Mountain Top Inn: 60 years, 60 kilometers of trails

By Polly Mikula

Since 1964, locals and visitors alike have enjoyed the 60 kilometers of cross-country skiing at Mountain Top Resort in Chittenden. It was one of the first cross-country ski areas to open in the U.S. and also one of the first Nordic resorts to make snow, which it began in 1980.

Mountain Top’s Nordic Center is known for its extensive and varied terrain, offering skiers and snowshoers of all levels a plethora of options to explore — and for its incredible property and views. Today, it’s also known for its state-of-the-art operation with Piston Bully grooming (for both skate and classic skiing) and a 2-kilometer snow-making loop ensuring access to skiing even when winters are not as generous with snow as this one has been.

The trails are open to the public seven days a week through Sunday, March 20, with the purchase of a day ticket ($25 for adults) or season pass. To celebrate its 60th year, the season passes are discounted to just $60. (Trail passes are complimentary for overnight guests.) Skis, boots, poles, snowshoes, and ice skates are available to rent at the Activity Center, and lessons are available by request.

The 60th anniversary season pass deal has been a huge success, according to Roger Hill, Nordic director and grounds/facilities manager. 

 “Our goal was to get local people to give it a try,” Hill said. “If someone skis just three days, the season pass is paid for. It’s been a great way to get people reintroduced or introduced for the first time to the sport… We typically sell about 60-80 season passes,” Hill continued. “This year, we’re approaching 300!”

Hill knows the discounted rate had a significant impact but hopes to retain many local folks who he’s witnessed rediscover a passion for Nordic skiing. “It’s been so much fun to see, and I know many will be back next season now that they’ve had such a great time out there this winter.”

Mother Nature also blessed the region with lots of snow and fewer melting events than many winters past, creating ideal conditions. “We have a 2-3 foot base,” Hill said. “The trails are in perfect shape.”

Of the 60 kilometers (about 40 miles) of trails, 60%-70% are on U.S. Forest Service land, which controls the dates of operation, Hill explained. “So even if we still have tons of snow March 30, that’ll be our last day open for the winter,” he said.

Mountain Top typically sees about 5,000 to 7,000 skiers a year, but it never feels crowded, even on the busiest of weekends. Even on the busiest days, when the parking lot is full, the trails are not crowded, said Mary Anne Levins, a long-time cross-country ski instructor and event coordinator who has been with the inn for 19 years. 

Leagues, teams, events

In addition to day-use skiers and snowshoers, Mountain Top also hosts events, leagues, and local teams — Rutland High School, Otter Valley High School, and Vermont State University — Castleton teams all train there. The New England branch of the Bill Koch Youth Ski League is the largest, cross-country ski program for young people in the U.S. Koch, who won an Olympic metal in 1976 and the Overall World Cup in 1982, as been widely credited with popularizing the sport of cross-country in America. 

“[The Bill Koch League] is the Little League of Nordic skiing,” Hill explained. “It’s about learning a lifetime sport, and there’s a competition aspect for those that want that.”

The Bill Koch League at Mountain Top is open to kids in Kindergarten through 8th grade. It meets twice a week on Saturdays and Tuesdays. There are about 35 athletes participating this year, Hill said, adding that the numbers have varied from about 10 to 60 over the years. 

Mountain Top Nordic Center has long been associated with the most influential athletes in the sport. Three-time Winter Olympic competitor Mike Gallagher, who coached Bill Koch, skied and worked at Mountain Top for years. 

“He was a huge force here,” Hill said. “He grew up right over that ridge in Pittsfield… he got a lot of people out to learn,” Hill added.

Family ties

Hill himself has a long history with the resort — it’s a dream-come-true homecoming story of sorts. He started skiing in Mountain Top’s youth programs at 6 years old, was skiing with the Rutland High School team by 8th grade, learned to drive the groomer at 14 years old, and continued on to compete at a high level for Johnson State College.

After a stint working at Stratton, he returned to Mountain Top 20 years ago in April.

“I always wanted to come back; it’s a dream,” Hill said, reflecting on the chance to return to the resort that raised him. “This is my home. I always wanted to come home.”

That’s not an exaggeration. In addition to his love for Nordic skiing and his time on the trails, 11 members of Hill’s family have worked at Mountain Top (a few still do), including his mom, who was the Inn’s general manager when he grew up. 

Hill, now in his 50s, also met his wife there — “I was 22, and she was working the front desk,” he said. 

“It’s an honor to be here celebrating the 60th anniversary,” Hill concluded. “I hope I’m here for our 80th — maybe not working, but skiing anyway.”