Hello everyone! Dreaming of a winter vacation in Vermont? Looking for fun winter activities? Then this post is for you! Welcome to your guide to fun things to do in Vermont in the winter!
Vermont is such an amazing state, and although I may be biased because I was born and raised in VT, it really is a fantastic place for a vacation.
Winter is definitely a great time to visit the state, especially if you enjoy outdoor, snowy activities. Vermont is also especially beautiful in the winter months and it really is a picturesque winter wonderland.
Sound like the place for you?
Keep reading for my recommendations for fun and unique things to do in Vermont in the wintertime!
Most all of these activities can be done across the state, so no matter where you’re staying, you’re sure to have tons to do!
Fun Things to do in Vermont in the Winter
Skiing + Snowboarding
Skiing, for obvious reasons, is the first activity on the list!
Vermont is super well known for its skiing and there are tons of mountains across the state. A few of the most famous mountains are Stowe, Killington and Mount Snow, and all of these mountains have lovely resorts.
For a smaller mountain with fewer lines, I recommend Burke Mountain. Burke is a quaint little town in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom and the mountain features a newly constructed hotel.
If you prefer cross country to downhill skiing, most all mountains also have cross country skiing trails!
Night Skiing
Day skiing with a twist! Night skiing is so much fun for both kids and adults.
Growing up in Vermont this was one of my favorite winter activities. Not all mountains offer night skiing, but two that do are Bolton Valley and the Lyndon Outing Club. Be sure to bundle up, it gets cold!
Fat Tire Biking
Fat tire biking is becoming incredibly popular in Vermont and you can find trails across the state. If you’re staying at a ski resort, many also have trails and rental bikes for guest use.
I highly recommend checking out Kingdom Trails in Burke/Lyndon, Vermont. They are well known for their amazing biking trails that are open throughout the seasons.
You can rent bikes for use on Kingdom Trails from The Village Sport Shop in Lyndonville, Vermont.
Go Snowmobiling
Many people come to Vermont specifically for the snowmobiling. It is common for travelers to bring their own snowmobiles to use on the numerous trails running throughout the state. You do need to buy a pass to use the trails, and you can find more information here.
If you don’t have your own snowmobile, but would still like to ride, there are rentals and tours available! Snowmobile Vermont has many locations across the state and the company offers a variety of tours (for kids too!) Snowmobiling is such a fun way to experience winter in Vermont!
If you’re staying in the Northeast Kingdom of Vermont be sure to check out this amazing snowmobile tour by NEK adventures. It is a great addition to any VT vacation!
Go Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a a fun activity that is free and suitable for most ages. It’s a great way to spend an afternoon in Vermont and to explore the outdoors.
Many people who visit Vermont bring their own snowshoes, but they are also available for rent at most all mountains and sports shops around the state.
If you’re looking for a social snowshoeing event, there are guided tours available as well! Killington, Stratton, and Smugglers’ Notch are just a few of the many mountains that offer these tours and lessons.
Ice Fishing
You can fish year round in Vermont and in the winter ice fishing is popular!
Ice fishing is usually done on lakes and large ponds, but before venturing out on your own it’s incredibly important that you make sure the ice is frozen through. Ice fishing is generally safe – but you must know how to properly test the ice.
If you don’t feel ready to find a safe location and ice fish on your own, there are many wonderful guides who can bring you fishing for the day.
Ice Climbing
Ice climbing is a more extreme winter activity, but one that many enjoy!
I highly recommend a guided tour/lesson if you’re not already an expert. Vermont Adventure Tours offers guided trips and lessons as well as rental gear. They have tours for climbers of all levels, so definitely check them out!
Go for a Sleigh Ride
When you dream of a picturesque Vermont winter, sleigh rides are an important part! Sleigh rides are offered at many resorts in Vermont and they definitely make for a perfect winter-afternoon activity.
Sleigh Rides are great for all ages and they make the perfect family activity or romantic date for a couple.
The Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe has beautiful sleigh rides, but you can also find equally wonderful rides at The Kingdom’s Horse Drawn Wagon and Sleigh Rides, Rainbows Edge Farm and many others!
Go Dog Sledding
Dog sledding is another fun way to take in the beautiful Vermont scenery – this time while also being surrounded by adorable dogs!
Dog sledding is a fun winter activity for the whole family and is a great way to spend a snowy day in Vermont.
Vermont is a wonderful place for dog sledding as there are numerous sledding companies that offer a variety of tours. A few of the most highly rated include October Siberians, Husky Works Mushing Company, Eden Ethical Dogsledding, and Peace Pups Dog Sledding.
Have a Spa Day
After a long winter day outdoors a trip to the spa is definitely needed!
I love the spa at Topnotch Resort in Stowe, but there are tons of others to choose from as well.
Some local favorites include the Spa at The Equinox in Manchester, the Stoweflake Spa in Stowe, and the Spa at the Woodstock Inn in Woodstock.
For those who don’t necessarily love spending so much time outside in the winter, multiple trips to the spa may just be the perfect addition to your Vermont trip.
So there you have it – the best things to do in Vermont in the winter!
Vermont is truly a wonderful winter destination and you are sure to have fun-filled trip.
Before your trip to VT be sure to also check out our winter packing guide and recommendations for the best food to try during your vacation!
If you have any questions, or anything to add to this post, please let us know in the comments!
As always, we also appreciate you sharing this post with someone you know who would enjoy a trip to Vermont.
♡Kate
Note: This post includes affiliate links. Read our disclosure here.
Vermont sounds like great fun for winter activities!! I do lots of these here in Canada, but I still didn’t try snowmobiling or fat tire biking. Dog Sledding sounds amaaaaaazing too, as long as the dogs are treated well.
Love your post. I would love to do everything on your list except for ice fishing and ice climbing. Both of those terrify me. I particularly love cross-country skiing. It is such great exercise and the terrain is always so beautiful. Vermont sounds like a winter wonderland. Thanks for sharing.
Snowshoeing, skiing, ice fishing – these were the things I did growing up! I love them all! Vermont is a magical state – especially in the winter
I love visiting Vermont in the winter! Growing up, my childhood friend and I would always go to Mount Snow. It is such a great place to go skiing and the town is so cute there. 🙂
lovely post! my only time in Vermont was in winter and it was lovely 🙂 thanks for sharing!
Looks so gorgeous! Would love to go in the winter or in fall!
hi im looking to visit vermont with family this month, i am confused as to which part of vermont is best to stay could you please suggest me which area would be best, and our major interests are in dog sledding, christmas markets, colourful streets, and to be around snow ofcourse.
Hi Roshi! So exciting that you’re visiting Vermont, you will love it! Most all of Vermont has wonderful winter activities, but for cute towns and lots of fun Christmas activities I definitely recommend Stowe and Burlington. Stowe is a wonderful little town that has a great ski mountain, snowshoeing, horse and sleigh rides and dog sledding! The town is really picturesque and is a great place to spend a few days. From Stowe, you’ll also be a close drive to Burlington, where you’ll find lots of great shopping, nicely decorated streets (check out Church Street!) and great restaurants. If you would like hotel recommendations in the area please let me know – I definitely recommend checking out the Trapp Family Lodge for a winter stay or a sleigh ride!
I would love to visit Vermont…maybe not in the winter since I would just go from one snowy place to another, but I hope to get there in the Fall someday. It just seems magical.
I’ve always wanted to explore Vermont in Fall and Winter and now seeing your post definitely convinced me to do so!!! Everything looks so much fun!
I miss Vermont! We lived there for five years and I graduated from UVM. You curated the best activities to experience and embrace winter in Vermont. Great guide!
Vermont sounds amazing and your pictures are beautiful! I’ve heard such great things about Vermont. It really looks like a winter wonderland; what a great place to visit in the winter! Ice climbing looks a little scary but the night skiing looks gorgeous! Thanks for putting this together! – Linzey @thefamilyfuntour
LOVE this post! We’re scheduled to visit Woodstock and Smuggler’s Notch in the next 2 months! I have never heard of fat tire biking- this looks so cool..and kinda seems safer (falling into snow).. I think I need to make time to try it out..thanks for the inspiration
There are a lot of great things to do in Vermont during the winter months! I’d love to try that bike out in the snow.
I was in Vermont in the winter for snow sports for my kids. The snow is so pretty, especially after a fresh fall. I love snowshoeing but I don’t think I’m cut out for ice climbing. Yes, there is something to do for everyone.
Wow! I didn’t know that there are lots of outdoor activities you can do in Vermont during winter time! It sounds like my next getaway will be an experience.
Vermont is such a great place to visit in all seasons thanks for these great tips.
I would love to visit and try dogsledding- sounds like so much fun!
I’ve always thought that snowshoeing would be a really good exercise activity (but I’ve never lived in a snowy destination). How hard is it?
Even though I know Vermont has great skiing, I always think of it as a fall travel spot. Love this list of winter activities!
great advice.. I am so mad we didn’t try the fat tire biking last winter.. I am too scared for night skiing and some of the more aggressive sports.. but I think I would have loved fat tide biking.
Gosh Vermont looks like a dream! I’ve never been ice climbing or ice fishing, so I’d like to try those activities out for sure. Great post!