News and Updates
Press Release
Blueberry Hill Outdoor Center (BHOC), long known as Blueberry Hill Ski Center, is now established as a 501 (c)3 non-profit company. BHOC ensures land preservation and recreational access within a unique and historic section of the Green Mountain National Forest.
In 1969, Tony Clark became involved with Blueberry Hill Inn and began to build a network of cross-country ski trails on Inn property and extending into US Forest Service land. These trails became a vibrant focus of New England ski racing in the 1970s and 1980s, hosting races attended by local enthusiasts to collegiate skiers and Olympians.
50-kilometer of trails, initially developed for winter use only, have evolved into a year-round trail network used by hikers, runners, mountain bikers, skiers, and snowshoers who visit from New England and beyond.
For the last 50 years, Blueberry Hill Inn owners have been honored to share the property at BBH to provide information and access to the trails. We continue to work with the USFS as stewards. The establishment of BHOC as a non-profit focuses on building a strong outdoor community that ensures that the land and trail system can be cherished and maintained for many years to come.
Blueberry Hill Inn will to provide financial support and year-round maintenance to sustain and improve the trail network, located within the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area (MNRA) of the Green Mountain National Forest. Along with grants and donations from users the Inn and Outdoor Center can continue this work.
Description of trails
The Blueberry Hill trail system includes a long climb and descent over the shoulder of Romance Mountain - adjacent the Long Trail - and a spectacular view of the Green, Adirondack, and Taconic Mountains from the south side of Hogback Mountain (a site of many weddings, and even more blueberry picking). The trail system includes a segment of the Catamount Trail, the cross-country ski trail that extends the length of Vermont; connects with the trails of the Moosalamoo National Recreation Area, and directly to the Long Trail via the Sucker Brook Trail
Though many cross-country ski centers and race venues have since transitioned to wider trails groomed for both skate and classic skiing, the joys of narrow, ungroomed winding trails recall a fundamental way of being in the woods in winter.
What to expect this winter
This year, as we all work to find moments of peace from the strain of pandemic, we believe that access to nature and recreation is critical. This winter BHOC will offer cross-country ski, snowshoe, and microspike rentals, a sledding hill, socially-distanced and private indoor group space by reservation, and grab-and-go snacks and meals. BHOC has been the recipient of a small grant to help provide a safe experience during the pandemic, rigorously respecting state guidelines, while ensuring that visitors have a place to stay warm with family or friends as they venture outside.
Trails and trail access will be available all year round, funded through day-use donations, fundraising, and grants. No trail fees are required at BHOC for trail use or parking at the Inn. Our goal is to build community through shared use of this amazing place: our home.
You can support BHOC by visiting and exploring on the BHOC trails. Bring your family and friends, enjoy the trails, and spread the word and consider making a donation. All donations will be used to support trail maintenance and development, access and facilities to make the BHOC trails and programs more accessible to all.
Our website has more information about services and events, as well as a place where you can donate: https://blueberryhilltrails.com/#/