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8 Amazing Things To Do In Vermont In Winter

With fabulous skiing, sleigh rides, and lively festivals, Vermont really is a winter wonderland! It’s time for a rundown of the best things to do in Vermont in winter.  

Visiting Vermont in winter is a real treat – expect snow-capped mountains, glittering frozen lakes, and picture-perfect white meadows. Once winter hits, the mountains and forests of Vermont are transformed into a festive wonderland.

Vermont Statehouse
Vermont Statehouse

Of course, many visitors flock here to take advantage of the powder on the ski slopes, but there are plenty of other Vermont winter activities on offer too. Explore the backcountry on horseback or snowshoes, grab your ice skates and head for the frozen lakes, try your hand at ice fishing, or simply enjoy cosy coffees and cocktails in one of the region’s friendly towns. You’ll find delicious local produce, craft ales, festive winter events and a warm welcome wherever you go.

Killington, Vermont
Killington, Vermont

If you’re thinking of heading to the United States for a winter break this year, why not consider Vermont? To give you a little inspiration for your travels, this is my pick of the best things to do in Vermont in winter.


What’s the weather like in Vermont in winter?

In winter, temperatures in Vermont plummet and often drop as low as -16 degrees Celsius (3 degrees Fahrenheit). Be prepared to wrap up warm!

Pretty views of Vermont in winter
Pretty views of Vermont in winter

These cold temperatures are usually accompanied by plenty of snow, with frequent snowstorms in December and January, which can leave very deep snow packs. My advice? Come prepared for very cold weather, but remember the snow makes the views even more spectacular.


Amazing Things to Do In Vermont In Winter

Go Horse Riding In Vermont

You might think that horse riding is an activity best enjoyed in summer, but in Vermont you can also head out on horseback in the depths of winter,. In fact, horse riding is one of the most magical Vermont winter activities, and is a great way to explore some of the most scenic snow covered trails in the state.

Horses in Vermont in winter
Horses riding is one of the best things to do in Vermont in winter 

Expect snowy peaks, gurgling streams, and forests heavy with thick boughs of snow – a truly picturesque sight. Whether you’re an experienced jockey or a complete beginner, Vermont is a great place to try your hand at horse riding.

Hit The Ski Slopes In Vermont

Of all the things to do in Vermont in winter, the most popular activities are downhill and cross-country skiing. With pristine white powder and picturesque scenery, Vermont is a great destination for skiers and snowboarders, and offers slopes for all levels of ability.

Skiing in Vermont in winter
Skiing is one of the most popular best things to do in Vermont in winter 

The most popular resorts are in Stowe and Sugarbush, but you could also check out some of the quieter resorts that are favoured by locals, such as Okemo Mountain and Jay Peak. 

Try Out Fat Biking

Fat biking is the USA’s latest winter trend – consider it the two-wheeled equivalent of snowshoeing! This fun sport essentially consists of mountain biking on a bike with thick, wide tyres, which don’t sink into the snow.

Fat biking in Vermont
 Fat biking makes a change from the standard Vermont winter activities

It’s a great way to experience the snow-blanketed landscapes across wintry Vermont, and provides an awesome workout too. If you’re tired of the slopes, and looking for something a little different, fat biking is one of the most fun things to do in Vermont in winter.

Take A Winter Hike

With such perfect frosty scenery, another top Vermont winter activity is to head out on to a trail for a classic winter hike. There are lots of accessible trails in Vermont – most are better with snowshoes or micro spikes, but some are fine in walking boots if the snowfall isn’t too thick.

Jay Peak, Vermont
Views of Jay Peak on a winter hike in Vermont

With over 55 state parks to pick from, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to trails! I’d highly recommend taking a look at the ascent of Spruce Mountain if you’re looking for a challenge, or the Clarendon Loop, where you can see the amazing ice sculptures in Clarendon Gorge. 

Moss Glen Falls River, Vermont
Moss Glen Falls, Vermont

Take A Sleigh Ride

If you’re looking for something more laid back, why not put your feet up and explore the state from the back of a horse drawn sleigh? This is a wonderful way to see the scenery, as well as being one of the most romantic things to do in Vermont in winter.

How about a sleigh ride in Vermont in winter
How about a sleigh ride? It’s one of the most romantic things to do in Vermont in winter

Many local farms offer sleigh rides in the winter, with customisable routes that take you to the best viewpoints. This is one of the most popular Vermont winter activities for couples and families, and should not be missed!

Go Ice Skating

One of the best things about Vermont’s sub-zero winter temperatures is that many of the lakes and ponds across the region freeze solid. Once this happens, it’s time to get your skates out and head out onto the ice!

Ice skating in Vermont
You can ice skate on frozen lakes in winter in Vermont

One of the most popular destinations for ice skating in Vermont is on Lake Morey, a picturesque body of water surrounded by towering mountains. Start early and you may even catch a glimpse of a bald eagle or see the frozen lake shrouded in the morning mist – definitely one of the most magical things to do in Vermont in winter! 

Hit The Shops In Vermont

Although many of the best things to do in Vermont in winter involve getting out into the great outdoors, Vermont’s towns also offer a lot. In addition to plenty of great bars and restaurants, towns such as Manchester, Stowe and Burlington have excellent shopping. Whether you’re looking for souvenirs, gifts, or simply want an excuse to treat yourself, you’ll find some great items on offer.

Burlington is a great place for shopping in Vermont
Burlington is a great place for shopping in Vermont

Don’t miss the iconic Church Street Marketplace in Burlington with its open-air mall. With fabulous bookshops, plenty of artisan gift shops and delicatessens, antique furniture stores, and trendy fashion outlets, you might end up going home with more than you bargained for!

 

Visit Stowe Winter Carnival

Stowe Winter Carnival, which usually takes place in January, is a wonderful local celebration of the winter season. Expect an impressive ice carving competition, live music, hot food and drinks, plus a few sporting activities too.

You could join a guided snowshoeing trip, or even participate in a snow golf tournament! This festival is a much loved winter tradition, and a great way to experience the festive side of winter in Vermont.

How about a road trip through Vermont in winter?
How about a road trip through Vermont in winter?

Where To Stay In Vermont In Winter

Trapp Family Lodge

Attention all Sound of Music fans! The beautiful Trapp Family Lodge is the original home of the Von Trapp family who settled here in the 1950 following their flight from Austria.

Trapp Family Lodge, Vermont
Trapp Family Lodge has a lot of history
Trapp Family Lodge, Vermont
Trapp Family Lodge – in a great location for most Vermont winter activities 

Even if you’re not a fan of the musical, this beautiful lodge is a great option if you’re visiting the Stowe area, with an old-world charm, stunning mountain views and exceptional service. This institution offers a little taste of Austria in Vermont.

Four Columns Inn

If you’re looking for a little luxury in the Green Mountains in the south of Vermont, look no further than the Four Columns Inn. This rustic inn once hosted Mick Jagger (back in the 1970s) and is in a really pretty location.

Four Columns, Vermont
Four Columns is a cute place to stay if you’re visiting Vermont in winter
Four Columns, Vermont
Four Columns, Vermont

Surrounded by woodlands and a picturesque river, the hotel also offers an excellent restaurant specialising in local produce. Plus, a bonus for those cold days, there’s a luxurious spa – an idea place to curl up on a cold winter evening in Vermont.

The Lodge at Spruce Peak

This luxury lodge is the ideal year-round destination in Vermont, nestled in the beautiful Green Mountains. You’ll be close to the mountains and all the best ski resorts, but there are plenty of facilities to keep you occupied in the lodge itself.

The Lodge at Spruce Peak, Vermont
The Lodge at Spruce Peak – a luxurious place to stay in Vermont in winter 
The Lodge at Spruce Peak, Vermont
The Lodge at Spruce Peak, Vermont

With a luxury spa, heated outdoor pool, and a relaxation area with open fires, you’ll leave feeling pampered and totally relaxed. There’s also an exclusive speakeasy, with a cocktail menu to die for!


I hope this guide has given you a little inspiration for things to do in Vermont in winter – it really is a magical winter wonderland! Oh and let me know in the comments if you have other top tips for this stunning part of New England.

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Things to do in Vermont in winter

With a passion for food, fun and adventure, Chloe is the content creator behind one of the UK's top travel blogs Wanderlust Chloe. From volcano boarding in Nicaragua, to sailing around Sicily and eating her way around Japan, her travels have taken her to some of the coolest spots on the planet. Named Travel Influencer of the Year in 2022, Chloe regularly works with a number of tourism boards, producing inspirational travel content across multiple platforms. Find out more about Chloe here.

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