The Winter Adventure Guide
Go Skijoring!
Photograph by Bill Curtsinger/Getty
Scandinavians of yore hitched up their reindeer and skied at the ends of the reins for transportation, an activity that has, like so much else, become an actual winter sport. Skijoring competitions feature horses, dogs, and even mules that pull skiers through courses. Forget about competing, though: If your regular ski routine needs some, um, bark, Peace Pups Dog Sledding will teach you how to hitch up your BFF and swoosh the country miles. (If your poodle isn’t exactly thrilled about the idea, borrow a Peace Pups husky for an extra $25.) Once you’re ready to go out on your own, Bethel Inn Resort in Bethel, Maine, has a skijoring loop.
239 Cross Rd., Lake Elmore, VT, 802-888-7733, peacepupsdogsledding.com; 21 Broad St., Bethel, ME, 800-654-0125, bethelinn.com.
And for Classic Cross-Country Try…
Grafton Ponds Grafton, VT | Grafton Ponds is one of the few cross-country ski centers in New England that make snow, meaning the trail is always primed. And with almost 20 miles to traverse, there’s plenty to explore. Make it up to Big Bear Shelter, atop the ridge, and your reward is a cup of hot chocolate and views of picturesque Grafton Village. 783 Townshend Rd., Grafton, VT, 802-843-2400, graftonponds.com.
Jackson Ski Touring Foundation Jackson, NH | The largest cross-country skiing network in the Northeast has nearly 100 miles of trails for all levels. The easy Ellis River Trail borders a brook, while the Wildcat Valley Trail pitches steeply down the back of Wildcat Mountain, to the town of Jackson. If you’re up for it, take the Groomed Trail Challenge on February 21, when cross-country aficionados try to ski as much of the network as possible in an 11-hour day. 153 Main St., Jackson, NH, 603-383-9355, jacksonxc.org.
Blueberry Hill Inn Goshen, VT | This classic Vermont inn and Nordic ski center lies 12 miles outside of Middlebury and deep within the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area. The 40-plus miles of groomed runs include the highest (Romance, elevation 3,000 feet) and what some consider the most scenic (Hogback) trails in the state. 1307 Goshen Ripton Rd., Goshen, VT, 802-247-6735, blueberryhillinn.com.
Snowmobile Moosehead Lake
Photograph by Ecophotography
Seriously, chocolate and silk teddies are so over—here’s a new way to rev things up. The Cozy Moose at Moosehead Lake, home of some of New England’s finest snowmobiling action, offers popular “Sled and Bed” couples’ packages that include lodging, sled rentals, and base apparel (bib overalls, boots, gloves, full-face helmets). The three-night, two-day packages range from $1,325 (for an efficiency suite) to $1,825 (for a cedar-log cabin with fireplace, decks, Jacuzzi tub, and satellite TV). Longtime owners Heather and Ron Davis recommend arriving on Sunday and taking a Monday snowmobile tour with guide Mike Witham, who’s been buzzing the backcountry long enough to know exactly where to find bobcats, owls, coyotes, eagles, hares, and, if you’re really lucky, the holy grail: moose.
451 Moosehead Lake Rd., Greenville, ME, 207-695-0242, mooseheadcabins.com.