On the hunt for Vermont’s best cross-country skiing? Come ski Mad River Valley! Vermont’s Mad River Valley is home to a variety of excellent cross-country skiing options, from famed resorts and ski areas to the legendary Catamount Trail. We were even voted “Best Ski Town in the East” by Outside Magazine!
Last post we talked about the many Mad River Valley snowshoeing opportunities. This time around we’ll focus on cross-country skiing. It’s a natural progression. Cross-country skis were the next step, after snowshoes, in the evolution of winter travel.
Cross-country skiing, also known as Nordic skiing, existed for thousands of years as nothing more than a mode of transportation. Skiing only evolved into a sport within the past 150 years or so and it was cross-country skiing that did so.
Cross-country skiing styles and equipment continue to evolve, providing a variety of ways to enjoy the pastime. Most people still use classic skis, for skiing in tracks. Classic skis can either be waxable or waxless. Waxless skis are meant for casual use and require less attention. Waxable skis, on the other hand, provide better grip and glide on the snow when properly waxed.
Skate skis are a type of cross-country skis designed for traversing groomed surfaces using the skis, themselves to propel you forward, like skates. Back country skis, on the other hand, are heavier and wider for stability while touring natural snowscapes. Telemark skis were some of the first to have side cuts and heel bindings, which are now common in downhill skis. Telemark skiing is a hybrid sport, combining elements of both downhill (alpine) and Nordic skiing.
No matter which style of skier you are, you’ll be in hog heaven when you ski Mad River Valley.
Where To Cross-Country Ski Mad River Valley
One of the best aspects of skiing Vermont’s mad River Valley is that you never have to travel far to get your skis on. In fact, cross-county enthusiasts who stay at West Hill House B&B don’t have to travel at all!
Our Mad River Valley B&B is right across the road from the Sugarbush golf course. This makes busting a trail on the course (or following another’s – it’s all in the timing) the picture of skiing convenience – but did you know another legendary cross-country skiing opportunity lurks right near by?
The Catamount Trail runs right behind West Hill House B&B!
Vermont’s Catamount Trail is North America’s longest ski trail, running 300 miles through Vermont, from the Massachusetts border to the Canadian border. The trail is broken into sections, with section 18 passing right by our Warren, VT B&B!
If you don’t mind a few moments travel, you should also consider Ole’s Cross-Country Ski Center (2355 Airport Road – 10 minutes from the B&B). Ole’s Cross Country Center offers over 48 km of moderately rolling groomed trails. At least 20 km of the trails are groomed and tracked for classic and skate skiing. Skiers of all abilities will enjoy Ole’s forested trails and panoramic views.
Another great place to cross-country ski Mad River Valley is Blueberry Lake (424 Plunkton Rd – just 10 minutes from West Hill House B&B). Blueberry Lake Cross-Country Ski Center has 30 km of groomed trails for classic, skate skiing, and snowshoeing. 11 trails, many wooded or with lovely views, provide a good variety for both beginners and advanced skiers.
We’ve said it before and we’ll say it again: Vermont’s Mad River Valley is the perfect winter sports getaway destination. Come ski Mad River Valley and see why!
