Thanks to a persistent snowstorm this past week, the Prospect, Catamount, Bolton Valley and Stowe Mountain nordic centers joined Trapp Family and Sleepy Hollow nordic skiing centers to open for cross-country skiing in Vermont.
I took my skinny skis out for the first time today. I enjoyed the trails at Catamount Outdoor Center in Williston, which is the closest nordic center to the Burlington area. Despite a shaky start -- it took a bit to get my balance at first -- I would catch a good skating rhythm now and then.
We stayed on the field side of the trail network, which is behind the house. There were some wet spots in the soft snow, and some exposed rocks and roots in the woods, but overall we had good coverage for this time of year. I'd guess there were eight inches of snow on the side of the trail.
I wanted to be sure to get over for some cross-country skiiing today, before sleet and rain move in on Sunday and Monday. But a look at NWS forecast shows winter temperatures returning in a couple of days.
I overheard that Catamount's early-bird rates for season passes are still in effect for a couple more days. Use your Catamount Trail coupon for an additional discount. Most nordic centers in Vermont participate in a reciprocal program. That is, you show your pass at another cross-country center and you get one day of free skiing. It makes for a great way to ski around the state.
Anyways, I enjoyed my first nordic outing unscathed. I'd say we're off to a good start!
