The Longest Ice Skating Trail In The US Offers A Dazzling Winter Getaway

Whether you're an avid ice skating enthusiast or just enjoy watching clips from the Winter Olympics on social media, it is hard not to feel a spark of inspiration to get out on the ice yourself. The sport traces its roots to Scandinavia more than 4,000 years ago, where people once fashioned skates from sharpened bones. You don't have to be an Olympic athlete to join in on the icy fun; even the most inexperienced can feel the joy of the sport.

Lake Morey Ice Skating Trail in Fairlee, Vermont, provides this experience and makes for a perfect family vacation destination. This trail is recognized as the longest groomed natural ice trail in the United States. It might not be quite as long as Canada's Rideau Canal — one of the largest ice skating rinks in the world — it's still an impressive winter bucket list spot in New England. It circles the 600-acre Lake Morey at the family-owned Lake Morey Resort. Now in its third generation of familial ownership, the resort occupies a stretch of shoreline in the hills of Vermont's Upper Connecticut River Valley. From Burlington, Vermont, the drive takes just over an hour and a half, and from Boston, the drive will take visitors two hours and twenty minutes north.

The trail itself stretches a whopping 4.5 miles, making a large loop around the edges of the lake. Skaters can get up close to the nearby snow-dusted trees for a serene winter experience. The trail gets groomed regularly when the temperatures permit, so it stays smooth for that perfect glide on skates. Within the loop trail are smaller rinks with wooden goals that invite visitors to gather up a hockey team or practice their figure skating skills in a more protected space.

The loop is open to the public and free to access, and if you own your own skates, even better. Those who wish to rent skates can do so from the Clubhouse, which is just steps away from the main hotel and easily accessible for visitors. Rentals open at 9 a.m. for guests of the resort and 10 a.m. for the public, and all rental gear must be returned by 4:45 p.m. In addition to skates, which are of the Nordic variety, visitors are also able to rent helmets and Kicksparks, which are Nordic stand-up sleds that help skaters maintain balance during the learning process. The resort recommends visitors bring their own milk crate or foldable chair for aid in balancing as well. Keep in mind that this isn't your average indoor ice skating rink where space can feel cramped and you fear someone running over your fingers while you're down. There is ample space for learning, and the trail feels more forgiving and encouraging.

The season usually runs January and February, but safety comes first, and the outdoor temperature must be at freezing or below in order to operate. Warmer conditions make the ice too soft, which can pose risks or simply make skating less enjoyable. Check the daily ice report on the Town of Fairlee's site or have a look at the live webcam for the most up-to-date weather conditions at the trail. If you've skated the big loop a few times and are ready for a different winter activity, the resort also offers sledding, snowshoeing, or cross-country skiing on their 18-hole golf course. Gear is available for rent. Here's another destination for a picture-perfect holiday trip in New England.