Nordic adventures — on snowshoes or cross country skis — are a wonderful, invigorating way to explore and fully appreciate the great outdoors during winter in Quechee.
In the words of one smiling skier, “It is so picturesque with the water flowing and only the sounds of nature can be heard. The setting is spectacular: the connection to nature, the quality of trails, the experience of fueling your soul and heart with great Vermont fresh air.”
A couple of intrepid snowshoers negotiate the abundant fresh
powder on the golf course after a recent storm.
The Quechee Club manages miles of trails on the dormant golf course, groomed for both skate and classic skiing; a couple of trails meander along the shores of Lake Pinneo. All are easily accessible from and close to the comfort of the club house where you can warm up and relax after a day on the snow. For a more ambitious outing, there’s an extensive network of trails in the Section 5 Wilderness area (Map at quecheeclub.com).
Rental gear (classic skis or snowshoes) is available at Henderson’s at the base lodge (802-295-1515), and nordic lessons may be arranged through the Quechee Lakes Ski School (802-295-3929).
The Wilderness Trails behind the Quechee Inn also offers Nordic activities, with a network of groomed trails, rental equipment, and lessons (802-295-7620). You could wrap up your adventure with a meal at the Inn’s restaurant, or just linger with a drink in front of their wonderful fireplace.
Topher Bordreau getting in his first ski of the season on the
perfectly groomed nordic trails alongside the ice-covered Lake
Pinneo. “The trails are perfect for a quick ski before dinner at
the lodge, or – even better – at night with a headlamp,” he said.
“Something about the combination of the sound of the river rushing by,
the snow reflecting the light of the lamp, and the often bitter cold that
is undeniably invigorating. And any time of day, it’s always nice to
reconnect with neighbors out there, too!”
And last but not least, there’s a well groomed loop on the Green, right by the post office – it doesn’t get more convenient than that. Wherever you choose to go, it’s a treat to spend winter in a place where the stark beauty of a Vermont winter is made so easily accessible – you really owe it to yourself to take advantage of it.
