• Time to head for the mountain and enjoy winter in Vermont. Rikert Outdoor Center, on Middlebury College’s Bread Loaf Campus in Ripton, holds J-Term cross country ski lessons for Midd College kids taught by Midd College kids. Cross Country skiing teaches you to ski up, down and around without a lift, on lightweight comfortable equipment. Our trails take you through the beautiful woods which inspired Robert Frost’s poetry (his cabin is up a trail and through the woods!) Come learn a life time skill and earn a PE Credit at the same time.
• No car? No problem! There is a Tri Valley Transit bus traveling right up to Rikert which leaves and returns to campus hourly from the ADK Circle all of J-Term. Click here for the Snow Bowl bus schedule.

Lessons are one hour long. Techniques taught are classic(recommended for beginners) and skate. All lessons are taught by Middlebury College students.

Classes are offered:

• Wednesdays: 2:45-3:45 pm
• Thursdays: 2:45-3:45pm
• Fridays: 10:50-11:50 am
• Fridays: 2:35-3:45 pm

Lessons will run from Thursday, Jan 5th-Tuesday, February 2, 2024. Please plan accordingly, especially if you want to receive a PE credit.

Lessons are one hour and taught by college students..

• Cost: $100
• Gets you: 4 lessons (including trail passes and rentals) 3 of which must be completed for PE credit.
• 1 PE Credit (must complete at least three classes for PE Credit)
• Please choose either classic or skate when you register.

There is a bus to and from Rikert leaving campus from ADK Circle all during J-Term.

All ski equipment is provided. You may bring your own, but please note that there is no reduction in price.

Please wear warm clothes: winter/ wind jacket, gloves (not mittens), hat, warm socks and snow pants or some other windproof/insulated outer layer. Dressing in many thin layers is the best way to adjust your temperature, and remember wool and /or wicking microfibers are the best.

Rikert has a small retail shop where you can purchase Nordic specific hats, and gloves.

FAQs

Decide you need to get PE Credit after the fact?

Any late requests for PE Credit must be received by Rikert Outdoor Center before the start of the Spring semester.

What are my transportation/parking options for getting to and from the event?

• By Car:
• From the West (East Middlebury,VT): From Route 7, turn onto RT 125 East for approximately 7 miles.
• From the East (Hancock VT): From Rt 100 turn onto Rt 125 West in Hancock VT, head west for approximately 9 miles.
• By Bus: There is a Tri Valley Transit bus traveling right up to Rikert which leaves and returns to campus hourly from the ADK Circle all of J-Term.

What is the refund policy?

Refunds can only be given before J-Term registration closes on January 5, 2024.

Any J-term attendee who wishes to withdraw from their lessons, will not be issued a refund once J-Term lessons have begun.

In the event of illness or injury which requires you to withdraw from the J-Term lessons, we must receive a letter from your doctor in order for you to receive a refund or a partial refund.

No refunds will be issued after April 1st. Registration and payments apply only to the current year.