Night skiing is one of winter's magical gifts. The cold air feels a little crisper, the evening sky a bit clearer, and the forest even more peaceful than usual. Not to mention that the hot post-ski beverage of your choice will undoubtedly taste better. Here are seven ski centers where lantern, headlamp, or the moon's natural light will guide you through a glowing landscape.

Nordic Heritage Center
Presque Isle, Maine

The Nordic Heritage Center, tucked deep in Maine's northern Aroostook County, near the Canadian border, provides community access to ski and bike trails year-round. An Olympic skier designed the center's 20 kilometers of trails, which include 2.5 kilometers lit for night skiing from 4:30 to 8:30 p.m. every day. On clear nights, the Northern Lights may be on display. The lodge is open to the public, and adjoining buildings provide equipment rentals and waxing facilities—and even a sauna. Trails are open to the public for no charge.

Distance: 20 kilometers; 2.5 kilometers lighted
Info: www.nordicheritagecenter.org

Gunstock Mountain Resort
Gilford, N.H.

Southern New Hampshire's Gunstock Mountain Resort, located near Lake Winnipesaukee, is perhaps best known as a downhill resort. But Gunstock brings its alpine expertise to the Nordic trails, where it makes snow when necessary. Fifty kilometers of trails wind through 2,400 acres at the base of the mountain and part way up its slopes. Trails are open until 9 p.m. from Tuesday through Thursday, and until 10 p.m. on Friday and Saturday. Purchase of a day or half-day pass is required ($12-$17).

Distance: 50 kilometers
Info: www.gunstock.com

Catamount Outdoor Family Center
Williston, Vt.

Northern Vermont's Catamount Outdoor Family Center is a recreation center for all seasons. It hosts cycling, running, skiing, and snowshoe events on a 35-kilometer trail network. The center is situated on two hills, with views of the Green Mountains to the east and Adirondacks to the west. Two loops, totaling about 3 kilometers, are open for night skiing. These moderate trails pass through woods and open fields. The center stays open until 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Thursdays. A nighttime trail pass is required ($9). Monthly moonlight snowshoe hikes are also offered.

Distance: 35 kilometers; 3 kilometers lighted
Info: catamountoutdoor.com

Sleepy Hollow Inn Ski Center
Huntington, Vt.

Among the facility's 34 kilometers of groomed and backcountry trails is a lighted 2-kilometer loop. Consisting of parts of the Liberty Meadow, Tina Turner, Upper Saddle Loop, Potato Farmer, and Ridge Road trails, the loop features varied terrain for beginners and experienced skiers alike. Skiers are also welcome to explore the other trails with headlamps. Sleepy Hollow hosts night races every Wednesday throughout January and February. Trails are open for night skiing on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays until 9 p.m. An after-3 trail pass is required ($10).

Distance: 34 kilometers; 2 kilometers lighted
Info: www.skisleepyhollow.com

Weston Ski Track
Weston, Mass.

Laid out over a golf course in suburban Boston (downtown is just a 10-mile drive away), the Weston Ski Track offers 15 kilometers of groomed trails alongside the Charles River. A 2-kilometer loop features lighting and machine-made snow, extending every day—and, indeed, the season—for the avid skier. A weekly night race is held every Tuesday at 7 p.m. through January and February. The lighted loop is open until 9 p.m. Monday-Thursday, and until 6 p.m. Friday-Sunday. An evening trail pass is required ($6.80-$12.75).

Distance: 15 kilometers; 2 kilometers lighted
Info: skiboston.com/skitrack/skitrack.php

Great Brook Farm State Park
Carlisle, Mass.

Ten miles of groomed trails crisscross this 1,000-acre farm, which dates back to the 17th century and still operates as a dairy today. Twice weekly (on Tuesdays and Thursdays) a 1-mile groomed loop is lantern lit until 9 p.m. Headlamps and other forms of lighting are not permitted during this time. A trail pass is required ($7-$10), though for daytime skiers there are ungroomed trails accessible for free. One of the farm's buildings has been converted into a ski shop.

Distance: 10 miles; 1 mile lighted
Info: www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/gbfm.htm

Pineridge Cross-Country Ski Area
Petersburgh, N.Y.

Located between Albany, N.Y., and Bennington, Vt., in the foothills of the Berkshire and Taconic mountains, Pineridge offers something for everyone. Fifty kilometers of groomed and ungroomed routes wind along Poestenkill Creek and through hardwood and evergreen forests. The Taconic Range and Mount Greylock can be seen from Pineridge's highest points. Four kilometers are lit for night skiing. Pineridge's night schedule varies depending on its number of group reservations, so check to see which nights the lights will be on. A trail pass is required ($7-$17).

Distance: 35 kilometers groomed, 15 kilometers ungroomed; 4 kilometers lighted
Info: www.pineridgexc.com