Vermont in winter is a magical place. Everything is covered in sparkling snow, icicles hang from roofs, and locals are outside enjoying jack frost’s hard work.
Whether you live in Vermont or you’re a visitor I encourage you to check out some of these fun things to do in Vermont in winter to help you explore this beautiful state.
Vermont in Winter: Top 9 Things to Do in Vermont in Winter
Hike to a Fire Tower
At one time there were 38 fire towers in Vermont. Many of them fell into disrepair and are no longer standing. At the time of publishing, there were 16 fire towers still standing all of which are inactive. They make an amazing hike no matter the time of year but are especially beautiful in the winter.
One of my personal favorites is at the top of Okemo Mountain in Mount Holly. The Healdville Trail at the end of Station Road in Mount Holly will get you to the summit. It is a 3 mile hike in each direction totaling 6 miles. Make sure to dress in layers and wear microspikes for your safety. Bring plenty of water and snacks just in case, and don’t forget to have fun!
Vermont in Winter: Ice Skate on Lake Morey
Lake Morey is located in Fairlee Vermont close to the New Hampshire border and covers approximately 540 acres. In short, this lake is pretty big! What draws visitors and locals alike to this lake is the 4 mile long skating trail maintained by the Lake Morey Resort.
Resort guests get free skate rentals with their stay and some nights there are even special moonlight skates (weather pending). To check ice conditions head to Lake Morey Resort’s Facebook Page for updates.
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Snowshoe at Viking Nordic Center
Located down a tiny country road in Londonderry, Vermont Viking Nordic Center is a winter wonderland for the entire family to explore. Family-owned and operated for over 50 years, the Viking Nordic center has over 26 km of ski and snowshoe trails and 4 additional km of snowshoe-only trails. And if it’s your first time trying either sport or you don’t have the equipment you’ll be all set because they have rentals.
I visited recently with a friend who has 3 young children and we had a blast. We went snowshoeing through the trails closer to the entrance and looked for the Cookie Punches. When we were all done we had found them all and each of the kids got a tasty cookie! One of my friend’s kids is itty bitty and they rented a sled for her to sit in as they pulled.
One year for Valentine’s Day Sweet William brought me to Viking Nordic Center for their night snowshoeing. They light up several of their trails and even have a special trail called “lover’s lane” lit with old fashion lanterns.
Read More: Winter Getaways in New England
Find Vermont’s Covered Bridges
Vermont has over 100 covered bridges in all different sizes. Some of them have been around for longer than many locals can remember and others are new designs. No matter where you are in Vermont there will be a covered bridge close by.
Most winters there is fresh snow atop the covered bridges making them picture perfect! check out the Vermont Covered Bridges map below to find one near you.
Vermont in Winter: Try Ice Fishing
After surviving 7 Vermont winters, I finally went ice fishing while we didn’t go in the best spot and only caught 1 fish it was such a blast! With so many lake scattered across Vermont there are plenty of places to go ice fishing. Bring a hot drink and some warm clothes and you’re ready to go.
The one downside is to go ice fishing you need a lot of equipment. However, there are plenty of local guides who know the best spots to take you. I recommend the Bethel, Vermont based guide Stay Bent Fishing Tours. Book your trip with them today.
Read More: Things to do [During Every Season] In Vermont
Taste Vermont Beer
Vermont has more breweries per capita than any other state, and it is delicious! While most of the breweries are located near Burlington many of them are scattered throughout the state.
A few of my personal favorites are:
- Fiddlehead Brewing Company in Shelburne
- Lost Nation Brewery in Morrisville
- Otter Creek Brewing in Middlebury
- Switchback Brewing in Burlington
- The Alchemist in Stowe
You can go to many local bars and restaurants to taste Vermont’s delicious beer. To take it up a notch, head over to the Vermont Brewers Association website and check out the many Beer Trails they’ve created, visit the breweries, and meet the people who create this delicious beer.
Go Dog Sledding
If you go somewhere with snow there is going to be dog sledding, however, not all dog sledding teams are created equal. Some animals live in cages when not sledding and aren’t happy and friendly animals. At Eden Dog Sledding in Eden Mills, Vermont, it’s a different story.
They pride themselves on their dogs being free-range dogs that go on road trips to the store, sleep in beds, and are never in chains.
A visit to meet and sled the “un-chained gang” as they call them, is always a blast. Depending on the tour you choose you could:
- Meet the dogs and get to play with them too!
- Help harness the dogs before sledding.
- Sled through north wood of Vermont.
- Feed the dogs treats after sledding.
- Tour the Dog Kennel.
- Learn about Dog Pack Dynamics.
No matter which tour you choose this is sure to be a once in a lifetime experience you’ll love!
Visit the Vermont Icelandic Horse Farm
If you’re a horse lover make sure to stop at the Vermont Icelandic Horse Farm, one of the few places in the state where you can see these beautiful animals. Offering trail rides year-round and multi-day treks in the Fall the Vermont Icelandic Horse Farm will make sure you have a fun and unique experience.
You can even stay right at the farm in their 3 bedroom guest house or at the Inn. Both spots are beautifully furnished and offer top-notch service.
Vermont in Winter: Go Snowmobiling
Since the late 1960s Vermont has maintained over 5,000 miles of snowmobiles across the state. Locals and visitors alike enjoy taking to the trails to explore the wilderness of Vermont. Snowmobiling is a great way to see the woods of Vermont in a unique way.
For guided tours check out Snowmobile Vermont. They do tours in Stowe (one of the best winter vacation spots in the US!), Killington/Okemo, and Mount Snow. If you have your own snowmobile please adhere to the guidelines set up by VAST (Vermont Association of Snow Travelers) to ensure your safety and the safety of others.
What do you like to do in Vermont in Winter? Let me know in the comments!
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Yeees so many fun ideas for when Vermont is a winter wonderland! I love hiking up to fire lookout towers here too- they always have the vest viewpoints – it looks even more amazing covered in ice! Snowshoeing and dog sledding all sounds great too. 🙂
I’ve lived in Vermont for about 7 years now and I did my first fire tower hike this winter! I can’t believe it took me this long to do one. I’ve got a few more in store before the snow melts.