RIKERT OUTDOOR CENTER
JESSICA SIPES
BRETT SIMONSON
Set among some of Vermont’s most pristine and serene forests, the Carroll and Jane Rikert Outdoor Center is located on Middlebury College’s Bread Loaf Campus in Ripton. Rikert features many gentle, flat trails, making the location ideal for beginner and intermediate skiers. It’s also the perfect place for expert crosscountry skiers to glide along on a calm, sunny day for a meditative outing. Snowmaking is one of the integral reasons that Rikert can offer skiers reliable snow and one of the longest seasons in Vermont, with trails typically open in November and often lasting over 140 days. Rikert also features five kilometres of early season trails, highlighted in blue on their map. These trails with manmade snow allow enthusiasts to stretch their legs and enjoy the great outdoors in the lead-up to the season. Ripton is officially known as “Robert Frost Country”, as it is where Frost lived for 23 years and became the official poet laureate of the Green Mountain State until his death in 1963. Nearby to Rikert, you can ski past the log cabin where Frost wrote his historic poetry and explore the Robert Frost Interpretive Trail, less than a mile in length and fully ADA accessible, to experience what inspired him. Rikert Outdoor Center and Middlebury Snow Bowl are located only two miles apart. Both areas offer great packages where guests can enjoy the best of both areas. The features include snowmaking systems and everything from classic to skate skiing, back-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, alpine skiing, telemark skiing, snowboarding, alpine touring and glade skiing. There are many accommodation options, and on-site lodging may soon be available at the Breadloaf Inn (please contact Rikert for availability). The historic Chipman Inn in nearby Ripton, features nine guest rooms and the Tap Room, with Frost’s snowshoes hanging over the mantle. The Robert Frost Mountain Cabins, Middlebury Inn, Swift House Inn and several others will make your stay cozy. There are also amazing eateries to satisfy everyone’s taste buds and pocketbooks. From delis to organic pizza and outdoor decks to fine dining, Addison County is home to elegant restaurants with award-winning chefs, as well as casual pubs featuring locally produced craft beer, cider and wine. Home to Middlebury College’s cross-country ski team, Rikert hosts at least one national or large regional event, such as the Middlebury Carnival in late February. The Center also hosts a youth program, with Frost Mountain Nordic kids keeping the trails alive on weekend mornings. Rikert offers a PSIA-certified ski school and full-service rental shop, with skis, snowshoes, pulk sleds, sit-skis and fat bikes. The shop sells necessities, gear and souvenirs as well — and yes, this includes chocolate chip cookies.
MATT TRUEHEART
14 BEST NORDIC SKI GREAT ESCAPES 2022/2023
Vermont’s Rikert Outdoor Center, in the heart of the Green Mountains, boasts 55 kilometres of ski trails and one of the longest seasons in the state. The region was also home to renowned Pulitzer Prize-winning poet, Robert Frost.
