Notchview

Notchview is an excellent cross country skiing resort that is right off the main highway, very easy to get to, and has excellent trails. A great place for beginners and advanced skiers alike.
Parking:
As the turnoff is right off the main highway, traffic getting in and out of the parking area can be a little bit frustrating to navigate. There is parking alongside the road on both sides. As you approach Notchview from the road, take a look at the parking situation up near the lodge, sometimes there are several empty spaces, but most people don’t see them, and end up parking clear at the bottom of the slight hill.
Lodge:
Notchview’s lodge does not accurately match the quality of the skiing area. It’s tight quarters, with chairs and tables crammed in every possible spot, leaving little room for comfort. Upstairs however, there are a couple of couches and an armchair, which is rarely ever taken. For a bit of privacy and peace and quiet, I’d recommend sitting upstairs.
Notchview also does not have a kitchen. Instead, they rely on premade sandwiches, soups from a local restaurant, and other miscellaneous bakery items, such as bagels, muffins, and the odd vegetable samosa. The chili here is absolutely abhorrent, with far too much cumin. However, I did find that I really enjoyed the vegetable samosas, despite them being cold and not able to be warmed up. Cocoa, cider, etc. are all made from a packet, which you make yourself. There’s little to no service in the food department. I’d advise planning ahead, and either packing your lunch, or making a trip to a local restaurant for a bite to eat.
Skiing:
Notchview excels in the trail department. There’s lots of mileage, from beginner to advanced: gently sloping hills, wide open meadows, naturally increasing to steeper climbs and downhills. Some of the trails are a bit narrow. The tracks are well laid, and in most cases on both side of the trail.
Notchview is not the easiest place for a beginner to start, as even some of the more basic trails still require technical skills that a first time cross country skier may not have. Before hitting the trails, I would have beginners practice in some of the more wide-​open meadow spaces, especially how to kick up a hill and safely traverse a downhill.
I’d strongly suggest skipping the rudimentary bunny hop trail. It is for beginners; however, if you are over the age of 10, your skis will be too long to navigate the sharp up and downs. You’ll fall after getting stalled between two hills, and twist your knee like I did. It is much easier for those with very short skis to navigate this area.
On the open-​faced hills and meadows, the wind can get a bit harsh, so it’s advisable to avoid these areas on particularly windy days. Once in the forest however, the wind dies down quite significantly.
Another pro and con for Notchview is that they host a number of cross country skiing races. Notchview was the first place I ever tried to cross country ski, and it was very intimidating to be surrounded by advanced skiers who were intensely focused on their race (they can be a bit coarse). I would recommend avoiding race days if at all possible, as the lodge becomes very congested and some trails are limited due to their use by those racing. Not to mention the fact that the crowds can cause a lot of frustration and anxiety for those who are just learning.
Notchview is a cross country skiing staple. Its simple access, no-​nonsense directions make it an easy choice when the weather may be poor. However, you will end up sacrificing a chance at good food at a comfortable lodge, and instead be subjected to lots of people, both on the trails and off.

If you are looking to go cross country skiing this is a MUST. Everyone was so friendly and the trails were groomed perfectly. It is great for all experience levels. The trails WERE beautiful. Highly recommend