Cross
Country Skiing & Snowshoeing
The Northeast Kingdom is
truly a winter wonderland, offering miles of outstanding
winter sports terrain. From pristine backcountry woodland
trails and snow-covered fields to exceptional cross-country ski centers
with expertly groomed terrain, you will surely enjoy the
best that winter has to offer by ski or snowshoe. Savor
breathtaking views along the way!
Innsider’s
Tip: Enjoy the peace and serenity of the Westmore
Wilderness Trails, located at the south end of
the lake. The Inn has two pairs of Tubbs Snowshoes
for guest use, free of charge, based on availability.
Another fantastic snowshoe trek for the hearty
is a hike up Pisgah Mountain. Our staff will be
happy to provide directions for both, and tips
for other suggested excursions.
Further Information:
Burke Mountain Cross Country Ski Center -
About 25 minutes from the Inn, ski touring enthusiasts
will enjoy some of the prettiest and least tamed wilderness
and hillsides to be found anywhere. 80 km of terrain
are offered, with loops that range from 1-12 km for
skiers of every ability level. Phone: 802-786-8338
or visit SkiBurke.com.
Craftsbury Outdoor Center - Escape
the frantic pace of today’s world and enjoy
some of the finest cross country ski trails in the
country. From sweeping meadows to quiet woodland
trails, you will feel invigorated by this wonderful
terrain! Craftsbury, a quaint, quintessential New
England village boasting a historic General Store,
is approximately 30 minutes from the Inn. Phone: 802-586-7767
or 800-729-7751 or visit Craftsbury.com.
The Kingdom Trails Association -
spearheaded by the folks at East
Burke Sports, the Kingdom Trails are
a 100-mile trail network (Vermont’s largest recreation
trail system) that is ideal for cross-country skiing
and snowshoeing – a
well kept secret that begs to be explored! Visit KingdomTrails.org for
further information.
East Burke Sports (Rentals & Guided
Treks) - Long known as the "outdoor gurus" of
the Northeast Kingdom, a staff of avid, knowledgeable
outdoor enthusiasts will help outfit you with the latest
and greatest gear needed for downhill skiing, cross-country
skiing, snowshoeing, paddling, cycling and more. Guided
excursions can be arranged by appointment. Located
in East Burke, just a mile from the lifts at Burke
Mountain and on The Kingdom Trail network. Phone: 802-626-3215
or visit EastBurkeSports.com.
Northwoods Stewardship Center -
30km network of signed trails for cross-country skiing,
snowshoeing and hiking. These quiet paths wind through
2,700 acres of forested and open landscapes and reveal
stunning views of the Clyde River Valley and beyond.
Visit NorthWoodsCenter.org for
more information.
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Downhill Skiing
Exhilarating downhill skiing
and riding are offered at two renowned resorts, both
a reasonable drive from Lake Willoughby. The Burke
Mountain Resort, a 25 minute drive from the Inn, offers
a classic New England ski experience with excellent
trails and a "down home" casual atmosphere.
Jay Peak Resort, approximately 40 minutes to the northwest,
is a European style resort boasting the highest number
of "powder days" in Vermont. Enjoy the
view from the tram as you ride to the 360 degree
summit! Lessons and rentals are available at both resorts.
Further information:
Burke Mountain Resort - Opens December
8, 2007 through early April. Phone: 802-626-7300
or visit SkiBurke.com.
Jay
Peak Resort - Open through mid-April.
Phone: 800-451-4449, 802-988-2611 or visit JayPeakResort.com.
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Sled Dog Tours
For the ultimate winter
adventure, take a sled dog tour! You will be truly
awed by the power, sense of camaraderie and teamwork
of the sled dog. Ride for one hour intervals or plan
a full day excursion. You will surely take home memories
of a lifetime of your time spent in the backcountry
with this captivating dog team!
Further information:
Hardscrabble
Mountain Sled Dog Tours - Phone:
802-626-9895.
Sleigh Rides
An extremely popular diversion
in winter, a horse-drawn sleigh ride is the perfect
way to experience the beauty of our pristine landscape.
You will stay warm and toasty with blankets and a warm
drink on this exhilarating adventure!
Further information:
Perry Farm in Brownington - Phone: 802-754-2396.
The Wildflower Inn - Phone: 802-626-8310,
800-627-8310 or visit WildflowerInn.com.
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Snowmobiling
Imagine a winter wonderland
of snow blanketed trails winding though picturesque
valleys, snow-capped mountains, forested trails and
quaint villages. This is snowmobiling in Vermont – a
North Country experience not to be missed. For more
than 30 years, a remarkable network of over 6,000 miles
of groomed and connector trails has wound its way through
our beautiful state. In fact, Vermont has set the standard
for excellence in maintaining trails that are well
marked and easy to navigate, furnishing user friendly
maps and providing access to fuel and plentiful nourishment
to snowmobilers. The V.A.S.T. (Vermont Association
of Snow Travelers), together with local clubs and over
120 groomers, maintains this huge network for riders
to enjoy. Community clubs offer events every weekend
to add to the fun. The Northeast Kingdom has long been
a major hub for snowmobiling. A trail leading to Island
Pond, Vermont’s SNOWMOBILE CAPITAL, is located
just outside the Inn’s door!
A typical snowmobile season in
Vermont is December 1 through April 1. Take a guided
tour from an area snowmobile operator, or ride on
the V.A.S.T. trail network. To do so, you must purchase
a V.A.S.T. trail pass for your legally registered
snowmobile through a local club - and you’re
on your way! For further information on purchasing
a pass and rules for the trail, visit VTVAST.org.
Be sure to ask
about our V.A.S.T. Member Discounts – offered
all season long!
Further information:
Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (V.A.S.T.)
- #802-723-9702, or visit VTVast.org for
trail maps and further information.
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Ice Climbing
Photo by Jim Lawyer Once featured on the cover
of Rock & Ice Magazine, the famed icy cliffs of
Mt. Pisgah tower over breathtaking Lake Willoughby,
making it one of the most renowned climbing experiences
in the Northeast. Not for the novice climber, experience
is a must for scaling the 300’ steep cliff walls.
Vermont
Adventure Tours offers beginning and
advanced ice climbing courses.
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Ice Fishing
In 1981, John Staples caught
a 34 lb trout from Lake Willoughby’s 300’ deep
glacial waters. It is no wonder that the lake is a
mecca for fishing year-round! With or without a shanty,
you may expect to net perch, bass, "longe" (a
large fish resembling a salmon) and common mountain
trout.
Fishing Licences/Bait & Tackle:
Two local stores, Northern Exposure Country Store and
the Evansville
Store offer all that is needed to get you out
fishing, including Vermont licenses - the cost
for Adults (18+ years) is $20.00 for Vermont residents
and $41.00 for non-residents; Youths (15-17 years)
are $8.00 for Vermont residents and $15 for non-residents,
and children younger than 15 years may fish for free.
Fishing licenses may also be purchased
online through the Vermont
Fish & Wildlife Department.
The Village Inn of East Burke (802-626-3161)
offers guided ice fishing trips.
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