Winter Lessons & Clinics
Winter opperations usually start in mid-December and run through mid-March.
Please note that all lessons are weather and condition dependent.
To book your lesson, please start by completing this Lesson Request Form.
Lessons are closed for winter 24/25. Thank you for a great season!
Catamount Lessons:
Catamount Outdoor Family Center offers lessons for xc skiing and winter biking. We also offer guided tours for both user groups as well as snowshoers. Lessons are great for folks looking for one on one instruction or wanting to have a Semi-private group lesson.
Lesson & Tour Fees:
Private Lessons: $75/ hour
Semi-Private Lessons: $60/hour per person
Tours: $100/hour (Email: lessons@Catamountoutdoor.org to book)
*Gratuities not included but encouraged*
Advanced reservations are required for all lessons and tours. All lesson packages include complementary rental equipment and a day membership. Please note that price does not change if you have your own equipment or membership.
RESERVATION POLICY: Lessons require 48 hour advance reservation. Catamount cannot guarantee any day of lesson reservation.
CANCELLATION POLICY: We require a 24 hour notice to cancel your lesson reservation. Please email us as soon as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule so that we can open the lesson time to someone else. Any cancellations within 24 hours will be charged full price to accommodate instructors time. Thank You!
Catamount Clinics:
Catamount Outdoor Family Center offers clinics and clinic series on predetermined dates and times for xc skiing and winter biking. These are a great way to learn new skills and meet other folks in the community that are new to that sport. Looking to set your own dates and time? Check out our lesson options above!
Advanced reservations are required for all clinic offerings. All clinic packages include rental equipment and a day membership. Please note that price does not change if you have your own equipment or membership. To view our clinics, please visit our Event Calendar
RESERVATION POLICY: Clinics require advance reservation. Catamount cannot guarantee any day of clinic access.
CANCELLATION POLICY: We require a 24 hour notice to cancel your clinic reservation. Please email us as soon as possible if you need to cancel or reschedule so that we can open the clinic spot to someone else. Any cancellations within 24hours will be charged full price to accommodate instructors time. Thank You!
INSTRUCTOR: Maggie Brown
Maggie has been cross country skiing for over 10 years. Growing up in Southern Vermont, skiing quickly became an outlet for her to connect with nature. She believes the best way to endure the winter is to get outside and enjoy the snow, whether that be downhill skiing, snowshoeing, cross country skiing or building a snowman! In the past, you could find Maggie in the woods guiding winter backpacking trips with high school students. This winter, you’ll find her out on the trails at Catamount OFC and coaching the Burlington High School Nordic team.
INSTRUCTOR: Justin Bennett
Justin Bennett has been skiing close to 20 years, downhill as well as cross country and has been fat biking for a few years now. He also enjoys road biking, mountain biking, hiking in the summer months; Basically any type of excuse to be outdoors year round. Justin has been a downhill ski instructor for about 6 years and a nordic coach for 2 years. He can be found leading our weekly bike rides year round, coaching our Cycling and Winter Clubs, or supporting Winter Wanderers Camp. Justin is SafeSport and Wilderness First Aid certified and he is looking forward to exploring Catamount OFC with you this winter.
INSTRUCTOR: Andrew Gewirtz
Drew is a Champlain College graduate from Bethany, CT. He first started skiing at the age of 2 on family trips to Vermont. He has lived in Williston for 10 years and loves the trails that the Catamount Outdoor Family Center has to offer. He was a Alpine coach at Bolton Valley for 2 years and has completed the P.S.I.A (Professional Ski Instructors of America) level 1. He is looking forward to helping you get out, explore and learn about the mechanics of skiing!
INSTRUCTOR: Amanda Preston
Amanda has been leading educational and recreational outings for diverse audiences for over a decade. With a background as a former interpretive guide, she enjoys incorporating natural, cultural, and historical insights into her programs. An adult-onset adventurer, Amanda didn’t start snowboarding, nordic skiing, fat biking, or mountain biking until after age 20. She understands the challenges of picking up new activities, especially alongside people who’ve been doing them since they were toddlers. She finds joy in trying new things and supporting other adult-onset adventurers as they build confidence and find their groove. Amanda is certified in SafeSport, Leave No Trace, Suicide Prevention, and Wilderness First Aid.
INSTRUCTOR: Andy Coddington
Andy learned how to ski and mountin bike right here at Catamount. That love for sliding and turning stayed with him and now he’s back as a year round employee. He’s a certified BICP bike instructor and has a lifetime of downhill and nordic ski experience and knowledge to share.
INSTRUCTOR: John Atkinson
John has been helping people become better riders and gliders for 30 years and is a certified Gravity Logic Level 1 freeride coach and a Bike/Walk Smart educator. His primary focus is working with new and less aggressive riders and gliders looking to build confidence and skill sets in a patient fun environment.
