The Best Places to Go for Exercise, Solitude and Enjoyment
Winter’s just around the corner and for many folks, that means it’s time to strap on the skis and get some fresh air. Maybe you crave the electricity that’s typically in the air at one of the many great ski resorts in New England and the northeastern United States. If, on the other hand, you’d love to get outside and enjoy the peace and quiet of nature, why not go cross-country this winter? You’ll find an almost endless number of places you can go, where you’ll spend a lot less money, get more exercise and avoid the crowds.
Get Started at a Family-Friendly Farm
If you’re new to cross-country or it’s been a while since you’ve been on those skis, head to Five Fields Farm near Balt Pate Mountain in Maine. The entire trail system is set up so that beginners can enjoy most parts of the trail network.
Revel in the Pristine Beauty of Upstate New York
At Mount Van Hoevenberg, near Lake Placid, you can traverse many of the trails used by the world’s best alpine athletes in the 1980 Olympics. There’s something here for everyone, from beginners to old pros, along the more than 30 miles of well-maintained trails. As the site of past world competitions, it has a surprisingly low-key vibe, and the lush forests have a distinctively Scandinavian feel. There are plenty of comfortable and affordable places to stay, and lots of apres-ski restaurants and taverns.
No-Frills Fun in New Hampshire
With more than 18 miles of well-groomed trails near the shores of Lake Winnipesaukee, in east-central New Hampshire, the Sewall Woods Trails operate entirely on the honor system. There’s a warming hut at the trailhead heated with a wood stove, where trail passes are available. It’s a bit off the beaten path, so you’ll often spend all or most of your time in the woods without encountering another soul. In the heart of the winter, the surface of the lake freezes solid, offering a sort of moonscape experience. The remote environs also mean that accommodations are typically very reasonably priced.
Bring Fido Along
As much as you love being outside in the winter—your dog loves it even more! At Notchview Skiing Center in Windsor, Massachusetts, there’s a dedicated trail system specifically designed and groomed to allow you to cross-country ski with your dog. But there’s something for everyone here, with 25 trails, ranging from beginner to expert. The trails are mostly located at elevations above 2,000 feet, so you can typically go out on your cross-country skis for nearly three months every year.
