Sure, I've already written about the great cheese, craft beers, and maple products Vermont has in spades (those creemees, omg!). And while I have mentioned (and visited/skied) most of the downhill ski mountains in Vermont in this blog, it seems I have not yet devoted a post to skiing: a very important aspect of Vermont's heritage (bad, me)! So here you have it, an homage to Vermont skiing.
If you are on the east coast of the US and enjoy skiing, Vermont should be on your radar. With the spine of the Green Mountains running almost the entire length of the state, it is no surprise that in winter, skiing is -- and has been -- a beloved recreational activity for both downhill and cross country enthusiasts. In Vermont, you will find passionate skiers of all abilities, beautiful vistas, and a ski experience where you can just be you -- from hippies to ski bunnies.
Vermont's ski industry has been around almost as long as recreational skiing has been a thing in the US, and is a major economic driver in the state; generating billions of dollars in spending and supporting many jobs. As a testament to its importance, there is even a ski & snowboard museum (in Stowe), which is a fun place to visit (check hours, though, before you go).
A couple of fun VT-related ski factoids:
The first rope tow (the earliest type of ski lift technology) was invented in Woodstock, Vermont;
The country's first cross country ski area was located in Vermont (Von Trapp Lodge in Stowe); and
Snowboarding was revolutionized in Vermont (with Burton snowboards)
Today there are several ski industry manufacturers based in Vermont: Burton (snowboards and apparel), Skida (hats etc.), J Skis,& Renoun Skis, to name a few.
ALPINE (DOWNHILL) SKIING
Vermont's 20 alpine ski areas (see map above) range from large resorts to small community hills. If it's glades and steeps, the bunny (learning) slopes, or groomers that you want, Vermont's varied terrain can meet your needs. If you are not sure which mountain to ski, click here for a very handy tool to help you find the ski area in Vermont that best meets your needs. While it lets you sort by region, accommodations, and amenities, you will need/want to look at the mountain profiles to see what kind of terrain they offer.
Back in the olden days (i.e. my youth), winters in Vermont were COLD and snow making at ski mountains was in its infancy. In fact, one Christmas had temperatures (not wind chills) in the mid -20's (fahrenheit) and even my die-hard ski father knew that was just silly cold. Nevertheless, we drove to Pico (at the time our favorite mountain) just to watch the crazy people who were skiing that day. And there actually WERE people skiing that day! Vermont skiers can be a crazy, stubborn (die-hard) bunch, and back in the 70's, most of the Vermont ski areas were really down-to-earth and family-oriented.
Nowadays, there are numerous world-class ski resorts in Vermont, for those looking for that kind of experience, including
Stowe Mountain Resort: Known for its challenging terrain and picturesque views, Stowe is a favorite among serious skiers.
Killington Resort: One of the largest ski areas in the East, Killington offers diverse trails and a lively après-ski scene.
Jay Peak Resort: Famous for its abundant snowfall, Jay Peak attracts powder hounds and families alike. But, near the Canadian border, it is COLD!
Sugarbush Resort: Known for its extensive trails and backcountry options, Sugarbush is a haven for adventurous skiers.
Smugglers' Notch Resort: A family-friendly resort that offers a variety of activities beyond skiing, including snowboarding and tubing.
Okemo: Primarily known as a family-friendly ski resort with a wide variety of slopes for all skill levels; often considered one of the top family ski destinations in the Northeast.
Stratton: Known for its skiing, snowboarding, and other year-round activities, Stratton is the highest peak in southern Vermont. It was the site of Vermont's first World Cup ski races and is the birthplace of snowboarding.
If it is a smaller mountain feel you're looking for, there are plenty of independent mountains for you, including Bromley, Magic, Bolton Valley, and Mad River Glen (where they have a single chairlift, good steeps, and minimal snow-making). Truly, there is a mountain for every type of skier in Vermont.
FYI: If you would like ski-specific weather forecasting to help inform where to ski (in the east), check out Snowology. You can subscribe and get detailed insights, or just read the very top-line information. They can be found on Instagram and Facebook, as well as through their website. Several skiers I know subscribe and find the content well worth the annual fee ($29.99/yr). [I am in no way affiliated or financially associated with them.]
CROSS-COUNTRY (XC/ NORDIC) SKIING
Nordic skiing has deep roots in Vermont. In fact, the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe was the first cross-country ski center established in the U.S., and today, there are more than 20 cross-country ski/touring areas, many with trails suitable for all ages and ability levels. Plus, many of these ski areas offer equipment rentals and guided tours, should you need/ want. Click here for a link with information about the different Nordic ski options in the state, should you want help deciding where to ski.
Here is a list (in no particular order) of XC ski areas in Vermont:
Camels Hump Nordic in Huntington | Catamount Outdoor in Williston (near Burlington) |
Stowe Mountain Resort in Stowe | Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, the nation’s first cross-country ski center |
Ole's Cross Country in Warren (where Sugarbush Resort is located) | Blueberry Lake in Warren |
Rikert Outdoor Center in Middlebury (near the Middlebury Snow Bowl) | Viking Nordic Center in Londonderry (near Magic, not far from Okemo) |
Woodstock Nordic Center in Woodstock (near Quechee Club) | Craftsbury Outdoor Center in Craftsbury |
Smuggler's Notch Nordic Center in Jeffersonville (at Smugglers Notch Resort) | Wild Wings in Peru (near Bromley) |
Blueberry Hills Outdoor Center in Goshen | Jay Peak Nordic Center in Jay (at Jay Peak) |
Grafton Trails & Outdoors Center in Grafton | Mountaintop Resort in Chittenden (near Pico and Killington) |
Sleepy Hollow Inn in Huntington |
Vermont's ski culture is a unique blend of outdoor adventure, community spirit (lots of races and competitions), and environmental consciousness (many resorts are committed to sustainable practices). Whether you're a seasoned skier or a novice, the state's glitzy resorts, charming hills, and Nordic offerings provide a welcoming atmosphere for all types of ski enthusiasts.
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