Cross country skiing and snowshoeing at the Hazen's Notch Association in northern Vermont is all about plentiful snow, spectacular scenery, uncrowded trails and friendly people. The cross country ski touring center at Hazen's Notch is blessed with a topography that is ideally suited to nordic skiing - rolling meadows, soft hills, our own 2,800' mountain and views of mountains in all directions.

Located at the top of Vermont in the "Covered Bridge Town" of Montgomery near the Jay Peak Ski Resort, Hazen’s Notch is on the western edge of the beautiful, uncrowded and snowy Northeast Kingdom. The Hazen's Notch / Jay Peak area is known for receiving more snow than any other part of Vermont.

40 Miles of groomed and marked trails pass through 2,500 acres of mixed maple, birch and evergreen forest and across gentle, open meadows. There are spectacular views of Hazen’s Notch and numerous peaks over 3,000’ in elevation in the Jay Range and Cold Hollow Range of the Green Mountains which completely encircle the trail system. The Hazen's Notch Association trails are considered to be some of the most scenic trails in all of Vermont.  Link to Snow Report  

31 trails for all abilities provide loops of different lengths for classical cross-country skiing and/or snowshoeing. Trail difficulty is evenly divided between easy, moderate and difficult. All ski trails are groomed and trackset for classical nordic skiing. Our carefully designed trails provide maximum enjoyment for trail users with minimal impact to the surrounding natural resources. You can choose ski tours from 5 to 24 km long without returning to the Welcome Center.

Glide across gentle hayfields on the West Meadow and the East Meadows with scenic views of Sugarloaf, Haystack and Cold Hollow Mountains. Traverse the steep north face of Burnt Mountain on the Notch Trail where moose and bobcat frequent the Undermountain Loop. If you like skiing downhill through gladed forests, the Burnt Mountain, Cat Slide and Westside trails will give you a thrill. On sunny days in March you can pause for a trailside lunch at picnic tables along the trail - at Bear Paw Pond, Moosewood Ponds and the High Meadow with its incredible panorama of the Jay Mountains: Little Jay, Big Jay, Jay Peak, North Jay, Gilpin Mountain, Domey's Dome & Buchanan Mountain.

Snowshoeing Trails offer an ungroomed, pristine winter experience. 10 miles of specially designated trails provide a variety of beautiful routes for people who wish to see nature up close on snowshoes. The Bear Paw Pond Area is just across the road and uphill from the Welcome Center. There are panoramic views from Coyote Meadow and the old sugar house. The summit of Sugar Hill (elevation 1,700') makes a good destination for people who want a pleaseant 2-mile roundtrip hike from the Welcome Center. The views of the Trout River valley with the villages of Montgomery and Montgomery Center can be enjoyed from the natural open bald summit.

You can also discover a more challenging trail to the 2,800' summit of Burnt Mountain. This steep trail is 4 miles roundtrip. Window Rock is halfway (2 miles round trip) and affords an excellent view of Hazen's Notch. From the summit of Burnt Mountain one can see all of the surrounding mountains plus, on a clear day, Lake Champlain and Mount Mansfield. Take a look at the Winter Trail Map to see the many different possibilities.

Please Note:  Skiing on snowshoe trails or off-trail is not allowed. Burnt Mountain is closed to skiing. The entire trail network is closed to dogs or walking from mid December to mid May. All winter trail users must park and register at the Welcome Center and pay a trail fee before using the trails. In the future we plan to expand the trail network to access steeper glades on Sugar Hill, Burnt Mountain and in the bowl under Haystack Mountain.

See the Winter Trail Map

       

The entire trail network ranges in elevation from 900' to 2,800'. Northern location, high elevation and mountain location combine to give Hazen's Notch reliable snow conditions. As Skiing Magazine wrote "If there is snow anywhere in Vermont, it's in Hazen's Notch."

Lessons in cross-country skiing are available by appointment. PSIA-certified instructors provide lessons for beginner through intermediate skiers that enhance your enjoyment of the sport.

Full Moon Snowshoe Tours are offered each month in Winter.
Check the Calendar of Events for dates and details.

Calendar of Events

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2010 Rates

Number of days (Adult or Child)

Trail Pass

Equipment Rental Skis        Snow Shoes

1 Day Adult Child	$12.00 $  5.00	$12.00 $  8.00	$10.00 $  8.00
2 Day Adult Child	$20.00 $  8.00	$20.00 $14.00	$16.00 $12.00
Half Day (1:30PM) Adult Child	$  8.00 $  3.00	$  8.00 $  5.00	$  6.00 $  5.00

Winter Trails Pass

People who contribute to the Hazen’s Notch Association Trails Fund at the levels below will receive a Winter Trails Pass. A Winter Trails Pass (or season's pass) is not the same as Membership in the HNA. Membership dues are a general contribution in support of the association's activities. Benefits include reduced fees for education programs and the children's summer camp. Members also receive a discount on the daily winter trail pass and on equipment rentals. For more information, see Membership Support.

    Student      $20.00
Individual      $50.00
      Family     $75.00

Lodging

Lodging is available nearby in the towns of Montgomery,
Jay and Troy.

For rates, information and reservations contact: 

Jay Peak Area Association website  
P.O. Box 177
Troy  VT  05868

T:   800.882.7460    802.988.2259
E:   info@jaypeakvermont.org
W:  www.jaypeakvermont.org 

Hiking                          Link to Hiking

The HNA trails are closed to hiking, walking and dogs from December 15 through May 15 each year. Only skiing and snowshoeing are allowed in winter. The entire trail network and supporting land areas are closed during the spring mud season from April 15 to May 15 each year.

Visit Hazen’s Notch in Summer and Fall for Hiking. Approximately 20 miles of the Hazen’s Notch trail network are open for walking and hiking from May 15 through the start of the rifle portion of the deer hunting season, approximately November 15. Many of these trails are located on the 500-acre Hazen‘s Notch Conservation Lands, a private conservation area open to the public.

Dogs must be on leash. Mountain bikes are not allowed. Please see the Hiking and Visitor Information pages for complete information.

Hike to the summit of Burnt Mountain and enjoy a spectacular panorama from the 2,700’ elevation natural open rock summit. The famous Long Trail follows the highest ridges of our area. Stop in at the HNA Welcome Center for information, guidebooks and maps.  

This page was last updated on January 15, 2010