Beckwith to lead Rikert as manager

Middlebury College as appointed Justin Beckwith as the new full-time, year-round manager of the Rikert Outdoor Center in Ripton. This marks a historic moment as Beckwith becomes the first full-time, year-round manager in Rikert’s history.

I’m standing on the snow at Rikert next to my wife Deborah, clicking my cross-country ski boots into my bindings.

A bright purple, custom-made, 12-foot trailer with rustic wooden accents is a new regular at Rikert Nordic Center in Ripton.

My wife and I bought our seasons passes for the Rikert Nordic Center today. In truth, it was more of a step of hope than one based on the present reality.

RIPTON/GOSHEN — There has been at least one arguably positive side effect of the COVID-19 pandemic: Operators of Addison County’s two Nordic skiing centers report a surge of interest in cross-country skiing during the past winter. They cite factors that i … (read more)

RIPTON — Frost Mountain Nordic skiing program this winter included a group of middle school- age skiers called the “Wildcats” that logged some serious mileage and that culminated in a multi-hundred- mile feat last weekend. “It’s a real mixed group who hav … (read more)

RIPTON/HANCOCK — Yes, the Middlebury College Snow Bowl and Rikert Nordic Center will be doing business this winter, with both areas opening some trails starting this week. Both areas had targeted earlier dates, but uncooperative weather pushed back their … (read more)

HANCOCK/RIPTON — The Rikert Nordic Center and the Middlebury Snow Bowl will welcome skiers this winter with COVID-19 safety measures in place. Changes include required online reservations for skiing, equipment rentals, and lessons, as well as lodge access … (read more)

Among the things to give thanks for at this season, one that I think of daily is the work of the crew at the Rikert Nordic Center at Breadloaf. It’s been a low snow year around here, but Barney Hodges, Mike Hussey and their entire Middlebury College crew … (read more)

RIPTON — The Middlebury Union High School boys’ Nordic skiing team opened its season on Saturday with a dominant performance in a six-team meet at Rikert Nordic Center, while the Tiger girls posted some solid results in finishing third. The Tiger boys pla … (read more)

RIPTON — In February 2013 work to install snowmaking at Middlebury College’s Rikert Nordic Center was completed. Before then, Mike Hussey, general manager of the two Middlebury College ski areas, said Rikert opened about 70 days a winter and attracted abo … (read more)