Vermont Route 100: The Road to the Green Mountain Forest & the Best Skiing VTRoute100.com From Massachussets to Canada Covering all of Vermont's Ski Areas
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XC Skiing

XC skiing is the best way to travel in the snow. It's also called Nordic after it's Scandinavian origins. I started in the 70's with waxable wood skis, bamboo poles & 3 pin toe bindings. Today's skis & poles are made of fiberglass or graphite, are non-wax and work well, have "D" type step-in bindings and other space age improvements. For back country work, you are better off with the older 3 pin wax varieties. The new stuff is better for track type skiing. But I just got a pair of wax Karhus with heavy duty 3 pins for this winter from the pros at the Mountaineer. But even with no-waxers, it's good to wax the sliding, non-scale parts.

Licensed guides, professionals, are there to escort the neophyte into the trackless, snowbound wilderness areas. With -25F temperatures and 10' of snow possible, think pro if you're a novice! They often throw rental skis in with the deal. There is nothing like being in a snow filled spruce forest, on a bright winter afternoon, with only you and your party; just like a beautiful X-Mas card but real.

Caution: Think hypothermia. Wear wool, it will always be warm. Bring back-up sweater, blanket, socks, hat and mitts. Bring some food like candy bars or canned lunch meats: sugar and fats will keep you warm. Carry lighters and fire starters. Carry cell phone and gps, or at least a compass and a topo map. Don't go it alone. More is safer! Bring binding small parts just in case!

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Vermont Route 100: Green Mountain Forest and Skiing