Winter Term P.E. Lessons

Join Winter Term Lessons: Earn PE Credit While Snowshoeing, Fat Biking, and Cross Country Skiing

Jan 6–29, 2026 • Wednesdays, Thursdays or Fridays @ 2 PM | Limited Space, Act fast.

What You’ll Get

Make the most of Winter Term with four weeks of outdoor adventure at Rikert. Choose Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays and experience a different winter activity each week. No previous experience is needed — just come ready to get outside and try something new.

FOUR WINTER ACTIVITIES
Experience fatbiking, snowshoeing, classic cross-country skiing, and skate skiing — one activity each week.
EQUIPMENT INCLUDED
We provide the equipment you’ll need for each activity, including bikes, snowshoes, skis, boots, and poles.
TRAIL PASS INCLUDED
Your Rikert trail pass is included during each of your four scheduled lessons.
P.E. CREDIT
Complete the participation requirements for your four-week session to earn Winter Term P.E. credit.
FREE TRANSPORTATION
No car? No problem. Shuttle service between campus and Rikert is available via Tri-Valley Transit.

Learn Outdoors, Earn Credit

Winter in Vermont is a gift — take advantage of it!

Middlebury College’s Rikert Outdoor Center, located on the beautiful Bread Loaf Campus in Ripton, gives students the opportunity to get outside, try something new, and earn P.E. credit during Winter Term.

This four-week program is designed to introduce you to four different ways to enjoy winter. You’ll experience fatbiking, snowshoeing, classic cross-country skiing, and skate skiing — with a different activity each week.

No previous experience is needed. We’ll provide the equipment, instruction, and trail access during your lessons. Just choose the day that works for you — Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays — and stick with that day throughout the four-week session.

Whether you’re looking to earn P.E. credit, discover a new winter activity, or simply spend more time outside this January, Rikert is a great place to do it.

Young woman cross-country skiing on snowy trail, enjoying winter J-Term lesson.

Weekly Lesson Schedule

Choose Wednesdays, Thursdays, or Fridays and stick with that day for all four weeks.

During your four-week session, you’ll experience fatbiking, snowshoeing, classic cross-country skiing, and skate skiing — one activity each week.

Classes Start at 2 p.m.

Wednesdays
January 6, 13, 20 & 27

Thursdays
January 7, 14, 21 & 28

Fridays
January 8, 15, 22 & 29

Cost

$150 — includes four lessons, trail passes, equipment rentals, and access to transportation.
You are welcome to bring your own equipment, but there is no price reduction.

PE Credit Requirements

To earn 1 PE credit, students must:
• Register through the P.E. portal
• Complete 4 lessons
• Participate fully
• Submit any late credit requests before the start of the Spring semester

Getting There

No car? No problem!
The Tri Valley Transit Snowbowl Shuttle runs hourly from ADK Circle to Rikert throughout Winter Term.
Schedules are posted on the Snowbowl website.

Driving directions:
• From Route 7 (East Middlebury): Follow VT-125 East for ~7 miles.

What to Wear

Dress for changing weather and active movement. We recommend:
• Layered, moisture-wicking clothing
• Winter jacket, hat, and gloves (not mittens)
• Warm socks
• Snow pants or another insulated/windproof outer layer
• Sunglasses for bright days
• A small daypack for water and a snack

All ski equipment is provided. Rikert also has a small retail shop with Nordic-specific accessories such as hats and gloves.

Ready To Sign Up For Winter?