FREE WINTERTIME ACTIVITIES IN OUR PARKS

While opportunities for most of these activities exist to one degree or another in all of our parks, the following list identifies the most popular choices. The site conditions will be updated weekly on this website. Remember that each activity is best with certain conditions...when it is cold with no snow, get out your skates, or walking shoes. When the snow is good get out your skis, sleds or snowshoes. There is always something fun to do.

X-C SKIING:

Intervale- this is the one access to groomed ski trails in Burlington. With the combined efforts of Local Motion and the Parks and Recreation Department, we are able to provide 3 miles of groomed farmland trails as well as multiple opportunities for un-groomed wooded trails. The groomed trails offer both skate and track skiing. For more information on conditions and volunteer opportunities take a look at these websites:

 www.enjoyburlington.com

www.localmotion.org/ski

Bike Path - this path is not groomed or maintained, but on the right days offers opportunities for breaking a new trail or skiing in an existing track. There are lake views and access to other parks along Burlington Waterfront. Multiple users are on this trail and good trail etiquette makes this path enjoyable for everyone.

Ethan Allen Park - this park offers a variety of terrain options and includes narrow woodland paths and a wider roadway trail. The trails are unmarked and not maintained.

Arms Park - this park is part of our Conservation land. It offers a number of wooded trails that are not maintained. There is use from the Burlington High School ski team and so chances are good that a trail will be broken. With permission from the Episcopal Diocese on Institute Road, access through this property to the Rock Point property extends the opportunities for a good ski.

Leddy- Leddy park offers ungroomed, fairly flat wooded trails. The trails are not long, but pass through both coniferous and deciduous woodlands. This site also offers access to the lake and bikepath, as well as the opportunities for family fun at the Ice Arena.

ICE SKATING:

There are a number of opportunities for ice skating outdoors throughout the City. All the rinks have lights for nighttime skating. Hockey goals are provided at both Waterfront and Starr Farm rinks. For access to a conditioned rink with restrooms, concessions and a pro shop come and visit our indoor rink at Leddy Park Arena.

·      Waterfront

·      Calahan

·      Starr Farm

·      Roosevelt

·      Battery

TRAIL HIKING/WALKING/SNOWSHOEING:

Depending on the amount of snow, the type of access to the outdoors varies. The following locations offer opportunities for hiking, snowshoeing, or walking through woodlands and riverside farmland. Opportunities to see, and hear evidence of wildlife abounds, if only with tiny footprints.

Ethan Allen Park

·      WVPD

·      Intervale

·      Arms

·      Mt. Calvary

·      Oakledge

SLEDDING:

If you go for speed and daring or if you're good at going down but can't quite get up the hill in your thickly padded snowsuit and short legs, there is a sledding hill in Burlington for you. Of course the hills are not maintained and all sledding is dependent on weather and is done at your own risk.

·      Schmanska - High speed narrow slope from the cemetery down and smaller, gentle slopes for beginners

·      Callahan - High speed wide slope, medium slopes and tiny gentle slopes for beginners

·      Ethan Allen Park - Advanced and intermediate slopes

·      Oakledge - Intermediate and beginner

·      North Beach - The Bowl - intermediate slope leading down to a central point

SNOW PILES:

Many of our neighborhood parks don't have access to slopes so we bring the slopes to you. The parks below have snow piles that we create that gives you many opportunities to be creative. Some neighborhoods make sledding piles and others create snow caves. Have fun.

·      Roosevelt Park

·      City Hall Park

·      Smalley Park

·      Lakeside Park

·      Waterfront Park