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Nordic Frequently Asked Questions

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Frequently Asked Questions


Where is the Nordic Center located?
The Nordic Center is the blue building between the Courtside Pool and FunZone 2.0. Parking is available in the FunZone parking lot or in the main lot. Shuttle service to the Nordic Center is also available on demand from any Resort building. Park in the main lot and the Resort shuttle can drop you off here.
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Does my lift ticket give me access to the trails?
Yes, if you have a valid alpine lift ticket for that day or an alpine season pass, that counts as admission to the Nordic trails. Please check in at the Nordic desk and show your pass. Otherwise, you can purchase a single or multi-day pass at the Nordic desk.
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Are Nordic Season Passes available?

Where can I leave my bag while I'm out on the trails?
It is easiest if you bring a backpack to have with you on the trails or leave extra items in your condo or car. We have a few outdoor cubbies available.
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Is there any food available at the Nordic Center?
There isn't food available at the Nordic Center, but we are next door to ReFuel Café at FunZone 2.0. We are also a short walk from the Village Center where there are numerous restaurants and the Country Store.
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Do you rent equipment?
We do! We have a wide selection of sizes in cross-country ski equipment, Atlas Snowshoes, and figure and hockey skates. Check out our rental prices.
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What should I wear?
Depends on the weather and the amount of activity you plan on doing. Typically, both cross-country skiing and snowshoeing will keep you surprisingly warm as long as you are moving. We recommend non-cotton base layers for both top and bottom, ski pants, wool socks, sweater or vest, waterproof jacket, hat that covers the ears, something to cover your face, and insulated gloves or mittens. Layers are important so you can adjust on the trail or loop back to the Nordic Center and swap out clothing choices. Give us a call and we can give you more advice for particular activities or a recommendation for that day.
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What kind of shoes do I need for Snowshoeing?
Snowshoes attach right around your own footwear, so Winter hiking boots or snow boots are best. Sneakers and low shoes are not ideal because you may find yourself in deeper snow. Boots with heels do not stay in the snowshoes well. Your own boots are best, but if you find that you did not bring the right footwear, we can set you up in a pair of cross-country ski boots.
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Are the Cross-country trails groomed?
Yes. We roll the majority of our trails daily, and set tracks when the conditions allow. There are some backcountry trails that are not groomed. We update our Nordic Trail report daily. When you check in at the Nordic Center we can give you the latest updates and recommendations.
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Are the trails well marked?
Both the cross-country ski trails and the snowshoe trails are marked. You will find trail signs at the cross-country ski trail junctures. Our snowshoe trails have colored blazes that designate which loop you are on. Pick up a map when you check in at the Nordic Center. The Smugglers' Notch App also has a map of our Nordic network and allows you to track where you are going. Our instructors and desk staff are happy to assist you in planning where to explore.
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Can I snowshoe anywhere?
We have a separate set of trails for snowshoers. Many of our snowshoe trails run alongside or nearby our cross-country trails, however, we do try to keep these networks separate since we groom our cross country ski trails.
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Can we just walk on the trails?
We get it, we really do. It's a nice day out and you just want to go out for a walk. Here's the thing: as harmless as walking may seem, it really does make a mess out of trails that we try our hardest to maintain for snowshoers and cross-country skiers. So unfortunately, no, we do not allow walkers. The good news is that both cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are a ton of fun, and our instructors are excited and ready to introduce you to the sports. If you're set on walking, we do offer the Winter Walking program for Resort guests with a SmuggsPass. This guided walking program utilizes our winter roads and is a great way to learn more about the Resort and its surroundings. Winter Walking leaves from the Yurt by the Nordic Center daily at 10:30 am.
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What are my options if I don't want to cross-country ski or snowshoe own my own?
You have lots of options! We offer group cross-country ski lessons and guided snowshoe treks daily. These are great ways to get some instruction, learn more about the Vermont woods, and meet other skiers and snowshoers. Our cross-country group lessons are a solid way to get introduced to the sport, or to brush up on your skills. Each of our snowshoe treks focus on a particular theme and we have treks for all ages and abilities.

Want more? We offer private cross-country ski and back-country ski lessons for any level. Our instructors are also happy to design a private snowshoe trek for you or your family. Give the Nordic Center a call at 802-644-1173 for more information.
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Can I come to the Nordic Center at night?
While our trails close at 4:00 pm each day, we do have some guided ski and snowshoe programs that happen at night. Check out our program offerings online, in the Resort Information Guide, or give us a call at 802-644-1173
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How early should I arrive for a trek or lesson?
We recommend arriving 15 minutes before your scheduled lesson or trek. This will give you enough time to rent your equipment and get geared up before the activity begins.
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Is there an ice rink?
We do have an ice rink right on site! Use of the ice rink is included with your SmuggsPass, or with a $5 rink use fee. Need skates? We rent skates for $5 a pair. Our rink is a natural rink. This means that we rely on Mother Nature to provide consistent cold temperatures. Our Nordic team works hard to keep the rink clear of new snow and maintain a skateable surface. Give us a call, at 802-644-1173, to check on the latest rink updates and conditions.
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Have more questions?
Give us a call at 802-644-1173 and we are happy to answer any question you may have!