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

The VIC's Nordic Trail System:
Cross-country Ski and Snowshoe Trails

Cross country skiing at the Paul Smiths VIC: Heron Marsh Outlet. 30 November 2012. Photo by Phil Brown/Adirondack Explorer newsmagazine. Used by permission.Cross country skiing at the Paul Smiths VIC. Photo by Phil Brown/Adirondack Explorer newsmagazine. Used by permission.
This site is no longer being updated with information on the VIC's ski and snowshoe trails. For current information on classic ski, skate ski, and snowshoe trails at the VIC, visit: http://www.paulsmiths.edu/vic/ski/winter-trails/#2.

During the winter months, the Paul Smiths VIC becomes a cross-country ski center with over 25 miles of trails for cross country skiing, skate skiing, and snowshoeing. Many of the VIC's smoother trails do not need a great deal of snow to be ski-able. Moreover, Paul Smiths often gets noticeably more snow than other places in the Adirondacks, which means the VIC's Nordic trails are frequently ski-able at times when snowfall is limited.

Winter Trail Fees
2015-2016 Winter Season Pass Application


Classic Ski Trails

Classic cross- country 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

Paul Smiths VIC Trail Sign (28 December 2012). Photo courtesy of J. Van Putten.  Used by permission.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.


Winter Trail Use Guidelines


Winter Trail Fees
2015-2016 Winter Season Pass Application

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.