Cross county skiing at the VIC. Photo courtesy of Nancie Battaglia. Used by permission.

Winter in the Adirondack Mountains:
Cross Country Skiing at the Paul Smiths VIC
2015-2016 Ski Season
Winter Trail Conditions

Cross Country Skiing at the Paul Smiths VIC. Photo courtesy of Nancie Battaglia. Used by permission.Cross Country Skiing at the Paul Smiths VIC. Photo courtesy of Nancie Battaglia. Used by permission.
This site is no longer being updated with information on the VIC's ski and snowshoe programs. For current information on skiing and snowshoeing at the VIC, visit: www.paulsmiths.edu/vic/ski.

2015-2016 Winter Season Pass Application

VIC trail users must purchase a season or day trail pass during the winter, when the Paul Smiths VIC becomes a cross-country ski center with over 25 miles of groomed trails for cross country skiing, skate skiing, and snowshoeing. For more information, call Brian McDonnell at (518) 327-6241 or email bmcdonnell@paulsmiths.edu.

The VIC's Nordic trails are open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM daily. Trail users are asked to register at the VIC building. Trails are monitored by a trained volunteer first-aid ski patrol and a courtesy patrol to assist people with directions. Trail pass holders are eligible for discounts on weekend events and programs at the VIC, including bird watching walks, natural-history themed walks and events, and back country snowshoeing led by VIC staff up the Adirondack Low Peaks.

Additionally, the VIC rents cross-country skis for $20 a day and snowshoes for $15. Trail fees are NOT included in the cost of the rental. The VIC also hosts a series of ski races, snowshoe races, and skate ski clinics.

Ski passes for the 2014/2015 ski season may be purchased at the VIC. For more information, call Brian McDonnell at (518) 327-6241 or email bmcdonnell@paulsmiths.edu. Download a Winter Season Pass Application.

Winter Trail Fees
Day Pass Season Pass
Under 6 years old: Free Under 6 years old: Free
Child (6-17): $5 Child (6-17): $50
Adult (18-64): $12 Adult (18-64): $100
Senior (65+): $10 Senior (65+): $80
PSC alumni: $10 PSC alumni: $80
Current Paul Smith’s College students: Free Current Paul Smith’s College students: Free
Other college students: $8 Other college students: $80
Veteran/Current Military: $8 each Veteran/Current Military: $80
Town of Brighton Resident: $8 Town of Brighton Resident: $80

Winter Trail System

Roaring Freestyle Ski Race at the Paul Smith's College VIC. Photo courtesy of Thomas and Dori Gilman. Used by permission.
"Roaring Freestyle" Ski Race at the Paul Smith's College VIC. Photo courtesy of Thomas and Dori Gilman. Used by permission.

When there is adequate snow cover, the trails are open from 9 AM to 5 PM. There are three categories of trails available at the VIC, providing opportunities for outdoor recreation for people of all abilities. In addition, some trails are designated for skijoring (dog-drawn skiing). Skijorers are welcome at the VIC on Sunday and Wednesday mornings.

Winter trail users are asked to stay on the marked trails and not to try to create new routes. Trail users are also asked to refrain from going out on the ice. Trail users should report trail maintenance needs to the VIC staff and follow the New York State Safety in Skiing Code. In general, trails are skied in a clockwise direction. Access to all trails will be through the VIC building, where food, hot and cold drinks, local art and last minute essential supplies are available.

Classic Ski Trails

Classic ski trails are typically groomed 4 feet wide with a snowmobile and grooming equipment.  Track is set when conditions permit. 

Classic ski trails are open to snowshoers.  Please avoid walking in set tracks.

Skating Ski Trails

These trails are typically groomed 8 to 10’ wide with the VIC's quadra-tracked or snowmobile groomers.  The trails are packed and rolled as conditions permit. Skate trails can be used by non-skate skiers.  However, those on classic skis or snowshoes are asked to stay to the side of the trail.

Snowshoe Trails

Snowshoe trails are typically packed by snowshoers. Most designated snowshoe trails can be skied on with adequate snow and appropriate skier ability.  Leashed, well-behaved dogs are allowed on the snowshoe trails. Dog owners are asked to sign their dog in and clean up after it. The VIC reserves the right to ask dog owners to remove their dog from the VIC property.

2015-2016 Winter Season Pass Application
Trail Map
Winter Ski and Snowshoe Trail Descriptions

Winter Trail Fees 2014-2015 Printable Flyer (PDF)


 

Explore the VIC

The Paul Smiths VIC offers a wide variety of programs throughout the year to educate and inform Adirondack Park residents and visitors about the natural wonders of the Adirondack Mountains. You can help support these programs by joining the Friends of the VIC. More information on Friends of the VIC memberships

Explore the Trails

The VIC trails are free and open to the public, from dawn to dusk, spring through fall. In winter, the trails are open to cross-country skiers and snowshoers for a fee. Day or season passes may be purchased.