It should come as no surprise that the Mad River Valley is a Vermont snowshoe tour destination. The pristine beauty of our valley’s snowy vistas is only improved when viewed from atop a pair of good snowshoes.
Vermont’s Mad River Valley is known for its winter sports enthusiasm. Some of the state’s best ski resorts are here and opportunities abound for skiing, skating, and sledding. You can even go skijoring and dog-sledding! So, of course snowshoe tours and trails are also very popular here.
Snowshoes predate skis, after all, and probably sleds as well. They were a mode of winter transportation for thousands of years, only evolving into a winter pastime in recent history. And what an evolution. Most people hear “snowshoeing” and still picture those old, tennis-racket looking contraptions of wood and sinew.
The snowshoe has come a long way since those days.
Modern snowshoes are made of materials like aluminum, polypropylene, nylon, and carbon fiber. Those old snowshoes used to be pretty big and awkward to learn to walk in. Modern snowshoes are generally smaller and more natural to walk around in. There are different kinds of snowshoes now, too. Smaller, lighter models made for running and medium-sized snowshoes for recreational hiking. The largest snowshoes are designed for more serious long-distance trips and off-trail use.
While cross-country skiing is a great way to get out in the snow, snowshoes allow for more flexibility. You can go places on snowshoes you could never get to on skis. In this way, snowshoes work to extend the hiking season. With the right pair of snowshoes you can get whatever level aerobic workout you want.
Mad River Valley Vermont Snowshoe Tours
While the Catamount Trail runs right behind our Vermont B&B and we have snowshoes for you to borrow, when it comes to snowshoe tours, two local companies come to mind.
The first is Clearwater Sports. Clearwater Sports offers equipment rentals and a variety of guided snowshoe tours, including backcountry tours up Burnt Rock Mountain and Mount Abraham. They also offer a number of special tours throughout the season, like Moonlight Snowshoe tours and Maple Sugaring Snowshoe tours.
Visit Clearwater Sports online at clearwatersports.com to view their Vermont snowshoe Tour schedule for the 2017/2018 season.
Mad River Glen (Ski It If You Can) also offers an extensive network of snowshoe trails on General Stark Mountain. One of Mad River Glen’s main claims to fame is their old-school approach. The slopes receive very little grooming, snowboarding is strictly prohibited – and check out that historic, single chair lift!
You can learn more about Mad River Glen and their Vermont snowshoe trails online at: www.madriverglen.com.
Add in a stay at West Hill House B&B and you’re approaching Vermont vacation perfection!
West Hill House B&B, in Warren, VT is the answer to all your Mad River Valley lodging questions. Nine private and comfortable guest rooms await you, along with delicious breakfasts, and a Quaich Single Malt Scotch bar. All these and more make for the perfect compliment to any Vermont snowshoe or skiing vacation. Book your Mad River Valley winter getaway at West Hill House B&B today!
