The top winter activities in Vermont

From snow flurries to storms, winter brings some dramatic weather to New England. For those looking for the ultimate winter getaway, Vermont is a great choice, located just a few hours from Boston. Whether you’re skiing the slopes or strolling one of the state’s 100 covered bridges with a cup of hot cocoa, there are lots of great winter activities in Vermont.

Outdoor Adventures

If you’re eager to get the snowy season started, there are plenty of ways to get into the thick of the winter fun. Vermont is a serious skiing state with 19 alpine ski resorts, 30 cross-country touring centres, 6,090 acres of alpine terrain, 1,209 trails and 1,180 miles of Nordic trails.

Here, all abilities are catered for, from advanced downhillers to training toddlers to those seeking a quiet cross-country jaunt. Look into winter sports at resorts like Killington, Okemo, Mad River Glen, Bromley Mountain Ski Resort and Sugarbush.

Trade mogul skiing in for mush with an exhilarating ride through snowy fields from outfits like Braeburn Siberians Dog Sledding and Eden Dogsledding. For a thrill, Vermont also has a remarkable snowmobile trail system totalling 5000 miles of wintertime wonders, as well as fantastic sledging, outdoor community ice rinks and horse drawn carriages.

The Green Mountains, one of the world’s oldest mountain ranges, dominate Vermont’s horizon. The miles of old logging roads, forest paths, and frozen lakes and bogs can only be reached by a trek on snowshoes. Cross country ski centres, alpine ski resorts, sport shops and inns all over Vermont rent snowshoes for such lofty adventures. Go it alone or take a guided walk along the Long Trail, America’s first long-distance hiking trail, with the Green Mountain Club.

Indoor Inclinations

When the chilly winds become too much, there are still plenty of fun winter activities in Vermont to try out. Relive the summer by donning your swimsuit to surf, climb or float the Big River at The Pumphouse Waterpark at the Jay Peak Resort. 

For kids (and the young at heart), check out The Montshire Museum of Science in Norwich, which has over 60 interactive exhibits. Or take a day trip to the Fairbanks Museum and Planetarium in St. Johnsbury, where you can investigate upcoming snowstorms through its weather series. The little ones will also love the famous Vermont Teddy Bear Factory Tour in Shelburne and, right across the street, the Shelburne Museum delights art lovers with over 150,000 works including works by Monet, Manet and Degas.

As the nation’s leading producer of maple syrup, visiting Vermont in late winter means the sap is running and the sweet smell of maple fills the air. Dozens of sugarhouses are open for tastings, tours and a whole host of events throughout the season.

With over 45 farms producing over 150 varieties of artisan and farmstead cheese, it’s no wonder this dairy delight is on every foodie’s must-try list when visiting Vermont. For a sweeter treat, a 30-minute tour around one of Vermont’s most famous dairy farms, Ben & Jerry’s, ends with a giant bowl of Chunky Monkey ice cream.

Vermont is the perfect winter getaway, whether you’re looking for serene scenery or exciting adventures on the slopes.

Written by Cheryl Fenton