Winter in Vermont truly is an amazing time to learn something new...and maybe learn a little more about yourself in the process. Do you have a weekly exercise routine? Perhaps it’s time to test your toning by entering a Vermont-style race. The Vermont Ski Museum Antique Classic features costumed skiers on wooden skis evoking the pre-spandex era. If you don't have old skis the event organizers can loan you a pair so that you can compete in any one of their creative prize categories. For the more serious, the Craftsbury Marathon is a classic-technique ski marathon on a 25 kilometer-loop course that traverses Vermont's spectacular Northeast Kingdom. Children, high school students, and adults can compete in Mountain Top Resort’s Paintball Biathlon, a race that combines cross-country skiing and target shooting. Looking for something a little quieter? The Grafton Ponds Outdoor Center offers snowshoe tours (currently through early March); their very popular Wine and Cheese tour includes sampling local cheese and wine while snug inside a warming hut. There are out-of-the-ordinary events too. Take your bicycle up to the Champlain Islands for the F-f-f-frozen Chosen bike race on iced-over Lake Champlain and enjoy other fun events at the Great Ice in Grand Isle festival (February 10-20). Snow golf anyone? Chester’s Winter Carnival (February 18-19) invites you to play. Set your sights high for 2012 and start early. Try something new in Vermont. Use the event categories search function at our statewide events calendar to find outdoor - and indoor - activities taking place all over Vermont. Photo credit: Friesians of Majesty, Townshend, Vermont. www.friesiansofmajesty.com |