Chances are you’ve seen picture postcards of Vermont in the winter that look a little like this: a winter village with unique shops and galleries, historic country inns, a white gazebo illuminated for the season, and a family building a snowman together. Or an inspiring view from atop a mountain looking out over the snow-covered landscape in all directions with no unnatural distractions (no billboards in Vermont!) in sight. Perhaps it’s a river winding gently through vast snow-covered fields as if cupped in the safe hands of the breathtaking mountains in the distance. Or picture the card showing people of all ages ripping down those same mountains on their skis, snowboards and sleds, the looks of determination, joy and excitement shining through otherwise serious poker faces.
One of the best parts of Vermont is that these classic scenes take place every day, in every corner of our state, all season long. All of Vermont embraces winter, which means all of Vermont becomes the frame for a perfect postcard. This winter, don’t wait around hoping for a postcard from Vermont in your mailbox —
put yourself in that postcard and create the memories that will last forever.
Here are just some of the ways to best enjoy winter in Vermont.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Snow begins to fall in October, with Vermont resorts averaging more than 250 inches of natural snowfall annually. Most resorts operate from early November through April with great conditions, thanks to a healthy dose of Mother Nature and efficient snowmaking systems, which cover more than 70% of Vermont’s 6,000 acres of skiing and riding terrain. Nowhere else in the east — including Maine, New Hampshire and New York combined —
will you find more ski resorts with more vertical terrain than in Vermont.
Vermont is home to 18 different alpine and 30 Nordic ski areas to satiate your ski and ride, cross-country, snowshoe or tubing appetite. Eighteen different Vermont alpine areas mean our resorts are guaranteed to fit your needs and interests. Whether you prefer a family friendly area or one known for its lively après-ski scene or all of the above, the options are close and plentiful. Vermont offers diverse skiing and riding terrain with easy beginner trails, challenging double black diamonds, perfectly groomed corduroy, glades and more.
It should come as no surprise that a number of current and former U.S. National Ski and Snowboard Team members and Olympians (including Gold, Silver and Bronze medalists) hail from Vermont and grew up on these very mountains.
Take a midweek ski vacation and you’ll share our legendary slopes with locals who are happy to offer tips on everything from a favorite trail to the best place to get homemade soup. And if you’re lucky, you might even get them to show you where to find untracked powder. Visit www.SkiVermont.com for the most up-to-date conditions.
Nordic Skiing
If cross-country skiing is your style, you’d be hard-pressed to find a more ideal setting than Vermont. Offering nearly 1,500 kilometers of scenic trails, Vermont’s 30 Nordic centers provide outdoor enthusiasts with an extensive playground to explore. With a variety of trail options, including machine-tracked, skating, backcountry, and lighted trails for night skiing, and of course, plenty of snow and classic Vermont charm, this is truly some of the best cross-country skiing anywhere. Visit www.SkiVermont.com for information on Nordic skiing.
Snowshoeing
Snowshoes have served as a practical transportation tool for thousands of years. But now, it’s all about winter exploration, racing, or just leisurely walking on the snow. Want to turn your winter day into an adventure? Strap on some snowshoes, get some friends or family together, and find a path into the woods. Yes, it’s that simple.
Snowshoeing has become a popular winter activity over the past several years, and it’s easy to see why: as simple as walking while affording easy access to the outdoors, nature, hiking trails and backcountry, snowshoeing is an activity just about anyone, at any age, may enjoy. If you love getting up close with nature and finding breathtaking “only in Vermont” views, snowshoeing Vermont’s backcountry is for you.
Whether out for a leisurely stroll or a vigorous running race, snowshoes offer an excellent low-impact workout that builds strength, endurance and aerobic capacity. Many of Vermont’s ski resorts offer snowshoe rentals and trails. You can also learn about popular trails from your local innkeeper or outdoor sports shop. Visit www.VermontVacation.com or www.voga.org for more on snowshoe rentals and trails.
Skijoring
Calling all dog lovers! From the land of fjords and trolls, “skijoring” is a sport with Scandinavian roots combining dog mushing and cross-country skiing into one thrilling ride. Discover the exhilaration of gliding across the snow under “dogpower.” Feel the synergy between you and your “best friend” as you work together to explore the Vermont landscape. Traditionally, Huskies or Malamutes are trained for skijor racing, but your own dog may enjoy it too. In recreational skijoring, it’s all about fun, exercise, and your four-legged companion. Check for guides that specialize in skijoring and Nordic centers that welcome the tradition. Check www.voga.org for more on skijoring.
Snowmobiling
Imagine a magical highway that suddenly appears every winter. One that goes through backcountry and snow-covered mountains, secluded valleys and friendly villages, that delivers eye-popping vistas... and conveniently stops right at the door of your inn, B&B, or motel. In Vermont, you don’t have to imagine it: it’s our winter world of snowmobiling. For over 40 years, Vermont has opened the doors to winter’s wonders with a remarkable trail system that now totals approximately 6,000 miles.
Vermont set the standard for well-marked trails, readable maps, easy access to fuel stops, food, and accommodations. Our convenient and numerous trailheads provide snowmobilers with an easy way to hook up to trails almost anywhere in the state. The Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST), together with 131 local clubs, maintain Vermont’s trail network with more than 120 groomers to assure smooth riding. Rentals are also available locally, so you needn’t have your own snowmobile to experience these magical highways. Visit www.vtvast.org for trail conditions, club events, and more.
Pond Skimming
Never heard of pond skimming? It’s not exactly an “extreme” sport; it’s not exactly mainstream either, although you might find yourself trying to stay out of the stream. Pond skimming is what Vermonters and visitors do to make a “splash” at the end of a long winter (technically, spring). Step into your skis or snowboard, fly down a steep hill of soft snow, then try to glide over the surface of water to the opposite shore. Many Vermont ski resorts hold pond skimming competitions every April, and often, the costume is just as important as the contestant’s style. Okay, so maybe you’ll need a touch of cabin fever! And it’s almost as much fun to watch as it is to participate…almost! Visit www.SkiVermont.com for end-of-season resort events.
Nordic Skating
A classic mix between ice skating and Nordic skiing, Nordic skating involves long-distance, or touring, skating on lakes and ponds where there is plenty of room to roam in the fresh air. Borrowed from northern Europe, where Nordic skating is a way of life, this long-distance cruising activity is catching on in Vermont due to our favorable winter weather and the many lakes and ponds available. Nordic skates have long blades attached to a boot similar to cross-country ski boots with a free heel to promote gliding along a wide open lane of ice. In Vermont, Nordic skating is thriving in locations such as Lake Morey, Lake Champlain, Lake Willoughby and Quechee. See www.nordicskater.com for more information.
Sleigh Rides
After a day on the slopes, or even before your first ride up the lift, help hitch a pair of Morgan or Belgian horses to a sleigh and enjoy a relaxing ride over the river and through the woods —
really! Tucked comfortably beneath warm, heavy blankets, you’ll relax and recharge to the tinkling of sleigh bells. As you enjoy your ride, it will be hard not to visualize what the days of early Vermont winters were like when the horsedrawn sleigh was the preferred method of travel. Many Vermont inns, farms, and resorts offer sleigh rides at locations all over the state.
Patrick O’Donnell is the interactive marketing manager for the Vermont Department of Tourism & Marketing.