Stowe, Vermont, is a premier destination for cross-country skiing, offering a variety of trails for skiers of all ages and abilities. With its stunning mountain scenery and well-maintained trails, Stowe provides an unforgettable winter experience.
Why Choose Stowe for Cross-Country Skiing?
In the winter, the snow-covered hills are alive in Vermont beckoning cross country skiing families, couples, and individuals aged five to 95. In 1968, the famous von Trapp family developed the first established cross country ski center in Stowe, and now each year thousands of recreational cross country skiers make the sojourn to the Green Mountain State for the beauty and serenity of winter outdoor recreation and rewarding wellness associated with cross country (XC) skiing.
Stowe offers over 200km of groomed cross-country skiing terrain interconnecting three separate Nordic ski centers.
Vermont’s XC ski areas range from packed trails heading out from a barn that offer stunning views to top notch facilities with trails maintained by snowcats and covered by snowmaking. Many resorts offer equipment rentals, clinics and lessons, and retail goods for what cross country skiers need to get started.
Top Cross-Country Skiing Locations in Stowe
1. Trapp Family Lodge Outdoor Center
Home to the first cross-country ski center in the country, the von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort is a premier and historic location for cross-country skiing, backcountry skiing and snowshoeing. Ranked the #1 Best Cross-Country Ski Resort in North America by USA Today, the Trapp Family Lodge Outdoor Center is the largest cross-country ski center in Stowe, featuring 37 miles of groomed trails and 62 miles of backcountry trails suitable for skiers of all ages and abilities.
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On a 110 kilometer trail network, skiers can head to the Slayton Pasture Cabin nestled in the woods about 3 miles (with a portion uphill) to a destination to relax or enjoy soup, sandwiches, hot coco, and homemade cookies served fireside.
- Trail Fees:
- Weekday Adult: $32
- Weekend Adult: $36
2. Stowe Mountain Resort Cross Country Center
Stowe Mountain Resort might be best known for its downhill skiing, but the area around Stowe also has some of the best cross-country ski trails in the Northeast. The Cross Country Center at Stowe Mountain Resort is home to 45 kilometers of groomed trails and 30 kilometers of backcountry trails. You will need to purchase a pass to access these trails and there is a rental shop onsite that offers a wide selection of nordic snowsport gear.
3. Stowe Recreation Path
A local favorite for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing, the Stowe Recreation Path is a 5.3 mile-long path that stretches from Main Street all along Mountain Road and is a convenient way for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the scenic views of Stowe. Regularly groomed by Stowe Nordic in the winter months, the Stowe Rec Path is free to use and easily accessible. Please recreate respectfully and avoid disturbing the groomed tracks if you are not cross-country skiing.
4. Smugglers' Notch (Route 108)
In the summer and fall, Route 108 is a popular scenic drive through the historic Smugglers' Notch, which initially served as a secretive route for smugglers transporting embargoed goods from Canada into the United States in the early 1800s. The road through the notch was once again used as a smuggling route during prohibition in the 1920s. Due to its narrow and winding nature, the section of Route 108 through Smugglers' Notch (just passed Stowe Mountain Resort) is closed to vehicle traffic each winter, making it the perfect recreation area for cross-country skiers and snowshoers.
Other Notable Trails and Centers
- Wiessner Woods: Likely Stowe’s most popular backcountry ski destination, boasting 79 acres of wooded cross-country wonderland.
- Edson Hill: Offers a historic trail network created in the 1950s, providing groomed cross country skiing and snowshoeing.
- Sterling Forest: Features diverse cross country ski trails, from easy cruisers to adrenaline-pumping lines.
- Cady Hill Forest: Provides excellent winter double and single track trails for snowshoers, backcountry skiers, and fat bikers.
Rentals, Lessons, and Guided Tours
Many resorts offer equipment rentals, clinics and lessons, and retail goods for what cross country skiers need to get started.
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You can rent skis and snowshoes right here at von Trapp Family Lodge & Resorts Outdoor Center. We also offer lessons for adults and children of all skill levels, so make sure to sign up when you book your stay in Stowe. To schedule a lesson, please call the Ski Shop at 802-253-5755.
Are you new to cross-country skiing? Would like to learn the skating technique or maybe gain more confidence on the downhill? Sunrise Mountain Guides can help. Lessons are an hour and a half in length. Our local experienced guides will design a tour to meet your needs. Tours are an hour and a half to three hours.
Rental Pricing at Trapp Family Lodge:
- Adult XC Ski & Snowshoe Rentals:
- XC Skis, boots and poles - $38 for weekdays & $44 for weekends and holidays
- Performance Skis (metal edged, skate skis and waxed classic) - $52 for weekdays and $56 for weekends and holidays.
- Back Country Skis - $60 for weekdays and $65 for weekends and holidays
- Snowshoes - $30 for weekdays - $35 for weekends & holidays
- Children XC Ski & Snowshoe Rentals:
- XC Skis, boots and poles - $27 for weekdays & $33 for weekends and holidays
- Performance Skis (metal edged, skate skis and waxed classic) - $36 for weekdays and $40 for weekends and holidays.
- Snowshoes - $25 for weekdays - $30 for weekends and holidays
- Ski School Package (Includes equipment, trail pass and group lesson)
- Weekdays $99
- Weekends and holidays $109
- Adult Group Lessons
- $49 for weekdays
- $54 for weekends and holidays
- *Participants must be 12 years or older
- Adult or Children Private Lessons
- $105 for first person for weekdays
- $129 for first person for weekends and holidays
- $50 per additional person on weekdays and $55 on weekends Children must be 6 years or older
Trail Pass Information
The purchase of this pass offers unlimited access to over 60 kilometers of cross-country, snowshoe, and back-country ski trails on our 2,500 acres.
Trail Fees:
| Trail Pass | Weekday | Weekend/Holiday |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | $32 | $36 |
| Senior (65+) | $27 | $30 |
| Junior (12-18) | $20 | $23 |
| Child (6-11) | $16 | $18 |
Season Passes:
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- Adult Ski Season Pass $309
- Senior Ski Season Pass (65+) $249
- Junior Ski Pass (12-18) $145
- Child Ski Pass (6-11) $79
- Couples Ski Pass $529
- Senior Couple Ski Pass $409
- Family Ski Pass $579
With its diverse trails, rental options, and stunning scenery, Stowe is the perfect destination for cross-country skiing enthusiasts. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced skier, you'll find something to enjoy in this winter wonderland.