Located north of Stowe in Vermont’s unspoiled Northeast Kingdom, you’ll find some of the finest cross-country skiing in New England. A year-round destination on 400 acres, this non-profit specializes in exciting outdoor activities for the whole family. The winter season is magical in Craftsbury, offering guests more than just world-class cross-country skiing. Choose from snowshoeing, orienteering, ice skating, backcountry tours, animal tracking, nature studies, yoga, and more. There is also a certified massage therapist, a sauna, and a fitness room on site, and babysitting can be arranged with advance notice. In general, trails are groomed and tracked by mid-morning, though that can be pushed back during days of heavy snow. Unless otherwise noted, always assume groomed also implies tracked. 802-586-7767
A natural gap at the foot of Mount Mansfield, the Notch earned its name when Canadian goods were smuggled into New England, prompting the Jefferson Embargo Act of 1808. In the early days it was merely a footpath and horse trail. The first carriage road was built in 1894 and the auto road in 1918. Still narrow, hilly and winding, the road is open only to car traffic and offers many unique rock formations and scenic vistas. During the winter months the Notch is closed to car traffic and used for recreational snow sports, including hiking and cross country skiing. If you’re looking for a vacation rental to stay in after partaking in all these fun activities, then click here to book yours today! We have a large portfolio of properties, including the Adams Mill Cottage, the perfect one-bedroom rental.
This is a paved, flat, and motor-free route for those seeking gentle terrain, lofty views, and access to shops and restaurants. The 5.3 mile flat trail crosses eleven bridges and travels through scenic woods, fields, and farmland as well as several swimming holes along the West Branch River. There are four main parking and access areas. The Stowe Rec Path is groomed in the winter for cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
The local experts in outdoor recreation and adventure, Sunrise Mountain Guides offers beautiful and exciting winter adventures including backcountry skiing, cross-country skiing, ice climbing, mountaineering and snowshoeing. Located at the base of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, they provide easy access to the recreational opportunities in our backyard. In business for nearly 20 years, all of the guides are lifelong locals with a wealth of knowledge and fun!
Pinnacle offers ski rentals in and around Stowe as well!
802-253-2062
This world-class touring center offers 100 kilometers of rolling trails and it has recently added snowmaking! Known as some of the best cross country skiing in North America, the trails at Trapp’s are finely groomed and even connect to the Stowe Mountain Resort trails. Inside the center is a full-service rental shop, waxing benches, and a sweet retail shop to pick up the perfect pair of gloves, technical ski clothing, hats, and the ever-important hand and toe warmers for bitter cold days! Group and private lessons are available, as is guide service and backcountry tours. A popular loop is the 5k ski or hike uphill to the Slayton Pasture Cabin where you can enjoy wonderful homemade soups, breads, sandwiches, and treats while warming up by the giant fireplace. The quick ride back down to the lodge is really a hoot!
802-253-5719
Umiak Outdoor Outfitters offers a Moonlight Cabin Snowshoe Tour where you will learn how to use snowshoes and then be led to a hidden sugarhouse in the woods by the light of the moon or a headlamp. There, you will enjoy a toasty fire, Cabot cheese, crackers, and hot, mulled Cold Hollow apple cider. Bring friends and a bottle of wine, if you’d like, for a memory to last a lifetime.
For a quick taste of husky dog sledding, Umiak offers a sled pulled by ten dogs conveniently located behind the Stoweflake Resort.
802-253-2317
This is a beautiful walk through miles of gentle, inter-connected trails. Accessible year-round, this is a great location for hiking, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, and dog walking. From Stowe Village take Route 108 North 3.5 miles and turn right onto Edson Hill Road (at Salute Restaurant). Drive past the entrance to the Stowehof Inn, take the next right, and the parking is immediately on your left.