What:  Nordic trails creation and identification, Nordic ski lending program, Nordic ski instruction, and Winterfest.
In 2017, the Guilford Recreation Commission initiated a project to encourage Nordic skiing in Guilford. The first step in this project, named the Bill Koch Nordic Skiing Project, was to identify trails in honor of Guilford native Bill Koch, Olympic Silver Medalist in 1976 and innovator of the skate skiing technique. Bill honed his early skills in Guilford by skiing to school and has given this project his blessing.

​In recent years, Guilford has boasted a number of outstanding accomplishments by local Nordic skiers; Guilfordite Isaac Freitas-Egon was the top ranked boys high school skier in the state in 2018, and Nordic team members from Guilford have regularly contributed to both the boys and girls' state championship teams. Indeed, Nordic skiing continues to be a proud part of this tight-knit community's heritage. ​

​This gratifying project both honors the legacy of Bill Koch and demonstrates the Recreation Commission's dedication to inspiring a love of wholesome, affordable winter activity.

Trail Identification

Working in coordination with the Guilford Conservation Commission, the Guilford Central School, the Guilford Recreation Club, and the Fairgrounds Committee, the Recreation Commission has to date identified four trails: Carpenter Hill, School Loop, Fairgrounds and Playscape.  These trails are suitable for a range of ages and abilities, from novice to expert. Guilford's topography lends itself to trail development, so additional trails may be added in the future. As part of this overall project to foster healthy winter activity for all, the Guilford Recreation Commission hopes to expand its inventory of Nordic skis, boots and poles to enable people of all ages the ability to borrow equipment from the Guilford Free Library, along with snowshoes, in a process similar to the library's lending of books. 

Volunteer for the Bill Koch Nordic Skiing Project

We need your help clearing trails, with Skiing Instruction, and Organizing the Lending Program.
​Contact Us

Nordic Ski Lending Program

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In 2018, the Recreation Commission made Nordic skiing available to all interested Guilford students.  A survey sent to students, pre-K through 6th grade, found 28 students interested; twenty-five of these students in need of equipment.  A Guilford Promise Grant of $2,600, plus an anonymous donation and a hefty discount from the Skirack in Burlington enabled the Recreation Commission to purchase 25 Nordic packages of skis, boots, poles, given free of charge to Guilford School students for the duration of the winter. ​

​The Bill Koch Nordic Skiing Project is thriving in 2019, so much so that this winter, responding to interest by Guilford Central School students and home-schoolers alike, the Recreation Commission will double its inventory of Nordic equipment.   A RiseVT Amplify Grant of $1,499, an anonymous donation, funds from the Recreation Commission, another generous discount from the Skirack in Burlington, plus monies from fundraising efforts will enable the Recreation Commission to purchase Nordic equipment and once again offer skis, boots, poles free of charge to all interested Guilford students for the duration of the winter.

Testimonials

"Went for the first ski of the year with Liam. First time in over 20 years for me. His skis are courtesy of Guilford Recreation program that offers skies for Guilford youth."  ~  Josh Salisbury​
"Thank you all so much for lending us some Nordic skis for the winter! It was their first time ever on skis and they had a blast with them over school vacation.  Thank you again!"  ~  Alix Joyal
"This program is the best! Eli was up and out the door to go ski at 7:30am the morning after he picked up his skis - he was so excited and confident from his first year!"  ~  Maggie Foley

Nordic Skiing Instruction

Beginning in 2019, The Recreation Commission offers a series of 4 free Nordic ski lessons each winter, where students can hone their skills.  Instruction is held at the Guilford Center Village Natural Playscape, at the Guilford Fairgrounds and at the Guilford Central School.  These lessons are led by volunteer community members who provide the children with instruction in basic skills and techniques to build their confidence and expand their enjoyment in Nordic skiing.   
​Thank you, volunteers! 

Donate to the Bill Koch Nordic Skiing Program

The volunteers of the Guilford Recreation Commission work hard to bring this program to the community for free, but we do need funds to make this happen.  We have been lucky to receive grants to help us get this program started and this helps to keep our budget low to not impact our property tax rates.  The interest in this program doubled this season and has left us with a bit of a budget shortfall.  

Would you help us raise $1,172.40 to keep this successful program funded through 2020?

Donate Online

Donate In Person

Donations may be made by cash or check and dropped off at the Guilford Town Office.
​236 School Rd.
Guilford, VT 05301
(Please make the checks out to “Town of Guilford” c/o Guilford Recreation.  Donations can be anonymous if you wish)

Donate by Mail

Town of Guilford
c/o Guilford Recreation
236 School Rd.
Guilford, VT 05301
(Please make the checks out to “Town of Guilford” c/o Guilford Recreation.  Donations can be anonymous if you wish)

The Bill Koch Nordic Skiing Project is made possible by:

  • Bill Koch, Guilford Native and Olympic Silver Medalist in Nordic Skiing
  • Guilford Recreation Commission - General funding and oversight
    • ​Jake Dixon - Project Manager
  • SkiRack - Supplier of ski equipment at steep discounts
  • RiseVT - Amplify Grant 2018
  • Community Collaborative for Guilford - Promise Grant 2019
  • Guilford Free Library - 
  • Guilford Central School - 
  • Guilford Fairgrounds - 







236 School Road
Guilford, VT 05301
contact@guilfordrecreation.org
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