Kick, glide, and schuss on 25 miles of Nordic (cross-country) ski trails in and just outside Montpelier, and join us in one of our favorite local ways to embrace and celebrate winter. Like our mountain bike trails, our groomed Nordic trails are remarkably free to use, thanks to a thriving partnership between Montpelier Parks, Onion River Nordic Ski Club, and generous private landowners. Because there are so many access points to get on the trails, there’s plenty of places to park around town, and there’s no ticket required, it’s super easy to hop on the trails for a lunch break, after-work, or quick early morning outing. You can find skis for rental, lease, and purchase at Onion River Outdoors. Whether you love skate skiing, classic skiing, or breaking trail with metal-edged touring skis, the opportunities to cover our rolling, scenic terrain feel limitless. If you’re up for a day trip, we highly recommend a visit to Craftsbury Outdoor Center, a breathtaking Nordic paradise with more than 100 km of groomed trails.

The local spots

Hubbard Park, North Branch River Park, North Street Trails, Capital City Golf Course

Just outside town

Millstone, Blueberry Lake, Bolton Valley (Bolton also has excellent AT skiing opportunities)

Day tripping

Trapp Family Lodge, Craftsbury Outdoor Center, Catamount Outdoor Family Center, Grafton Trails & Outdoor Center