Catamount nordic center has decent snow coverage
Tuesday, January 13, 2009 at 05:03 PM
You know how some people go to the gym at lunchtime? Well I prefer clicking into some skis when I have the time. I took a late lunch today and headed over to the Catamount cross-country center in Williston, Vermont.
Catamount has pretty good snow coverage. It's not at a high elevation, so there isn't as much snow as you'd find in Stowe or at Bolton Valley Resort.
I had my skate skis on and I did a loop up on the hilly meadow before heading over to the wooded side of the nordic network. It was quite windy so snow had drifted onto the exposed trails in the meadow.
Getting into the woods on the Sandman trail was a wise way to escape the wind, but the snow coverage wasn't as good. A few rocks and roots still show up on the side of Sandman that is near the Woods Trace trail.
Overall, the snow surface seemed a little soft, so maybe Catamount could have rolled the trails a bit more. But perhaps they felt they didn't have enough snow to do so. Either way, I got a good workout in before the temperatures plummet. I'll probably work away during the coming cold spell, which is supposed to be over by Sunday.
Filed in: Catamount, Cross-country skiing
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1. NN | Sunday, January 18, 2009 at 11:38 PM
Hi,
Stumbled across you blog while looking for some XC ski info in the Burlington area...
I'll have one day to XC ski in the Burlington area in mid February and I was wondering if you have a recommendation. I've been to Catamount Family center and it was fine - I'd go back but was wondering if there is somewhere else I should try? I always visit the Rikert center in Middlebury on my way south when leaving Burlington - that place is a blast! I guess I'm looking for something within 20 miles or so of Burlington. Is the Catamount trail worth a visit?
Thanks!
Any info
2. Skimaven | Monday, January 19, 2009 at 10:33 AM
Hi NN:
For the closest cross-country skiing near Burlington, Vermont, you should also consider Sleepy Hollow nordic center in Huntington, Vermont (about 21 miles from downtown Burlington.) It's a laid-back place that I've enjoyed a couple of times. I recall climbing up and up a steep hill to a little unheated cabin with a great view. Also think about Bolton Valley Nordic Center (about 24 miles from Burlington). Contrary to its name, it is at a high elevation and the snow is always quite good. The backcountry trails are really fun if you like to ski that way. Keep in mind that the cross-country network is on a hillside, so get familiar with the trails and their vertical drops before you head out. You don't want to descend more than you'll want to climb!
The Catamount Trail offers wonderful, wooded backcountry skiing that is not groomed. You would want to have touring skis or backcountry skis. Skinny-mini classic skis aren't great in ungroomed powder. Check out the Catamount Trail Association Web site for trail maps and its forums for the latest on trail conditions. The maps include mileage and vertical drop information.
Enjoy!
3. NN | Monday, January 19, 2009 at 01:34 PM
Thanks! Great info!