From Highland Lodge you can enjoy some of the premier Nordic Skiing in this region of the country, lovingly maintained by our neighbors at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center. Ski through farms, fields and forests on 105k of groomed trails; their team of groomers uses state-of-the-art PistenBully grooming machines and the latest snow farming techniques to provide the best possible experience for guests. Parts of this trail system also support snowshoeing, fatbikes, and over 5k of groomed trails for you and your dog to enjoy. Check out the Craftsbury Outdoor Center's website for information on day passes, registration, ski and snowshoe rentals, and more! You can start at Highland Lodge or head straight to the Outdoor Center and do a loop, they will take good care of you and point you in the right direction for your skill levels.
Skiing, Snowshoeing, & More
Highland Lodge is lucky to be right on the Craftsbury Outdoor Center and Greensboro Trail Association's combined 105km of premier Nordic Ski trails. Just a stone's throw from the Outdoor Center, you can boot up and ski out our back door seven days a week. The COC lovingly maintains these networks with their state of the art pistenbully groomer, so more often than not, you are enjoying that fresh morning corduroy before everyone else. We are also situated between 4 world-class Alpine ski resorts, each about an hour from the lodge: Stowe, Burke, Smugglers Notch, and Jay Peak.
And being in Vermont, there's more than a few pockets of secret, incredible back country to be enjoyed... If you ask nicely, Chad will point you in the right direction when you get here! Bring your splits & skins and enjoy some of the fine VT freshies!
Jay Peak Resort (Jay)
Arguaby one of our favorites of the Vermont resorts, with nothing *too* fancy going on, it is home to the ski nuts, powder hounds, and quirky folk.... if you are looking for a once in a lifetime ski experience without the frills, head to Jay.
Jay Peak is a four-season resort in Northern Vermont, close to Canada and Burlington, and far from anything resembling ordinary. Featuring a year-round indoor waterpark, ice arena, brand new rec center, championship golf course, easygoing disc golf course and, of course, some of the East's best skiing and snowboarding, Jay offers a mountain getaway for everyone. Bring the kids for summer camp, yourself for live music in the amphitheater, or your family for a splash down adventure. A wide range of accommodations, restaurants and pubs are here to welcome you and yours. It's a place where you'll feel comfortable, and you will likely see some folks skiing in cutoff jeans when the weather warms up enough.
802-988-2611
Burke Mountain Resort- (East Burke)
Within an hour's drive, we have the Kingdom’s "chill" resort- home to cozy pubs, crazy bike culture, and cute shops all located in and around East Burke. The Burke Mountain trails vary from wide open groomed runs (Upper/Lower Dipper, Upper/Lower Willoughby) to steep ungroomed trails (Doug's Drop), to glades (Caveman, Throbulator, Jungle). The "Lower Mountain" consists of mostly Beginner terrain and is accessed by a high-speed quad chairlift. A smaller mountain for sure, great for folks looking for a less crowded experience.
Stowe Mountain Resort (Stowe)
Just shy of an hour's drive, Stowe Mountain Resort is an internationally renowned four-season destination nestled at the base of majestic Mt. Mansfield—the highest and most breathtaking peak in Vermont. The mountain itself is packed with activities and adventures for all seasons and guests, including world-class skiing and snowboarding, breathtaking ZipTours and TreeTop Adventures, an indoor rock climbing center plus our Gondola SkyRide, the historic Auto Toll Road, Summer Adventure Camp and more. From fine wine and culinary adventures to shopping, quirky local personalities and fantastic community events, you’ll find a bit of everything Vermont has to offer in the town of Stowe. For all its natural wonders and all the emphasis on the outdoors experience, there’s no shortage of retail therapy in and around Stowe. Whether you’re strolling the eclectic mix of retailers on Main Street or the ski shops and boutiques that dot the Mountain Road—you’ll find Stowe meets every need and satisfies even the most discerning urges.
Part of the Vail Resorts family, Stowe offers some premier downhill skiing options for all levels. Check out their webpage for lift passes, packages, and more.
Smuggler's Notch Resort
Known as Vermont's "Family Resort" this small but mighty mountain offers trails for all skill levels. With super affordable lift tickets, a handful of restaurants at the ski base, and a parking lot "après" scene to write home about, Smugg's is family friendly but fun for the whole dang crew ! Take note that GPS might try to send you over the mountain pass that is closed in the cold winter months- do not do this or it will add an hour to your drive after you turn around!
(802) 332-6854
Cady Hill Trails: Fat Biking & Mountain Biking (Stowe)
Cady Hill Forest is Stowe’s flagship trail network; its diverse terrain, great views, easy access from Town and the Stowe Rec Path, and trails that cater to just about any level of rider make it one of the most ridden trail networks in the northeast. Available in warm weather months or prepped for fat biking in the winter, these trails rule! Bring your own mountain bikes or rent some demos from Ranch Camp which is conveniently situated at the base of the trail system for easy parking and riding. Make it a priority to stop by this bike shop/ trendy cafe for brews & bar eats after a long day of riding; we promise, you will not regret it. And while you are there, tell them we say hi!
