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

Winter Sports at the VIC:
Cross Country Skiing and Snowshoeing

Winter Sports at the VIC:  Snowshoe RaceWinter Sports at the VIC: Snowshoe Race
This site is no longer being updated with information on the VIC's ski and snowshoe programs. For current information on winter sports at the VIC, visit: www.paulsmiths.edu/vic/ski.


2015-20165 Winter Season Pass Application

During the winter, the Paul Smiths VIC becomes a popular Adirondack cross-country ski center, with its extensive Nordic trail system open for cross country skiing, skate skiing, and snowshoeing. Under Paul Smith's College management, the VIC has nearly doubled the size of the trail system, using a groomer purchased by the College to maintain the expanded trail network. The VIC features over 25 miles of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails for people of all abilities, including a trail to the summit of Jenkins Mountain. In addition, the western trail head of the Jackrabbit Ski Trail is located at the VIC. This scenic trail travels through the woods from Paul Smiths to the hamlet of Lake Clear.

Trail Map

Cross County Ski Race at the Paul Smith's College VIC. Photo courtesy of Thomas and Dori Gilman.  Used by permission.
Cross Country Ski Race at the Paul Smith's College VIC. Photo courtesy of Thomas and Dori Gilman. Used by permission.

Three categories of trails, for snowshoeing, classic and skate skiing, are available for daily use from 9 AM to 5 PM, when there is snow cover. Trail Descriptions

Trail users may purchase a day or season pass. Trail users are asked to register at the visitor’s building. Trails are monitored by a trained volunteer first-aid ski patrol and a courtesy patrol to assist people with directions. 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.

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. 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. The VIC also hosts a series of ski races, snowshoe races, and skate ski clinics.

2015/2016 Ski Season

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

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.