Cross Country Skiing -- Nearest to the ski area (just east of Killington Rd. on Rte. 100/Rte. 4) is Mountain Meadows Cross Country Ski Resort (tel. 802/775-7077 or 802/775-0166; www.xcskiing.net), with 36 miles of trails groomed for both skating and classic skiing. The trails are largely divided into three sections, with beginner trails closest to the lodge, an intermediate area a bit farther along, and an advanced 6-mile loop farthest away. Rentals and lessons are available at the lodge. For adults, a 1-day pass is $18, and a half-day (after 1pm) pass is $15. Kids ages 6 to 12 pay $8 per day, $6 per half-day.

The intricate network of trails at the Mountain Top Nordic Ski & Snowshoe Center (tel. 802/483-6089), part of the Mountain Top Inn, has long had a loyal following. The 50-mile trail network offers pastoral views through mixed terrain, most of it groomed. The trails are often deep with snow owing to the inn's ridge-top position high in the hills east of Rutland, and snowmaking along key portions of the trail ensures you won't have to walk across any bare spots during snow droughts. Adults pay $19 for 1-day trail passes, $16 for half-day passes (after 1pm). This is challenging and picturesque terrain.

Mountain Biking -- Mountain biking comes in two forms at Killington: barreling down the mountain, and exploring back roads on your own. Something like 45 miles of trails at the ski resort are opened to mountain biking, and one of the gondola lines (the K-1) is equipped to haul bikes and riders to the summit. After enjoying the great views, riders then give their forearms -- rather than their thighs -- a workout applying the brakes as they bump some 1,700 vertical feet back down the slopes. A trail pass is $14 for adults; a trail pass plus two gondola rides up the mountain is $22; a trail pass plus unlimited gondola rides are $35 per day. (Go for that one.) All these rates are heavily discounted for bikers age 12 and under.

Killington's Mountain Bike Shop (tel. 802/422-6232) is located in the Base Lodge and is open from June to mid-October. They do repairs, sell sports drinks, and rental bikes; adult rates start at $35 for 2 hours and run up to $49 for a full day, again discounted for junior riders. Helmets are required (small additional charge).

Bikes are also available for rent -- along with sound advice on local trails -- from True Wheels Bike Shop (tel. 802/422-3234), in the Basin Ski Shop near the top of the Killington Access Road. Rentals range from around $45 a day for a low-end bike to around $65 for a bike with rock shocks and disc brakes (half-day rates also available; helmets are included). Reservations are helpful during holidays and busy times.

Golf -- Vermont is loaded with fine golf courses, public and private, lovely in summer and outstandingly scenic in fall. The acknowledged top course is Green Mountain National Golf Course (tel. 888/483-4653 or 802/422-4653; www.greenmountainnational.com) on Route 100 in Killington. Greens fees run from $49 to $69 per adult, not including the cost of a motorized cart (mandatory on weekends). There are discounts if you begin after 3pm. Rentals, instruction, and a driving range are also available.

Hiking -- Area hikers often set their sights on Deer Leap Mountain and its popular 3-hour loop to the summit and back. The trail begins at the Inn at Long Trail, off Route 4 at Sherburne Pass. Park your car across from the inn, then head north through the inn's parking lot onto the Long Trail/Appalachian Trail and into the forest. Follow the white blazes (you'll return on the blue-blazed trail you see entering on the left). In about a half-mile, you arrive at a crossroads. Here, the Appalachian Trail veers right and heads for New Hampshire's White Mountains and Mount Katahdin in Maine, the endpoint of the A.T. Vermont's Long Trail runs along the left fork. Take the Long Trail; after some hiking through forest and rock slab for a half-mile or so, turn left at the signs for Deer Leap Height. Great views of Pico and the Killington area await you in less than another half-mile. After a snack break, continue down the steep, blue-blazed descent back to Route 4 and your car. The entire round-trip is about 2.5 miles.

Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.