Cross Country Skiing in Vermont is legendary. With an average of 72 inches of natural snow each winter, state of the art grooming equipment, and dependable conditions, Vermont is the premiere crossing country skiing destination on the East Coast, and cross country skiing is the favorite winter pastime in Vermont as witnessed by the fact that there are 28, yes 28, cross country skiing facilities there. As Vermonters say, "Real skiers ski uphill".
Two years ago, many of us went to Yellowstone. This year I propose that we go to Vermont and out of 28 choices I am proposing two for your consideration. First, there is the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, Vermont. This Austrian-inspired lodge was inspired by the von Trapp Family made famous from the story “The Sound of Music” and it offers some of the most exceptional cross-country skiing in the area. From forest to field, alpine slope to backcountry, this Nordic center offers around 62 miles of trails for beginners and experts alike. Rentals, snowshoeing, and a warm cabin serving hot cocoa in the middle of nowhere are all available on the 2,500-acre grounds, as is an Austrian tea room and brewery.
The cost per person for 5 days and 4 nights, from January 17 to January 22, 2022 would be as follows;
Airfare Albuquerque to Burlington, VT,………………………………………………………………$545.00
Lodging, at $153.25 / night including lodge and trail fee and taxes………….….$613.00
Food at $75.00/day for 3 days and a dinner on the 17th and breakfast
on the 22nd………………………………………………………………………………………………………………$270.00
Shuttle to and from Burlington airport………………………………………………………………..$100.00
Estimated total…………………………………………………………………………………………………….$1528.00
The Trapp Family Lodge that is still run by the Trapp family is 4.1 miles from Stowe one of the best downhill areas in Vermont with restaurants and stores, but I am not yet sure of transportation from the Lodge to Stowe.
However, there is another very attractive alternative, Craftsbury Outdoor Center.
Craftsbury is a non-profit organization with a mission of promoting participation in cross-country skiing and other lifelong sports, while protecting the native environment, the Craftsbury Outdoor Center maintains 53 miles of ski trails through fields and forest on the shores of Big Hosmer Pond. The trails are groomed for classic and skate skiing, and the center’s outdoor activities also include snowshoeing, ice-skating, orienteering, and backcountry tours. Craftsbury has hosted the east's largest ski marathon since 1981 and has been the training facility for numerous Olympic Cross-Country Skiers. The facility does not offer much backcountry skiing unlike the Trapp Family Lodge, but there is some backcountry skiing available. Also, the lodging is in the building called the Cedar Lodge which is a traditional dormitory offering double occupancy rooms with two twin beds and shared co-ed bathrooms. But the facility gets 5 star ratings for skiing.
The cost for Craftsbury per person for 5 days and 4 four nights would be as follows:
Airfare roundtrip to Burlington, VT. ……………………………………………………………………. $545.00
Lodging @$83.00/night…………………………………………………………………………………..……..$332.00
Trail fees @ $10.00/day…………………………………………………………………………………………….$40.00
Food 3 days at $50.00/day and one dinner and one breakfast @ $42.00……….$198.00
Shuttle to and from Burlington……………………………………………………………………………….$160.00
Total…………………………………………………………………..$1275.00
Please go to the respective websites and look at the facilities and Cedar Lodge at Craftsbury.
These estimates are based on group rates. If you are interested in a ski trip to Vermont, please review this information and get back to me ASAP with your preference of facility. You are not committed at this point, I am just trying to gauge interest, but your prompt consideration of this trip would be appreciated.
Max