Cross–Country Skiing with Miramar

Cross-country skiers are welcome on Miramar’s weekly ski bus trips to our lodge in Vermont. Depending on which downhill area we visit the day’s snow and weather conditions, the usual XC destinations are Ole’s in the Mad River Valley, The Trapp Family Lodge, or the Stowe XC Center.

Ole’s , Warren Vermont — http://www.olesxc.com/

The closest cross country ski facility to our lodge in Waitsfield, Ole’s was opened by a legendary Norwegian cross-country skier. Still locally owned, Ole’s features rolling trails through the woods and fields and  past local barns. Beginner, intermediate and some challenging trails for more experienced skiers are offered. Helpful staff, excellent lessons for skiers of every level and a bright welcoming sky-light lit lounge with soup and sandwich offerings round out the experience. Occasional acoustic music jams occur at lunchtime as well as a memorable local distillery tasting.

Mansfield/Stowe Cross County in Stowe, Vermont — http://www.trappfamily.com/

Where skiing began before they invented the ski  lift. Enterprising cross country skiers unearthed the old trail maps of Stowe Ski Resort  and recreated the original trails. Just down the mountain from the Stowe Alpine Resort, Mansfield offers some challenging black runs with serious downhill stretches in addition to a multitude of beginner and intermediate trails. Facilities include a warming hut along the trail serving hot chocolate,and a yurt by the lodge to relax in. Trails connect to the Toll Road trail at the downhill resort where gravity’s pull can be experienced to its fullest. High quality instruction and rentals are available. A connection to the nearby Trapp Cabin is available for hearty souls willing to head uphill approximately four kilometers, A fireplace, soups sandwiches, hot apple cider and cookies are served. Of course after heading uphill you get to race back downhill when you have finished your destination dining experience in the woods.

Trapp Family Lodge, Stowe, Vermont — http://www.stowe.com/ski-ride/xc/

A true  resort in addition to  an excellent cross-country ski venue, Trapp Family Lodge offers an on site brew-pub  an Austrian bakery as well as the Trapp Cabin. A well groomed and extensive trail system provides trails for racers as well as expert, intermediate and beginner skiers. Yes, this venue  was opened and run by the Trapp family of Sound of Music fame and the hills are alive and the trails are exceptionally well groomed.