Check out Stowe Nordic’s Cross-Country Ski Trail Guide!
Looking for the perfect Stowe, Vermont cross-country ski guide? Look no further! The Nordic ski map above has every major cross-country trail system in Stowe, VT. Here is a list of all the cross country trail systems and supporting businesses featured on the map with a brief description of each, including trail maps where available.
AJ’s Ski & Sports began in 1976 when Art and Gail Shinners wanted to open a shop that offered the best in winter and summer sports clothing and equipment. There’s been much change over the years in sports technology and the Shinners have kept up with the latest advances.
Nestled right in Stowe town proper providing excellent winter double and single track trails that are a favorite for snowshoers, backcountry skiers and fat bikers. Trails are ungroomed. Please obey all trail closures and signs at the Cady Hill trail system and note that some trails are one-way only. A good in-town location to ski with your dog.
The Catamount Trail runs the entire length of Vermont (Section 23 runs from Trapps to Edson Hill). The CT passes through all of the touring centers in Stowe. Through the touring centers the trail is groomed (dogs and walking not permitted and trail pass may be required) but other parts are ungroomed, free, and good for skiing with your dog. Many sections of the cross country trail pass over private land – please be respectful and stay on the trail. See the Catamount Trail Association webpage for more details. Maps covering the two Stowe sections of the trail are available here on our website. Access points (in south to north order) are: Trapp’s XC Center, Stowe Mtn XC Center, Topnotch, Edson Hill, Wiessner Woods and Sterling Forest.
The Catamount Trail runs the entire length of Vermont (Section 24 runs from Edson Hill to Ryder Brook north of Stowe). The CT passes through all of the touring centers in Stowe. Through the touring centers the trail is groomed (dogs and walking not permitted and trail pass may be required) but other parts ungroomed, free, and good for skiing with your dog. Many sections of the trail pass over private land – please be respectful and stay on the trail. See the Catamount Trail Association webpage for more details. Maps covering the two Stowe sections of the trail are available here on our website. Access points (in south to north order) are: Trapp’s XC Center, Stowe Mtn XC Center, Topnotch, Edson Hill, Wiessner Woods and Sterling Forest.
Offers a fairly extensive network of forest service roads (usually groomed by VAST for snowmobile travel = easy nordic skiing) and a few nice backcountry trails (ungroomed – a bit more challenging). A great location for Ski-Joring or just plain skiing with your dog. From Nebraska Valley Rd turn down Cottonbrook Rd and park where the plowing stops.
Come explore and play on Edson Hill’s historic trail network which was created by the Heath Family in the 1950s. Maintained by an old “Trucker” snowcat with skis on the front, Larry Heath remembers skijoring with guests way back then. Edson Hill’s current team has been working hard to bring the trails and their entire nordic offering back to its glory while providing guests and all of Stowe with another great ski area for groomed cross country skiing, side- and back-country access, as well as snowshoeing.
A Stowe Land Trust property, Kirchner features over 4 miles of trails climbing as high as 1635’, including a number of winter only cross country trails that ski very well. It is a good location to ski with your dog. Be sure to check out the sugarhouse 1/3 mile from the trailhead. Beginners should take care, but intermediate skiers will have a blast with a little fresh snow.
MountainOps is an outdoor gear store located in Stowe, VT dedicated to providing high quality and unique equipment & clothing for life in these Green Mountains and for your travels to the snow capped peaks around the world. If you’ve never been to the shop, you’ve got to check it out. Located in an iconic red barn built in 1893, we offer 3000 square feet of clothing and gear for outdoor enthusiasts, along with the friendliest and most knowledgeable staff in Vermont. Mountain Ops also offers a wide selection of rental skis – cross-country, backcountry, AT and alpine – with a knowledgeable staff to set you up right.
Extensive backcountry trail network including over 30km of marked trails plus limitless off trail runs. Trails range from the relatively tame Underhill Trail to the not so tame Steeple Trail. These trails are accessible from either the Stowe Mountain Resort Cross Country Center or the Trapp Cross Country Center. Detailed maps of these trails are available in local stores and ski shops and also on the SMR Cross Country Center ski map. A ski pass is required at both access points.
Smuggler’s Notch (Vermont Route 108)
From Stowe Mountain Resort to Smugglers Notch Ski Resort, route 108 is closed in the winter creating miles of winter playground. Park at “the end of the road” just past the entrance to Stowe Mtn Resort. The Notch usually offers the earliest cross-country skiing in New England…so check it out on skis as soon as soon as a little snow flies. Also a great place to ski with your dog. Appropriate for all abilities.
Offers a diverse set of cross country ski trails from easy cruisers like the 8 Bridges Trail to downright adrenaline pumping lines down from the Sterling Ridge trail. The marked trails are great to ski with your dog. The Catamount Trail runs through this area as well as the VAST (snowmobile trail) which intersects with some of the ski trails – the VAST is skiable and not heavily used by snowmobilers, but stay alert just in case.
Stowe Mountain Resort Cross Country Center
One of the two flagship XC centers in Stowe with 45Km of groomed trails offering a more traditional cross-country ski experience with beautiful rolling terrain and a choice of broad modern trails (try the “Burt” trail along the river) and small single track gems (check out “Classic”). Lessons and rentals available at the touring center. This is also a great access point to the amazing backcountry skiing in Mt Mansfield State Forest (good snow cover is required to safely ski the backcountry so check with the experts at the touring center before setting out). Trail pass required. No dogs or walking on the ski trails (snowshoes permitted).
Groomed by Stowe Nordic – ski in the heart of Stowe along the 5.5 mile trail that follows the West Branch of the Little River in a serene mountain setting. The Rec Path also links with Mayo Farm Loop, Topnotch Resort trails and other small connecting loops offering 8-10 miles of groomed trails. Explore Stowe with trailside stops available at local restaurants, shops and hotels. The Rec Path is a multi-use trail serving walkers and skiers during the winter. Dogs are allowed but must be on leash. There are multiple access points: in Stowe center behind the church, at Chase Park (on Luce Hill just off Mtn. Rd, at Thompson Park (on Mtn. Rd between Cottage Club and Houston Farm Roads), behind Mountain Ops ski shop on Mtn Rd, at at its far terminus on Brook Road (just off Mtn. Rd).
Trapp Family Lodge Outdoor Center
One of the two flagship XC centers in Stowe with over 60km of pristine Piston Bully groomed trails serving all ability levels. Cruise the lower trails such as Sugar Road or Fox Track and check out lunch at the new Austrian Bier Hall or climb to the upper more challenging trails with a stop at Slayton Cabin for a homemade lunch. Lessons and rentals available at the touring center. This is also a great access point to the amazing backcountry skiing in Mt Mansfield State Forest (good snow cover is required to safely ski the backcountry so check with the experts at the touring center before setting out). Trail pass required. No dogs or walking on the ski trails (snowshoes permitted).
Umiak Outfitters “Vermont’s Leading Winter Adventure Center” offers fun & exciting activities throughout the Stowe area. Umiak’s retail shop carries top Nordic and Backcountry gear from top brands like Rossignol, Fischer, Madshus, Sport Hill, Mammut, and Outdoor Research. Nordic Ski, Backcountry, AT and Telemark skis, snowshoes, sleds, skates and more are available for rental. Stop by and learn more about guided Backcountry Tours that mix pristine wilderness and delicious food & drink! Umiak is open 9:00- 6:00 every day at 849 South Main St, Rt. 100 Stowe’s Lower Village.
A Stowe Land Trust property – Wiessner Woods is crisscrossed with walking trails that also make for nice skiing, particularly after a fresh snowfall. It is a very popular dog walking area and a good location to ski with your dog. Skiing to the old sugarhouse (with its mailbox full of dog treats) makes a nice short loop. Abutting Wiessner is a large private property with a nice network of trails that are periodically groomed and made available for public use (please be respectful since it is private land). Maps of those ski trails are posted on trees throughout the property. Trails are suitable for all ability levels. After your ski in Wiessner check out the short trail across the street from the parking lot that leads to the Stowehof where you can get a hot drink and warm up by the fire.