7 Things to Do in Vermont in Winter
January 19, 2017

Are you looking things to do in Vermont in winter?  Winter in Vermont can be long, cold, dreary, and snowy. But experiencing winter means wrapping your arms around the season and enjoying it as much as possible. Here are seven ways to make the most of winter in the Green Mountain State.

Fat Biking

Dustin Gaffke/Flickr

The wildly popular sport of fat biking seems like it has come out of nowhere, but the sport has been around for years. While the origin of fat biking is up for debate, the sport has deep ties to Alaska and the Southwest. Here in Vermont, there are many places to enjoy fat biking, from Kingdom Trails in East Burke to the Catamount Outdoor Family Center in Williston to ski areas across the state including Killington, Jay Peak, and Stratton.

Go Camping in a Yurt in Huntington

One of two yurts at Maple Wind Farm.

At Maple Wind Farm, a 140-acre meat, poultry and organic vegetable farm in Huntington, winter is when visitors from near and far come to camp in the rugged backcountry. Farm guests can camp in a no-frills Mongolian-style winter yurt. While staying at the farm, visitors can explore the backcountry of Camels Hump State Forest or trek over to the Long Trail and Catamount Trail. They can also opt to make their visit more of a farm-stay by helping owners Beth Whiting and Bruce Hennessey with barn chores.

Moonlight Snowshoeing

Rebecca Siegel/Flickr

A walk in the woods after dark is one of the most peaceful activities you can find in the winter. If you’re looking to take a guided moonlight snowshoe tour, resorts such as Smugglers’ Notch, Killington, Mad River Glen, Bolton Valley and other ski areas offer programs, as do local businesses including Umiak Outfitters in Stowe.

Night Skiing

Justin Thibault/Bolton Valley

What better way to experience Moonlight in Vermont than skiing or riding after sunset? Bolton Valley, Cochran’s Ski Area in Richmond, Hard’Ack Recreation Area in St. Albans, and Northeast Slopes in East Corinth offer skiing after dark.  Bolton Valley, which has been offering night skiing since opening more than 50 years ago, runs lifts until 10 p.m.

Sledding

Frank Juarez/Flickr

Nothing beats the thrill of careening down a hill on a sled. Great places for sledding include Casey’s Hill in Underhill, Burr and Burton Academy in Manchester, Calahan Park in Burlington, Lincoln Gap Road in Warren, and Mount Philo State Park in Charlotte.

Skiing at a Local Hill

Riding the rope tow at Cochran’s.

Enjoying a day on the slopes doesn’t always have to be at a big ski area. It’s worth trying some of the smaller, lesser known local hills with old-school rope tows and t-bars, such as Northeast Slopes in Corinth, Hard’Ack Recreation Center in St. Albans, Living Memorial Park Snow Sports Ski Area in Brattleboro, Cochran’s Ski Area in Richmond, and Lyndon Outing Club in Lyndonville.

Exploring the Notch

-Route 108 in Stowe.

Route 108—also known as the Notch—is a fantastic spot for snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, ice climbing, and hiking this time of year. The Notch, which runs between Stowe and Smuggler’s Notch, is one of the most scenic drives in Vermont in the spring, summer and fall. But when the snow flies, a three-mile section of this scenic, winding road is closed to traffic and perfect for winter exploration.

What are your favorite things to do in Vermont in winter?