A good snowfall transforms the resort’s
rolling golf course and its extensive network of carriage roads into the perfect
setting for a cross-country ski adventure.
Following well-groomed trails, you can
glide along the shimmering lakefront, or
set out for Sky Top Tower, where you’ll be
rewarded with majestic mountain views.
If you’ve never strapped on cross-country skis, you’re in for a treat. It’s easy
to learn, requiring much less equipment
and instruction than downhill skiing. Even
if you fall, it’s a gentle landing. And cross-country skiing is a fantastic workout—a
big plus, since afternoon tea and cookies
are a Mohonk tradition.
And Mohonk promises even more
wintry fun. There’s a lavish open-air ice
skating pavilion, complete with a towering
stone fireplace. Or you can squeeze into
a snow tube and zoom down a hillside—a
giddy experience that’s guaranteed to recapture the joy of childhood sledding days.
For an even more remote getaway,
head for THE BALSAMS (800-225-0600;
thebalsams.com), a stately gem hidden
deep in the woods of New Hampshire’s
North Country. This classic Victorian
resort occupies a 15,000-acre wilderness
preserve, with miles of snowy trails beckoning to be explored on cross-country skis
or snowshoes.
MUSH!
Led by a pack of galloping dogs,
your sled flies through the forest,
racing over snow-covered hills. A
scene straight out of the Alaskan
tundra? Nope—this heart-pounding
action takes place in one of the prettiest corners of northern Vermont.
GREEN MOUNTAIN DOG SLED
ADVENTURES (802-888-8911;
dogsledvt.com) is headquartered just
outside of Stowe on a 77-acre spread
surrounded by pristine state-owned
wilderness. These snowy woodland
trails, with their gentle curves and
dips, deliver a thrilling ride.
Tours begin in a cozy, wood-
heated cabin, where visitors gather
for a briefing on the care and training of huskies. Then it’s outside to the
kennels, where every dog is yipping
and barking, pleading “Pick me!”
These huskies were born to run.
As the team is selected and harnessed for an outing, the dogs quake
with excitement until the driver finally gives the command—and then
they’re off, with a spray of snow and
a burst of unbridled joy. As dozens of
paws pound the trail, your task is to
hang on tight and enjoy the spectacular New England scenery. You might
even get a chance to try your hand at
driving the sled. It may not be the Idi-tarod, but you’ll conquer the Green
Mountains by harnessing the power
of the pack.
