you get to visit.
kmf · January 24, 2021 at 8:44 pm
We used to live in Vermont but didn’t start cross-country skiing until we moved away. Would love to check out these free places to x-ski the next time we visit.
shanelle · January 24, 2021 at 11:08 pm
I’ve always wanted to ski in Vermont. It’s looks too stunning! Love your photos!!
Rae · January 25, 2021 at 8:41 am
This looks so fun! As a newbie, the tips for proper layering and the heads up that you’re on your own are super useful. Thanks for sharing these descriptions 🙂
Sue Tippett · January 25, 2021 at 11:09 am
I love these picss and descriptions
Josie · January 25, 2021 at 10:42 pm
Those all sounds like really nice places to ski! Great post!
Susan · January 26, 2021 at 10:28 am
These all look great, Karen! I can totally relate – I don’t always want to go all day, so something free where I can just enjoy myself for an hour or two is perfect!
Josy A · January 26, 2021 at 11:40 am
Wowza Vermont really is a mecca for cross country skiing! I can only think of a handful of places here that are suitable, but you have loads of epic options! I love that you have looong options as well places you can visit for just a few miles for a mini adventure (where you can warm up again quickly afterwards!)
Fantastic post!!
Kristen · January 26, 2021 at 12:00 pm
That mushing team is awesome! I’d like to do that one day.
Franny · January 27, 2021 at 10:44 pm
I love Vermont! Never been in the winter time so this is super helpful!
Marguerite · January 28, 2021 at 6:13 am
I visited Vermont in the fall as a child several times. I can imagine it is just as beautiful in the winter. And cross-country skiing is the best way to see the scenery!
Kat · January 28, 2021 at 11:52 am
Amazing! I’ve always dreamed about visiting Vermont, maybe I will have to visit in the winter time to try out some of these ski trails! Thank you so much for sharing!
Karen · January 28, 2021 at 2:28 pm
Always looking for fun and free ways to enjoy winter. These trails in Vermont are picture-perfect.
Rhonda Albom · January 28, 2021 at 10:20 pm
I tried downhill skiing and it is not my style. Cross country skiing looks a bit slower and more in control for me. I love that there are so many places to do it for free in Vermont.
A Capone Connection · January 29, 2021 at 10:31 pm
My friend just got back from Vermont. The pictures look awesome. I’ve never gone cross-country skiing before. Thank you for sharing!
Jamie · January 30, 2021 at 5:37 am
This is such a fabulous guide to the cross country trails in Vermont. It’s one of my favourite activities to enjoy with freshly fallen snow and is such a great way to enjoy the winter months. Loved seeing Smuggler’s Notch on the list as well.
Krista · January 30, 2021 at 8:33 am
It looks like there are a lot of great places here for cross country skiing! Thanks for all the helpful tips.
Karen · February 2, 2021 at 5:35 pm
The skiing in Vermont is certainly excellent!
Elyse · January 26, 2022 at 9:39 pm
I would love to do this, great way to slowly take in the views
Shelly · January 26, 2022 at 10:18 pm
What great exercise and looks like amazing snow!
kmf · January 27, 2022 at 12:10 am
Vermont is so beautiful! Love this list of the best and free places to cross-country ski.
Shelbs · January 27, 2022 at 11:12 pm
Theres so much about winter travel we haven’t really explored yet. Cross country skiing sounds so fun! Vermont really isn’t that far away and I could definitely get down with seeing more of the east!!
San · February 5, 2022 at 1:09 pm
Skiing in Vermont literally looks wonderful. Thanks for the great knowledge sharing.
Karen · February 13, 2022 at 10:07 am
I’ve cross country skied many places and I always come back to Vermont for the excellent snow and trails.
Best Cross Country Skiing Centers near Burlington · March 9, 2023 at 11:18 am
[…] 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 […]