Vermont's 10 Best Winter Adventures

Vermont does seasons right, and winter is no exception. During the cold months, the Green Mountains are covered with a powdery blanket of snow, priming the landscape for some serious fun. Forests of pine and craggy mountains become wintry white playgrounds that are perfect for snowshoeing, skiing, sledding, and the occasional snowball fight. However you like to enjoy the snow, Vermont's the place to do it.

Whether you're looking for world-class Nordic skiing resorts, stunning backcountry tours or secret backwoods trails, there's a snowventure waiting for you in Vermont.

1. Camels Hump via the Burrows Trail

A favorite of local snow-shoers and cross-country skiers, this trail up Vermont's third-highest peak climbs through a deep, snow-covered forest, eventually opening up to a clear, bald peak that offers amazing views of Lake Champlain and Mount Washington on a clear day. 

2. Bolton Valley Nordic Center

With groomed trails that are categorized by skill level and facilities to rent snowshoes and skis, this private Nordic Center is a great option for all levels of winter adventurers. For the cost of a trail pass you'll spend all day exploring the snow-laden trails that wind through dense Vermont forest and have access to backcountry trails like Michigan Valley. 

3. The Birthday Bowls

Aptly named, this backwoods adventure is a total party. Tucked away in the woods between Smuggler's Notch and Stowe ski areas, hike to this downhill chute from the chairlift for a thrilling adventure. 

4. Stowe Pinnacle

Short, sweet, and spectacular are three words that sum up this 3.1-mile round-trip hike up Stowe Pinnacle. The gradual climb leads to sweeping views of Stowe Valley that are made even more beautiful by a thick blanket of snow. While snowshoes would be helpful on this trail, if it hasn't snowed recently, this trail could even be done with just hiking boots. 

5. Casey's Hill

After a snowfall, head to this hill for an epic sledding adventure. With Mount Mansfield standing majestically in the background, this is an amazingly scenic place for some family fun. 

6. Deer Leap Rock

This 2-mile round-trip hike is the perfect introduction to winter hiking, and being so close to Killington and Pico Mountain ski resorts, it makes for a great break from the slopes. The quick hike winds through snowy forest, leading to a rocky outcropping with incredible views of nearby mountains.

7. Taylor Lodge Snowshoe via Nebraska Notch

Leading to a historic lodge and an optional detour to a boulder cave, this 3.8-mile round-trip hike is an exciting adventure. Usually shrouded by a dense canopy, the trail offers incredible views in the winter for hearty snowshoers. 

8. Smugglers Notch

Usually swarming with people and cars during other seasons, the road up to Smugglers Notch is ripe for adventure during the peaceful winter months. Aside from some snowmobile traffic and fellow winter adventurers, the road is relatively clear, offering snowshoers and hikers clear lanes. Be sure to explore the roadside boulder gardens and ice caves!

9. Thundering Brook Falls

Just minutes away from Killington's famous slopes, Thundering Brook Falls cascades roughly 125 feet over jagged metamorphic rock. The falls is spectacular at any water level, but it can take on a special beauty in the winter when much of the cliff face is covered in ice and snow.

10. Little Jay

Little Jay is a shoulder ridge on Big Jay that sits on the southwest side of Jay Peak Resort, one of Vermont's most famous ski areas. Despite its proximity to the resort, Little Jay often hides fresh tracks weeks after a storm, while Jay Peak and even Big Jay get skied off quickly. In addition, the mountain receives above average snow totals due to the weather phenomenon known locally as the "Jay Cloud."