• Hanover NH XC trail conditions: (603) 643-5836
• Central VT trail conditions
• Hartland VT ski system conditions.
• Vermont downhill resorts
• Vermont XC resorts (see Woodstock VT)
• Local backcountry conditions (trip reports)
• Snow Depth Map

• Speedskating 101 Workshop, 30 Jan 2010, 9:30 AM
  Designed for skaters with no speedskating experience, this workshop provides basic instruction, followed by on-ice practice session and 2 km and 5 km races (race requires separate ticket/signup and a $5 fee). Speedskates not required, although a limited number of free rentals will be available.
• 2K and/or 5K fun race, 30 Jan 2010, 11:30 AM
  Mass start (pack style) racing is probably the oldest type of speedskating in history. Experience the thrill of marathon skating in one or both of these two shorter distance races. Speedskates not required. A limited number of speedskates will be available free of charge in the 9:30 AM workshop.
• Speed skating marathons, 25 km and 40 km, 20, 21 Jan 2010
  Partas part of the MSI Series from Marathon Skating International. There will be 2 km and 5 km races for skaters of all abilities, using all kinds of skates. Hockey skates and Nordic skates are suitable for the speed skating workshop and the shorter distance races. A limited number of free speed skate rentals will be available for workshop registrants. Expert skaters and equipment specialists will be onsite to answer your questions and provide advice and instruction.
• Snow Sculpture Competition (29, 30 Jan 2010) NOW SCULPTURE COMPETITION
  Professional teams from around New England will be competing in three different categories; People's Choice, Judge's Choice and Artist's Choice. The artists will begin sculpting at 9:00AM on Friday and continue until dusk resuming again at dawn on Saturday through to 2:00PM. Judging will begin at 2:00PM and the winners will be announced at the awards ceremony at 2:30PM

• Ford Sayer Ski Club web site
• Upper Valley Nordic Club web site
• New England Nordic Ski Association web site
• Tip on waxing "waxless skis"
• Tips on AIRLINE TRAVEL WITH SKIS
• Dartmouth ski team
• NE Nordic Ski Association
• Nordic skater (Wilder VT)
• Ski base tuning/waxing
• Swix wax selection (available in Norwegian, of course...and English)

• Renting x-c skis
  • Lake Morey Inn (Fairlee, VT). Only 5 minutes from skidance center at Hulbert. They provide xc-skis free for their overnight guests only; they no longer rent to others because of insurance issues.
  • Dartmouth Ski Touring Center (AKA: Oak Hill, Storrs Pond, Silver Fox) (Hanover NH) (pkg:$20/day, $30/2day)

• Cross Country Ski Centers (groomed):
  • Map of NH/VT xc ski centers
  • Lake Morey Inn (5 minutes or ski across lake). Reported 12 kilometers of groomed trails,on their golf course (trail fee $5/day).
  • Silver Fox Ski Touring Center, Hanover NH (~20 minutes drive South). 20 kilometers of groomed trails on the Golf Course, at Storrs pond and Oak Hill. This is probably the best bet for those who want groomed trails near to the Hulbert Center where we are staying. Trail Pass: $7/1-day ($5 after 2:30pm), $12/2-day for the full system (discount available for using only the Golf Course and Garipay Field sections of the system). Directions: Take I91S to Hanover/Norwich, go left over bridge, up hill into Hanover. Turn Left on the far side of the Dartmouth Green (N. College Street) and follow below.
    TO DOC HOUSE/Golf Course: turn left around the north side of the Green, then right on N. Main St (Baker Library will then be on on your right), continue a few blocks as it becomes Rope Ferry Road and then sharply left as it becomes Hilton Field Lane; the DOC house and x-c ski center is just on your left.
    TO OAK HILL: from Dartmouth Green above, N.College becomes Rte 10 N; go past the Golf Course, turn right at the Co-op gas station, then take a sharp left after the road turns to dirt park in the first clearing on the right.
  • Burke Cross Country, E. Burke, VT (under 60 minutes drive North). 80km of groomed trails (track and skating). Wonderful setting, nice warm primitive "lodge". Less service than in the past (no ski rentals, no more chili). From I 91 North take exit 23, then from Rte 5 North in Lyndonville take route 114 through East Burke (PASS BY Mountain Road to Burke Downhill area). Take a right onto the Pinkham Road. Burke x-c is 2 miles up on the Pinkham Road on your left.
  • Woodstock VT (~40 minutes drive South) Woodstock, VT 802-457-6674.
    Complete nordic facility with diverse, historic park-like trails surrounding beautiful country village. 60 kilometers of groomed trails along the snow-covered golf course and through century-old carriage roads on Mt. Tom. shared and separate snowshoe Rentals-xc, pulk sleds, snowshoes. $12.50/day.
  • Trapp Family Lodge (~1 1/2 hr+ drive Northwest). Trail Map, and other x-c ski centers in Stowe VT area.
  • Craftsbury, Craftsbury Common, VT (about 2 hours drive North/northwest) conditions.
  • Eastman XC Grantham, NH (about 50 minutes south).
  • Sunapee (NH) Dexter Inn Norsk x-c Center and Pine Hill Ski Club (just under an1 hour drive back down I-91 then I-89 toward Boston).
  • Listing of VT ski xc-areas

• Informal xc trails (not part of a center, many are not groomed):
  NOTE: This region is rich with wonderful non-commercial ski trails, a number of which are well groomed. Most of these trails run through private property, and the landowners (who also maintain and groom the trails) are very concerned about their trails becoming too popular and becoming subject to overuse. While area residents and "friends of friends" in small groups are usually welcome, large groups are clearly problematic. If one of the locals takes you on these trails, it is in faith that you will respect this. Thetford Academy, Mimi Trail, Union Village, Al Merrill trail, and the commercial areas above are more generally open to the public.
  • Lake Morey/Fairlee area (nearby) If the lake is well frozen, you can ski along it, but check with camp staff about ice safety first. There are a couple trails out of Hulbert, up into the hills, though probably not best for beginners.
  • Thetford Area (~10 minutes drive) You can easily spend the better part of a day here.
    • Thetford Academy Trail Map (High School/Community trails): Very nice groomed trails mostly through the woods, in Thetford Hill state park, with occasional long distance views across to the White Mountains in NH. Smaller, but many like these better than Silver Fox. 5km groomed for both diagonal stride (tracks) and skating. Open to public with no charge. Take I91 south one exit (8 miles), turn R onto 113W, go about a mile to the top of the hill (Congregational Church ahead on the right) and turn L around the Thetford Hill green on Academy Road. Go a few tenths of a mile and turn R into Thetford Academy. Wind your way behind the furthest back buildings to park. The groomed 5km trail crosses the near edge of the field you are facing. It forms two loops, so you can go right or left; I'd suggest going right first (the higher loop). It is also possible to connect from this system to the Mimi trail below: start the right loop but cut through the fields heading toward Houghton Hill, the peak you see about 2mi to the north...go just to the left of the elementary school parking lot and cross route 113 to the start of the Mimi trail.
    • Mimi Trail, Thetford HIGHLY RECOMMENDED: Beautiful new xc ski trail up Houghton Hill designed by John Morton (former olympic ski coach). Open to the public at no charge. Well graded trail for skiing, groomed by volunteers. Rolling trail through the woods winds its way up to an open summit with wonderful views of the White Mountains (Smarts, Cube, Mooselake, Franconia) of NH and Ascutney, Killington, and the Green Mountains of VT. No snowmobiles. Mostly beginner-intermediate level, with a few short sections at the top that might be considered advanced (depending on conditions, beginners could walk those). A nice 2-3hr round trip. DIRECTIONS: Take I91 south one exit (8 miles), turn R onto 113W, go about a mile to the top of the hill (Congregational Church on the right), and park at the elementary school on the left (IMPORTANT: DO NOT PARK IN THE POST-OFFICE LOT, EVEN ON SUNDAY-illegal parking there has seriously threatened landowner permissions for public use of the adjacent Mimi trail access). The trail starts just across route 113 from the parking lot; the exact path through the field has varied year to year; in 2008 it follows the hedgerow between the Post Office and theAmerican Legion Hall (sometimes it goes on the other side of the Post Office). At the far edge of that field the trail is well marked as it enters the woods; follow the polar bear signs with yellow borders. Ask Chris or Barbara about this (we worked on the trail construction).
    • Heuboden Farm, Thetford (Chris and Barbara's place--some easy but ungroomed trails and open meadows, connecting to a snowmobile trail network used by skiers also). A nice combination with Thetford Academy and/or Mimi trail Ask us for directions.
    • Thetford Center Bill Hill trail and the Union Village Dam and conservation area/Buzzell Bridge Road (ask Chris or Barbara).
  • Lyme NH area (15 minute drive). Lots of wonderful private trails. Ask Jan; she lives in Lyme. One place you can start is Grant Brook-- Take I91 one exit south to Thetford, turn L on Rte 113 a mile or so to a tee junction in E. Thetford. Turn R on Rte 5, then immdediately L toward Lyme. Cross the river and immediately turn R (south) on River Road. In about 0.7 miles the road crosses Grant Brook; just before the bridge the trail starts on your left. There is no parking lot; just pull off the road as well as you can. This and other Grant Brook trails are documented here.
  • Bradford VT area (10 minute drive).
    • Challenge Outdoor reported to have groomed trails for Oxbow school system.
    • Wright's Mountain Trails for skiing and snowshoeing; Bradford's highest peak.
  • Hanover NH/Norwich VT area (~20 minute drive South)
    • Crossingham Road Farm snowshoeing and skiing.
  • Hartland VT (~40 minute drive South). An extensive network of classic tracked trials through private property. more info and travel directions from Fairlee This includes the groomed trail system at Cobb Hill cohousing (map), where dancers Julianne and John live.

• Backcountry (x-c) skiing (let us know if interested)
  • Fairlee area (nearby--some trails directly out of the Hulbert Center)
  • Smarts/Cube Mountain area (~30 mintue drive)
  • Mt. Mooselauke area (~50 minute drive): Al Merrill Ski Trail is highly recommended for the real back-country, assuming we have enough snow to cover the stream crossings.
  • Stowe area (1 1/2 hr drive) connects to wonderful backcountry trails, including the Catamount trail.
  • Burke Mtn (1 1/2 hr drive) also connects to wonderful backcountry trails, including the Catamount trail.

• Dartmouth Skiway(Lyme, NH; 20 minutes drive Southeast). 968ft vertical drop. $38/day.
• Burke Mountain (E. Burke, VT; about an hour drive North). 2000ft vertical drop. $39/day.
• Jay Peak (Jay, VT; 2hr North) 1100ft vertical drop. $52/day ($35 for VT residents).
• Suicide Six (Woodstock, VT; 40 minute drive Southwest). 650ft vertical drop. $44/day.
• Whaleback (Lebanon NH exit 16 off I-89, 35 minutes drive Southeast)
• Killington (Killington VT off Rte 4, 1 1/2 hr drive Southwest). $52/day.
• Ascutney (Brownsville VT off I-91; 1 hr drive South) $47/day.
• Loon Mountain (Lincoln NH; 1 1/2 hr drive Northeast)

• Fairlee ledges, Fairlee. The trail starts behind the firestation at the top(interstate end) of Lake Morey road, and leads up to several view points on the ledges, overlooking the town of Fairlee.
• Sawyer Mountain groomed trails ( map) on the Swenson Farm, and a new "moo-seum". Fairlee ***2009 note: may have closed-best call before going: Bob and Melanie Swenson 802-333-4137.
• Grant Brook, Lyme (see trailhead directions under informal xc trails, or start at Jan's house)
• Crossingham Road Farm, Norwich: snowshoeing and skiing.
• Wright's Mountain Trails Bradford VT: for skiing and snowshoeing-Bradford's highest peak.
• Thetford Academy and Thetford Hill State Park, Thetford (see trailhead directions under informal xc trails above).
• Heuboden Farm/Houghton Hill, Thetford (see Chris and Barbara).
• AT/Cube or Smarts Mtn, Lyme (more difficult; ask us)

Skates
• Hulbert will loan hockey or figure skates to Skidance folks for free
• NORDIC SKATE RENTALS: The Dartmouth Cross-County Ski Center on Occom Pond rents out Nordic Skates and boots by the day. Call (603) 643-6534 for rates and availability.
• Contact the Nordic Skater in Wilder VT to see if they will be at the lake with free Nordic skate loaners.http://www.nordicskater.com. Or order a pair from them and arrange pickup on your way up to skidance.

Skating Locations:
• Lake Morey Ice Trail Map (Fairlee) The longest skating trail in the US...over 4 miles, and it is right out the door of the Hulbert Outdoor Center! Hockey skates are wonderful on this trail, but for a truly fantastic experience, try Nordic Skates (see above).
• Lake Fairlee (Fairlee)
• Childs Pond (Thetford) [adjacent to Heuboden Farm-ask Chris and Barbara]
• Post Pond (Lyme)
• Occum Pond (Hanover): Nice warming room and skate rentals (also skis and snowshoes for rent) at the DOC clubhouse on the pond.

• Hulbert Center (Fairlee)
• Chris and Barbara's House (Thetford)
• Hanover Golf Course (Hanover)
• lots of other spots...

• Fairlee: Chapman's Store, downtown Fairlee VT (10 minute drive): eclectic mix of used books, wine, crafts, toys, pharmacy, hunting and fishing needs. Also the best local venue for a the New York Times. Open Sat.and Sun. You've never seen a store quite like this.
• Thetford: THE Pompanoosuc Mills factory and factory store are on Route 5 in East Thetford, just 10 minutes from Hulbert. Very nice Vermont wooden furniture. There is another showroom in Hanover.
• Lyme: Long River Studios, downtown Lyme (15 minutes away), behind the Mascoma Bank. Arts and Crafts (including beaded bracelets by Jan). The lunch counter at Nichols Hardware, nextdoor, is another fun phenomenon. Good basic fare, and you can shop for a woodstove or pick up this year's maple sugaring equipment while you're there.
• Hanover: Main Street. Dartmouth Bookstore, Simon Pearce, clothing, housewares, generally high-end. A nice used bookstore called Left Bank Books, run by a local folkdancer. Two places at least sell decent Cappucino: The Dirt Cowboy Cafe, on Main St., and Rose Jekes Cafe on Lebanon Street. Lou's is everybody's favorite place for lunch, but generally crowded. More Hanover Dining options.
  The Hood Museum of Art (Dartmouth Campus). Diverse collection supports teaching. Special black culture exhibit.
• Norwich: King Arthur Flour Baker's Store and Studio/Baking Education Center (Rte 5 South)--The base for the famous King Arthur catalog; fun place to shop if you are a cook. Coffee & yummie baked goods also available. Also in Norwich is the quintessential New England General Store, Dan and Whits; "If we don't have it, you don't need it." An amazing stock and friendly help finding what you want.
  Montshire Museum of Science--awesome science museum for kids, kids at heart, and nerds.
• Quechee, VT: various antique shops and malls along VT Rte. 4, where Cathie Springer has found several treasures.
• Strafford, VT: Neat used clothing store for women and men, in very attractive town off the beaten track.
• Woodstock, VT: The place where New Yorkers like to come in VT. Lovely old town with lots of shops, galleries, restaurants, etc.
• Bradford, VT: A really nice town, easy to walk around, with a waterfall and a mix of stores. Need a new pair of overalls? Boots? Jewelry? A nice flannel shirt? Snowshoes? Fenceposts? Farmway (Rte 25) has it all. Downtown Bradford also boasts a number of resturants, a nice five and dime, and Copeland, a fine transitional and contemporary furniture store selling furniture made in Bradford VT.

For more food info, see Hanover and Bradford above.