Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

Cross-country skiers and snowshoers are welcome on all Miramar trips.

On bus trips, the Miramar bus will drop off and pick up XC skiers and snowshoers each day, just as it does for downhill skiers. Our destinations for XC and snowshoeing each day depend on which downhill resort we visit and snow and weather conditions. A lack of natural snow will limit XC options, so contact your Trip Leader if you have questions about destination options for a given weekend.

On Sugarbush days, we generally go to Ole’s Cross Country Ski and Snowshoe Center or Blueberry Lake Cross Country & Snowshoeing Center.

On Killington days, we generally go to Mountain Top Inn & Resort. Mountain Top Inn provides transportation to/from the Killington base lodge, so you can end your day with an après ski drink with Miramar downhill skiers if you like. On Stowe days, we generally go to The Trapp Family Lodge or the Stowe Cross Country Center.

Learn more about these destinations below.

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.

Blueberry Lake Cross Country & Snowshoeing Center —  https://blueberrylakeskivt.com/

A ten minute drive from our Lodge, Blueberry Lake has 11 trails and 35 kilometers of cross country skiing and snowshoeing options for people of all abilities. Equipment rentals and lessons are available, though call ahead if you’d like a lesson. Water and snacks are available for purchase on site.

Mountain Top Inn & Resort — ​​https://mountaintopinn.com/

Mountain Top Inn is a beautiful Vermont escape as well as an excellent cross country and snowshoeing destination, with 60 km of trails, including a 2 km trail with snowmaking. Equipment rentals and lessons are available. The Inn also has multiple restaurants, a pool and hot tub, and spa services for you to enjoy.

Mansfield/Stowe Cross County in Stowe, Vermont   — http://www.stowe.com/ski-ride/xc/

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.trappfamily.com/

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.

Enjoying the cross country trails and views at Mountain Top Inn & Resort