There are many great places to cross-country ski and snowshoe within a short drive of downtown Brandon.

Neshobe Golf Club is just off of Rt. 73 about 1-1/2 miles half east of Brandon. Park by the clubhouse on Town Farm Rd. It is possible to ski or snowshoe on these grassy areas with only a few inches of snow since you won’t be skiing over rocks, branches, or other debris as you would on a trail in the woods. Just several miles south of downtown Brandon is Otter Valley Union High School. There are trails on Hawk Hill in back of the school that are suitable for snowshoeing. These trails can be accessed off the south end of the football field or by crossing a small field across a culvert to the west of the football field.

Blueberry Hill Inn in Goshen maintains a network of ski and snowshoe trails in the Green Mountain National Forest. Cross-country ski areas, Rikert Ski Touring Center in Ripton and Mountain Top Ski Touring Center in Chittenden are each about a half hour’s drive from Brandon and have groomed trails and snowmaking with trail fees.

Frequently Brandon and other locations in the valley have little or no snow for periods of time in the winter. However, going up a thousand feet or more in elevation can make a big difference in the snow pack. There are a number of excellent places to ski or snowshoe in the Mosalamooo National Recreation Area , Brandon Gap, and Blueberry Hill regions. Ridgeline Outdoor Collective is a community driven multi-use trail management non-profit organization. They are dedicated to developing and improving outdoor recreation opportunities for both summer and winter use. Blueberry Hill maintains a network of over 50km of ungroomed ski trails with varying degrees of difficulty. They also offer ski and snowshoe rentals. Enjoy an afternoon of ski touring then return to a cozy lodge for hot soup and drinks, chocolate chip cookies and warm fire. Park at Blueberry Hill to access the Catamount Trail.

Higher Elevations

For those adventure-seekers looking for higher elevations, head to the Chittenden Brook Trail parking area where the access road meets Rt. 73 about 4 miles east of Brandon Gap. From the parking area, the road rises mostly gradually about 2 miles to the Chittenden Brook Campground. After about one mile, just before the road climbs a steep hill, a small sign on the right marks the trailhead for the Chittenden Brook Trail. The road up to this point rises gradually and is suitable for the beginning skier. At this point a more daring skier or snowshoer can continue on the road or turn onto the Chittenden Brook Trail. It is a beautiful trail that follows along the banks of Chittenden Brook. The trail narrows and divides as it rises; the Forest Service has put up signs at these junction points. Eventually the trail reaches the campground but portions of the upper trail may be challenging for a skier.

Another option is the The Long Trail, which travels gradually uphill heading south from Brandon Gap. Depending on conditions, it can be a moderate or more-challenging ski with ordinary Nordic ski equipment. The descent, in particular, can be very difficult without backcountry equipment. However, it is a great place to snowshoe even for a beginner. Also, there tends to be more snow here than most anywhere else, with increasing amounts as you climb higher. There is a parking lot just west of the Long Trail crossing on Rt. 73 about 7 miles east of Brandon. The short hill leaving the road headed south on the Long Trail is steeper than any other hill you will encounter. In about three quarters of a mile you reach Sunrise Shelter. This is a good place for a break if one is needed. The trail continues its gradual ascent to the junction with the Chittenden Brook Trail at 2.3 miles.