Summer may be over, but the good weather continues (though we could use some rain, for sure!). We’ve got lots of plans for fun (and skiing too) this fall and winter – hope you can join us!

Stowe Nordic 30th Anniversary

The Stowe Nordic Outing Club (“SNOC,” as longtime members called it) was officially established as a nonprofit on November 28, 1995. Over the past three decades, the club, rebranded as “Stowe Nordic” in 2015, has grown into a vibrant community institution serving hundreds of skiers each year in Stoweand surrounding towns. Read more about our history here.

30th Anniversary Party Sunday Oct 5th:

  • Anniversary Party is for STOWE NORDIC MEMBERS – Please join us so you can attend!
  • Date: Sunday October 5th, 3pm-7pm
  • Hash, start shortly after 3pm – A hash is a fun run (or walk or jog), along a marked course with intersections. The faster participants chase down the dead ends, and the rest follow the route. It is a long and colorful history (here’s a link) but mostly it is just fun!
  • Lawn games for all ages
  • 4:30pm: Caja Madera taco truck + beverages including von Trapp Lager
  • First to arrive get free Stowe Nordic swag, while it lasts

Programs

Nordic Skiing Basics

  • We introduced the Nordic Skiing Basics program last year and it was a great success for both new beginner skiers as well as skiers looking for instruction on classic cross-country technique fundamentals. Since some participants are returning this year, the program will still offer instruction for beginners and will also have a group focusing on technique as well adding an element of fitness.
  • The seven-session program will start November 11 off-snow where we will discuss the different types of cross-country skis and ski gear, and talk about which will be appropriate for the training sessions. The program will be capped at 25 participants.
  • Registration will open October 15th

Fundamentals Taught

How to put poles on correctly. How to get up when you fall down. Stance and balance. Diagonal stride (gliding on one ski). Poling correctly. Climbing (herringbone), and descending hills. Turning and stopping (snowplow).

Goals

  • Give students an understanding of the diversity of nordic skis and skiing gear.
  • Give students the confidence to pursue cross-country skiing outside of a training environment.
  • Turn people on to a fun and healthy lifetime sport that keeps them active in the winter.

Other Program Updates

The Nordic World Cup is coming to Lake Placid!

The Nordic World Cup is making a stop at Lake Placid in March!

The Stifel Lake Placid Finals, a COOP FIS Cross Country World Cup is happening March 19–22, 2026 at Mt Van Hoevenberg in Lake Placid, NY. Experience four unforgettable days of world-class racing as the world’s top athletes push the limits on the trails of the Adirondacks. This historic event marks the culmination of the international cross-country skiing season—and you can be there to witness it all.

If we have enough interest, Stowe Nordic is planning to organize a bus to the Sprint Event (Saturday March 21st). Cost for the bus would $50 (plus driver’s tip). You’d also have to buy your own ticket for the event (General Admission $10-20 or VIP ticket $140). We’d leave in the morning and return home after the event. If you are interested, please email Jean Kissner – jeankissner4@gmail.com.

Here’s a link to the event including purchase of tickets

Club Trip to Mont Ste Anne is almost full!

If you are interested, please let us know ASAP! Dates are Thursday Feb 26 – Sunday Mar 1. Cost is $675 per person all inclusive (transportation, lodging right on the trails, all meals, all beverages, ski passes).
Please contact StoweNordic.Trips@gmail.com

Ski Tours: Save the Dates:

Tour de Stowe: The third Tour de Stowe will be Sunday Feb 8th. Details to come, but the tour will largely be the same as last year.

Tour de Greensboro: Saturday, January 24, 2026

Von Trapps Outdoor Center Winter Passes on Sale through October 31st

2025-2026 Winter Season passes are now available and are 10% off through October 31. There are going to be fun new events, fantastic season passholder parties, and their all-star Trail Crew has been busy all summer prepping the trails to make this our best season yet. 365 Day All-Season Passes are also 10% off through October 31 if you want to ride, run, and hike right up until it’s time to ski. Passes can be purchased online here, but there is no online service fee if you buy your pass at the Outdoor Center. (The 10% off is already reflected in the online price; no code is needed.)

Race for a Cause – Sunday September 21st

The von Trapp trails are playing host once again to the 15th Annual Race to the Cabin on Sunday, September 21. The race is produced by Green Mountain Adaptive Sports with all proceeds going to support their mission to improve the quality of life for Vermonters with disabilities by creating access to inclusive sports and recreational activities. Choose from 5K, 10K, or a Half Marathon and know that all distances are beautiful and beautifully challenging with plenty of climbing. Here’s the link for registration.

Taft Lodge Renovation

The iconic Taft Lodge, below the summit of Mt Mansfield, is the oldest lodge on the Long Trail, but after 100+ years it is in need of major renovation. Lumber has been helicoptered to the site and construction is set to begin in the spring. The project will cost $100K and only $40k has been raised so far. Please consider donating to the Green Mtn Club to help make this project happen.

Renew your membership!

When you join Stowe Nordic your member dollars go directly to improving nordic skiing in Stowe such as the ski programs, Rec Path grooming, helping disadvantaged kids in Vermont discover the fun of cross country skiing PLUS you’ll get discounts to local stores! We appreciate your support.

Thank you to our sponsors for their support of Cross Country skiing in Stowe. Last year’s sponsors are listed below. We are confirming the sponsors for this coming season:

  • Mountain Road Outfitters – 15% off
  • Edelweiss – 10% off prepared foods from 1/1/26 to 3/31/26
  • Piecasso – 10% off food
  • Round Hearth – 10% off food and merchandise
  • Ski Rack – 15% off Nordic gear and clothing
  • Stowe Mountain Resort XC Center – 15% off a season XC pass