Vermont Winter Vacation Guide 2008 - (Page 5) advanced materials. This brought renewed excitement and interest in snowshoeing. Snowshoeing has become the fastest growing on-snow activity over the past several years, and it’s easy to see why: as simple as walking and easily accessible, snowshoeing is an activity just about everyone can enjoy, affording access to the outdoors, nature, hiking trails and backcountry. Whether a leisurely stroll or a vigorous jog, snowshoes offer an excellent low-impact workout that builds strength, endurance and aerobic capacity. Because the activity doesn’t place undue stress on muscles, bones, and ligaments, many summer cyclists, runners, triathletes and fitness enthusiasts turn to the sport in winter to maintain conditioning and diversify their indoor workout. STEPPING OUT AT VERMONT’S HISTORIC SITES historic sites owned by the state of Vermont are open for winter recreation. The Plymouth Notch Regional Office of the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation, located at the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site, is open most weekdays year-round (www.HistoricVermont. org/Coolidge, 802-672-3773). The site is a popular place for a winter walk, with trails that are also suitable for snowshoeing and nordic skiing boasting fine views of the fields and hills surrounding the historic village. When it is time to warm up, the President Calvin Coolidge State Historic Site features indoor exhibits offering an introduction to Calvin Coolidge’s career, with particular emphasis on his love for his native state and the role Vermont had in shaping his values and philosophy. VDTM Some SNOWMOBILING: OUR TRAILS ARE VAST www.vast.com Imagine a magical highway that suddenly appears every winter. One that goes through backcountry and snow-covered mountains, secluded valleys and friendly villages, that delivers eye-stopping vistas and conveniently stops right at the door of your inn or motel. In Vermont, you don’t have to imagine it: it’s our winter world of snowmobiling. For more than 40 years, Vermont has opened the doors to winter’s wonders with a remarkable trail system that now totals approximately 6,000 miles. We set the standard for well-marked trails, readable maps, easy access to fuel stops, food, and accommodations. Our many convenient trailheads mean snowmobilers can hook up to trails anywhere in the state. The Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST), together with local clubs, maintains Vermont’s trail network with over 120 groomers to assure smooth riding. SKIJORING www.voga.com Calling all dog lovers! From the land of fjords and trolls, “skijoring” is a sport with Scandinavian roots combining dog mushing and skiing into one thrilling ride. Discover the excitement of flying over the snow under “dogpower.” Feel the synergy between you and your “best friend” as you work together. Traditionally, Huskies or Malamutes are trained for skijor racing, but your own dog may enjoy it too. PONDSKIMMING www.skivermont.com Never heard of it? Not exactly VDTM an “extreme” sport, it’s not mainstream either, although you might find yourself trying to get out of the stream. Pondskimming is what Vermonters do to make a “splash” at the end of a long winter (technically, Spring). Step into your skis, fly down a steep hill of soft snow, then try to glide over the surface of water to the opposite shore. Vermont ski resorts hold pondskimming competitions every April, where the costume is just as important as the skier’s style. Okay, so maybe you’ll need a touch of cabin fever! be hitched to a sleigh and enjoy a relaxing ride through wooded trails. Tucked comfortably beneath warm, heavy blankets, you’ll unwind to the tinkling of sleigh bells and visualize what the days of early Vermont in winter were like when the horsedrawn sleigh was the fastest way to travel. Many Vermont inns and farms offer sleigh rides at more than a score of locations around the state. SLEIGH RIDES www.vtchamber.com After a day on the slopes, watch a pair of Morgan or Belgian horses The Plymouth Notch trails, as well as trails at the Hubbardton Battlefield State Historic Site in Hubbardton, are part of the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST) system, maintained in cooperation with the Vermont Division for Historic Preservation and local snowmobile clubs (www. HistoricVermont.org/Hubbardton, 802-759-2412). Visitors also enjoy snowshoeing and nordic skiing at the Mount Independence State Historic Site in Orwell (www.HistoricVermont. org/Independence, 802-759-2412). For more information on stateowned historic sites, please visit www. HistoricVermont.org/sites or call 802828-3051.
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