Hartland Winter Trails

Trail Policy and Etiquette

Trail policies

Hartland Winter Trails has permission to use the trails during the winter season for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing only. Other forms of transport such as fat bike, horse, dog team (with or without sled), snowmobile, and all-terrain vehicle (ATV) are not permitted with the exception of trail grooming equipment. Use of the trails during other seasons is not permitted.

All trails are also on private property and some landowners have explicit instructions for the public to use their land. Please be aware of and follow all posted signs and thank any landowner you know or see while on the trails.

Trail etiquette

To ensure the safety of fellow trail users and the longevity of our trails, we ask that you please review and respect the following guidelines, adapted from the Dartmouth Cross-Country Ski Center website:

  1. Downhill skiers have right of way
  2. Ski/snowshoe on the right and pass on the left
  3. Adjust your speed to the conditions
  4. When overtaking announce your presence by stating “on your left”
  5. Assist any injured person in need of help
  6. Respect the Classic tracks – do not skate or snowshoe across them
  7. When stopped, move to the side of trail

Do NOT walk on the trails in boots or shoes. Significant effort and resources go into maintaining and grooming the trails, and we need everyone to do their part to keep the trails in good shape. Loaner snowshoes are available for free on the front stairs of the Hartland Recreation Center. When snowshoeing, please stay to the side of the prepared trail and out of the specially-laid ski tracks!

Respect private landowners. The trails provide a unique opportunity to meander through fields and back woods as the system is built on private properties. About 30 landowners are generous enough to let their property be used for winter recreation, and it is only with each landowner’s continued support that the trails will continue to exist. Good relations with the landowners is essential to the future of the trail system! Please respect the privilege of sharing their land.

Dogs must remain on leash. We understand that active owners love to take “Fido” along for some exercise too. Please ensure your dog remains on a leash and under control at all times. This is necessary to avoid any trouble with other skiers, dogs, or wildlife. Try to keep your dog(s) out of the prepared track.

Enjoy the trails at your own risk. We are fortunate in Vermont to have laws which help protect landowners from liability suits. The laws encourage landowners to open their property for recreational use. This means that you — the skier or snowshoer — use the trails completely at your own risk.