Stump Sprouts XC Ski Center
West Hill Road, Dept. ISF
West Hawley, MA, 01339, USA
(413) 339-4265

Stump Sprouts is both oddly named and quintessentially New England, a family farm which now serves as a rustic and comfortable XC skiing spot. The Lodge has stood for 21 years at the foot of an imposing mountain slope, offering remarkable vistas across meadows, overlooking the Chickley Valley and treating guests to a 180-degree view of Hawley State Forest. The main guest lodge, which can accommodate up to 25 guests, was built by hand by owners Lloyd and Suzanne Crawford with wood from their farm. It enchants guests with fine, family-style homemade meals, decidedly non-electronic games and a relaxing sauna, exactly what people need after an invigorating day of skiing the 25 km of trails. Equipment rentals are available, and several important events are scheduled this year, including a fund-raiser for the Food Bank.

When asked to describe what makes Stump Sprouts so special, Lloyd says that it is the sense of "really being at one with nature." He means this in the literal sense, as he has taken pains to ensure that the XC skiing makes the lowest possible environmental impact. Wildlife abounds, in the form of white tail deer, moose, bobcat, coyote and snowshoe hare. An extension of this philosophy is in the narrow "classical" trails, 75% of which are groomed, the remainder are primitive and afford the opportunity to explore on skis or snowshoe in peace, perhaps tramping to the nearby Deerfield River. With some points rising to over 1,800 feet, Stump Sprouts manages to maintain its snow cover much longer than other areas and the height also grants views of Massachusetts, Vermont and New Hampshire (even majestic old Mount Manadnock), so experts and beginners alike will find much to enjoy.