Vermont is beautiful year-round, but winter is special in Vermont. It’s easy to spend all day inside but there are so many amazing things to do in the winter in Vermont. We rounded up some of the best for you!
Many take to the slopes either skiing or snowboarding. There is no shortage of places to go! Some popular resorts in our area are Smuggler’s Notch, Stowe, Jay Peak and Bolton Valley. Hitting the slopes is an ultimate Vermont winter activity. Whether you are a native Vermonter or just moved here and have never been on the mountain, don’t worry, you can still enjoy a day on the slopes! Smugglers’ Notch has a First Timer Ski and Snowboard Program for ages 5 – adult. The program includes a 2-hour lesson, your lift ticket, and your equipment rental. A great introduction! Once you find your groove, you’ll be out there every weekend!
If skiing or snowboarding just isn’t for you, another great option is cross country skiing! A wonderful winter activity with plenty of places to go, sites to see, great outdoor exercise, and a chance to enjoy the fresh air. One of our favorite local places to go is Catamount. Check them out, HERE. Need some motivation? Check out Catamount’s Weekly Winter Challenge Series.
Maybe you prefer a normal pair of boots instead of ski boots. There are still great opportunities to experience Vermont’s winter wonderland.
Try a snowmobiling adventure instead. Snowmobile Vermont has many tours to choose from. Check them out HERE. The Stowe location offers a 2-hour guided backcountry tour that covers 25 miles through Mount Mansfield State Forest. Snowmobiling is a great chance for anyone wanting to experience a Vermont winter in a new, exciting way.
There are so many great ways to get out and enjoy the season. Many who mountain bike in the summer and fall enjoy fat bikes in the winter! If you haven’t given it a try, there are many places to rent them. You can ride most of the normal mountain bike trails. Always check if trails are open before you go, you can check the status of trails HERE.
Snowshoeing is another great option to get out there to enjoy some outdoor time. There are many great places to do this. One of our favorites is Catamount Outdoor Family Center. Check out their website HERE. They have twenty miles of trails on 400 acres! Snowshoes are another great option to extend your hiking season a little longer. Beware of ice!
We have also rounded up some favorite sledding and ice skating spots for the whole family!
Old Round Church Sledding Hill, 25 Round Church Rd. in Richmond: The hill may seem small from a passer-by’s perspective, but it’s steep enough to have plenty of fun. Good for children of all ages. Free, parking and dog friendly.
Hard’ack Recreation Area, 179 Congress St. in Saint Albans: A big and steep hill that has a toe rope and lights for the weekends and holidays (not always in operation, check before you go). Downhill skiing, Snowboarding, also allowed. They also have a smaller hill for the little kids and cross-country ski trails and snowshoeing fields. Located right off Route 89 so it’s easy to get to. Free, ample parking, dog friendly, and snack bar.
Landry Park, Pine St. in Winooski: Located off Pine Street, this park has Winter amenities include an outdoor skating rink and a sledding hill that is not too steep but fairly long. Free, ample parking.
Wainer Community Playground and Park – Wintertime Hockey Rink: 10888 Route 116 in Hinesburg behind the Hinesburg Community School. Free, ample parking.
Want to experience horseback riding or a horse-drawn sleigh ride along a snow-covered trail surrounded by mountains, streams, and beautiful scenery? Look no further than Lajoie Stables in Jeffersonville, you can experience winter horseback riding in Vermont.
Or try an evening in Stowe dogsledding at the Stoweflake Mountain Resort. Enjoy the peace of Vermont woods riding with an experienced musher on a 30-minute dogsledding tour. You will learn the history of the sport and make some new 4 legged friends.
Warming up after all that wintery fun is easy with some delicious hot cocoa. Top spots to try: Lake Champlain Chocolates Hot Chocolate Café at 750 Pine Street and Church Street in Burlington, and 2653 Waterbury Stowe Rd. in Waterbury Center. Monarch & the Milkweed located 111 Saint Paul St. in Burlington features the most decadent hot chocolate topped off with a blowtorched homemade marshmallow. And of course, Ben & Jerry’s is not a typical hot chocolate spot but adding your choice of ice cream flavor to hot chocolate is a great way to enjoy your favorite ice cream without freezing in the winter cold.
No matter how to choose to enjoy your winter in Vermont, we’re sure you’ll have fun while enjoying our beautiful state. Did we miss something that you love to do in Vermont during winter? Tell us!