With winter just around the corner, Bethel Village Trails (BVT) is pleased to announce new programs and events for the 2018-19 cross-country ski season. BVT, a project of Mahoosuc Pathways, provides trails year-round for biking, walking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Located at The Bethel Inn Resort, BVT plans to open for the winter season on December 15th.

This season, students 17 and under who live in the SAD44 school district will be able to ski, snowshoe, or use the fat bike trails free of charge. After showing proof of residency they will be issued a day or season pass, depending on how often they plan to use the trails. “ Mahoosuc Kids is pleased that Bethel Village Trails is offering this new ski program for kids in SAD#44. MKA is looking forward to introducing kids to skiing at BVT, and appreciates what a wonderful opportunity  yhis is for our kids and our community,” says Mahoosuc Kids Association Executive Director Julie Hart.

Another new and exciting program is a collaboration with several Nordic ski centers in Maine. The purchase of a season pass at one of those centers will allow the passholder to receive ½ price day passes at other participating centers. This offer is good for for the entire 2018-19 ski season (passes are non-transferable). “ We’re excited to be able to collaborate with nordic ski centers throughout the state to help promote and popularize cross-country skiing,” says Mahoosuc Pathways Board Member Jonathan Goldberg.

Passes at BVT are on sale now at pre-season prices good through November 15th. Participating Nordic centers to date are: Pineland Farms, Rangeley Lakes Trails Center, Carter’s XC Ski Centers, Quarry Road Trails, and BVT. New centers may be added as winter approaches. Allen Connors, Managing Partner at The Bethel Inn Resort, states “ The program will add value to our existing seasons passes by making it easier for our skiers to experience other centers. We see it as a win/win for pass holders and the centers taking advantage of the program!”

Events for 2019 include the Flying Moose Classic on February 10th, a classic-style race with two distance choices and a kids race that is organized in conjunction with the Bethel Outing Club; and NENSA’s U16 Championships on March 8-10. Plans for a fat bike race, Snowmaggedon, with Barker Mountain Bikes are in the works. To purchase a season pass or learn more about Bethel Village Trails, visit www.mahoosucpathways.org/Bethel-Village.