For many people, a trip to Vermont during the winter means skiing at one of its many outstanding ski resorts. But Vermont offers plenty of other outdoor activities as well as things to enjoy inside, including eating and drinking!
Vermont is a historic leader in U.S. snow sports. It is home to the country’s first alpine ski tow, built in 1934. It also had the first chairlift in the nation opened on Mount Mansfield in 1940, plus the first Nordic ski center at Trapp Family Lodge.
With 20 alpine ski resorts, 30 cross-country touring centers and 7,300 acres of alpine terrain, Vermont is the go-to place for East Coast skiing. The Green Mountains offer some of the country’s best skiing. Stowe, Smuggler’s Notch and Killington Resort all feature exceptional skiing for every skill level.
Stowe
Vermont's tallest peak, Mount Mansfield, and neighboring Spruce Peak are in the heart of the state's snow belt and make Stowe one of the best places to ski in New England.
Killington
Killington provides skiers and riders of all ability levels a choice of wide-open groomed cruisers, narrow classic New England runs, moguls, steeps and trees all serviced by 22 lifts including two express gondolas and a new high-speed six-person bubble chair.
Smuggler’s Notch
With its six terrain parks, Smuggler’s Notch offers a progression experience, beginning with the Riglet Park for little riders and ending at the Zone with its big hits for experienced freestyle skiers and riders.
Even if you don’t ski, there are a lot of other outdoor things to do that are fun for adults and kids, including:
Cross-Country Skiing – Centers offer a wide range of groomed trails or sheltered tracks through the woods.
Sledding – There are sledding parks, many at winter resorts, that bring out the kid in all of us. Grab a snow tube and get going.
Ice Skating – Many Vermont towns and villages have a community skating rink where you can rent skates. If you have your own skates, ask a local if there’s a pond used for skating.
Sleigh Ride – Many inns and farms offer horse-drawn sleigh rides, some with jingle bells!
Snowmobile – The Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST) maintains more than 5,000 miles of well-marked trails. Some winter resorts offer guided rides to get you started.
Dog Sledding – Watching 16-dog teams racing over a frozen lake is quite a sight. Maybe you can try being the musher!
Track a Moose – You never know what you’ll see if you take a walk in the woods after a fresh snow.
As for things to do indoors, the possibilities include:
A Day at a Spa – Dozens of inns and resorts throughout the state feature spas and fitness centers.
Enjoy a Concert – From jazz to folk to classical, Vermont's music scene is busy and eclectic. Check the calendar of events for listings.
Explore Breweries and Wineries – Vermont is home to dozens of craft breweries with some of the larger ones offering tours. In addition, Vermont wineries produce some unique and wonderful wines. Check out tastings from local wineries.
Visit a City – From Burlington to Brattleboro, Bennington to St. Johnsbury, Vermont's cities are small, friendly and often quirky.