Cross-country skiing
Cross-Country Skiing
Prospect Mountain is the first choice of cross-country skiiers in the area and boasts a rustic lodge that serves food and has a warm fire. During winter study, the Williams Outing Club runs a skiing class here. Prospect has the great advantage of having snow much longer than at lower elevations, so you can keep skiing well into the spring.
If you don't have a car, you have two options near campus. One is Hopkins Forest, and the other is the Taconic Golf Club. Both have groomed trails in the winter, provided that there is sufficient snow, and are much cheaper. Personally, I find the rolling hills of the golf course more enjoyable than the go-straight-up and come-straight-down trails of Hopkins Forest. There are also groomed ski trails in the woods behind Mt. Greylock High School.
No skis? No problem. Just join the Williams Outing Club for $10 a year and stop by the equipment room (now in the Paresky Center) between 12-1 Monday-Thursday or 12-2 Friday to borrow skis, snowshoes, sleds, etc. The equipment room managers can help you find the correct size.