Key Points
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In the winter, Vermont offers a range of snow sports and indoor activities, from spa treatments to cooking classes.
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Stay at the historic Hermitage Inn for cozy accommodations, access to a variety of Vermont wine, and things to do right at the hotel.
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Pack plenty of layers to stay warm, as Vermont temperatures rarely rise above freezing in the winter.
Visiting Vermont in the winter is like stepping into a classic children’s book. Chimneys puff delicate swirls of smoke over cozy villages, covered bridges cross icy creeks, and kids in brightly colored snowsuits careen down sledding hills. The temperature is brisk, snow is falling, and everyone’s a little more jolly. And why shouldn’t they be? Winter in the Green Mountain State is as fun as it is beautiful.
Pack your layers and come prepared for snowy outdoor adventures—from sleigh rides through open fields to skiing and snowboarding at the state’s best resorts. Here’s how to plan a magical winter vacation in Vermont.
Best Places to Go Skiing in Vermont
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Skiers on a downhill run in Killington.
Vermont is a renowned ski and snowboard destination with more than 20 ski areas. While there’s fun to be had at all of the ski mountains, Stowe Mountain Resort, Okemo Mountain Resort, and Killington Ski Resort are generally regarded as a few of Vermont’s best ski resorts. Stowe and Okemo are on the Epic Pass, making it easy to hit both during your trip, while Killington boasts the largest acreage on the East Coast and one of the biggest vertical drops in New England.
Lovers of deep powder, however, should head to Jay Peak Resort. This hidden gem claims to get more snow than any other East Coast resort (due in part to a location that’s heavily affected by jet streams). It also has a lenient inbounds policy, meaning you can chase untouched powder stashes in the backcountry in addition to skiing the resort’s 81 groomed trails.
Finally, families will want to head to Smugglers’ Notch Resort, which boasts a great ski school and a child care program.
More Vermont Winter Activities
Courtesy of Trapp Family Lodge
Snowshoeing at the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe.
If you’re not into downhill skiing and snowboarding, don’t worry—Vermont has plenty of other things to do. The state is covered in cross-country ski and snowshoe trails, including at resorts like Stowe and Smugglers’ Notch. Arguably the coolest place to cross-country ski and snowshoe is the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, which has more than 30 miles of trails and is owned by the family that inspired “The Sound of Music.” About an hour away, the Craftsbury Outdoor Center offers more sprawling cross-country terrain.
Other winter experiences include horse-drawn sleigh rides (Gentle Giants in Stowe and Rainbows Edge Farm in Sutton are good options), dog sledding, and tubing.
If you’d rather stay warm and cozy than brave the elements, visit the Vermont Salt Cave in Montgomery. You can start with a warming session in the salt cave followed by a relaxing foot soak. Topnotch Resort in Stowe has an excellent spa with treatments that range from facials and massages to reiki and fitness training. Perhaps the most stunning spa experience in the state, though, is Savu. This outdoor wellness center near Smugglers’ Notch features Scandi-style saunas in the middle of the countryside, offering visitors the chance to take in panoramic mountain views while they sweat the day away.
Where to Stay in Vermont
Courtesy of Twin Farms
Twin Farms, a resort in Barnard, is built around a decades-old farmhouse.
For a cozy stay, book a room at The Hermitage Inn, a historic property with a handful of charming experiences on offer, like ice skating and pastry-making classes. The boutique inn also has a nationally recognized wine cellar, making it a great intro to Vermont’s wine scene.
In central Vermont, Woodstock Inn & Resort provides guests with opulent accommodations in the middle of its walkable (and wildly picturesque) namesake village. The property has four restaurants, a LEED-certified spa, and winter adventures at local recreation centers. Hotel staff can set you up with snowshoeing and cross-country skiing at the Woodstock Nordic Center or downhill skiing and snowboarding at the Saskadena Six ski resort.
Related: The Best Small Towns in Vermont, According to Locals
And finally, for a five-star all-inclusive experience, head to Twin Farms in Barnard. This circa 1795 farmhouse has expanded its footprint into a beautiful resort where guests can enjoy farm-to-table dining, culinary classes, winter activities, and an onsen with forest views. Book one of the suites or cottages with a stone hot tub to take your trip up a notch.
What to Pack for Vermont
Winter in Vermont is all about getting outside, even when it’s well below freezing. To prepare for the cold and wet conditions, pack durable, waterproof outdoor gear like Gore-Tex shell pants, down jackets, long underwear, and warm snow boots. Don’t underestimate the power of a warm hat, wool socks, and more clothing for layering. You’ll want to pack cozy loungewear for sitting by the fire, too.
Things to Know Before You Go
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Snow-covered trees on a clear winter day in Vermont.
Winter temperatures in Vermont rarely exceed 30 degrees, and sometimes they’ll even dip into the single digits (especially with wind chill factored in). The low temperatures paired with relatively high humidity can make the day feel frigid, but once you bundle up and start moving, you’ll often find it’s surprisingly easy to stay warm. For added comfort, also consider bringing along a heated jacket. Even so, it’s smart to plan some time indoors between skiing, snowshoeing, or ice skating.
Related: 12 Best Breweries in Vermont
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