When snow falls and coats everything in a perfect white powder and the winter sky is a bright blue, you know it's time to head outside for a winter adventure. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are a wonderful way to explore open fields and forests while you take in the snow-covered scenery. And you can also work off some of those extra holiday pounds you may have accumulated. These activities burn anywhere from 500 to 1,000 calories per hour! These nine winter trails are all family-friendly and rent the gear you need to get started on your next adventure.
1. Bolton Valley - 4302 Bolton Valley Access Rd., Richmond
While many become blinded by the slopes at this ski area, a downhill run isn't the only thing that Bolton Valley has to offer. Jump on the 60-mile Nordic trail system and head out for a few hours of gliding through the landscape.
2. Catamount Outdoor Family Center - 592 Governor Chittenden Rd., Williston
Navigate over 20 miles of enchanting trails while taking in some epic views of Mount Mansfield at the Catamount Outdoor Family Center. There's also a fantastic sledding hill where you can get in a bit of a downhill rush.
3. Rikert Nordic Center - 106 College Cross Rd., Ripton
34 miles of powdery trails await for skiing, snowshoeing, and fat biking at Rikert Nordic Center. Burning calories has never been so easy... or so fun!
4. Craftsbury Outdoor Center - 535 Lost Nation Rd., Craftsbury Common
Tucked right in next to Great Hosmer Pond in the Northeast Kingdom you'll find Craftsbury Outdoor Center. More than 50 miles of trails will give you quite the workout as you soak in the scenery.
5. Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center - 783 Townshend Rd., Grafton
Delight in skiing, snowshoeing, tubing, fat biking, and sleigh rides at Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center. There is enough going on to keep all ages entertained but the over-21-crowd might want to check out the wine and cheese snowshoe hike.
6. The Mountain Top Inn & Resort - 95 Mountain Top Rd., Chittenden
The Mountain Top Inn & Resort has been running continuously for more than 30 years making it the oldest commercial ski touring center in the nation. More than 35 miles of forest trails and open fields give you plenty of territory to explore. If you're feeling like even more adventure try skating on the lake or snowmobiling.
7. Trapp Family Lodge - 700 Trapp Hill Rd., Stowe
This legendary resort in Stowe offers cross-country skiers and snowshoers over 35 miles of groomed trails and 62 miles of backcountry trails. Bring the little ones and enjoy the winter wonderland at the Trapp Family Lodge.
8. Sleepy Hollow Inn, Ski & Bike Center - 427 Ski Lodge Dr., Huntington
Ride, ski, or snowshoe your way through more than 20 miles of trails at the Sleepy Hollow Inn, Ski & Bike Center. This all ages facility has winter fun all wrapped up and waiting for you.
8. Oles Cross Country Center - 2355 Airport Rd., Warren
Located at the Warren-Sugarbush airport, Ole's Cross Country Center becomes a winter oasis once the planes are grounded for the season. 30 miles of trails with varying difficulty will keep all levels of adventurers entertained.
Which of these winter trails have you explored? Or do you have another favorite to add to our list? Let us know in the comments section below and share your pictures too! When you need a break from the Vermont winter weather head to this amazing indoor beach.
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