By Jen Butson, Vermont Dept. of Tourism and Marketing
The best skiing and riding in the east is in Vermont.
Starting with America’s first alpine ski tow, built on a Woodstock farm in 1934 and the first chairlift in the nation on Mt. Mansfield in 1940, plus the first Nordic ski center at Trapp Family Lodge, the first ski academy at Burke Mountain, and Burlington as headquarters to Burton snowboards – Vermont is a historic leader in U.S. snowsports.
Winter in Vermont
Today, Vermont is a true winter destination. Adventure and relaxation are found in abundance! This is a serious skiing state – with 19 alpine ski resorts, 30 cross-country touring centers and, in total, 6,090 acres of alpine terrain, 1,209 trails, 184 lifts, 1,900 km of Nordic trails. Vermont skiing and riding accommodates every level, from the advanced downhiller to the training toddler, from moguls and terrain parks to quiet cross-country jaunts on back-country skis or snowshoes.
The ten-year average annual mountain snowfall is about 207 inches, and the majority of Vermont’s alpine terrain is covered by state of the art snowmaking. With these conditions, it’s no wonder world-class athletes have grown up and trained in Vermont.
Vermont is home to the first U.S. Olympic gold medal winner in Nordic skiing, Bill Koch, as well as Olympic medal winners Ross Powers, Hannah Kearney, Hannah Teter, Billy Kidd, Andrea Meade Lawrence and so many other successful Olympians.
The Vermont Ski Areas Association has resort information, trail stats, lodging info, conditions, plus deals and events for beginners to experts. Visit www.skivermont.com.
Beyond skiing and riding, head out on an exhilarating dog sled ride through the snowy fields, join a moonlight snowshoe tour or take a sleigh ride across breathtaking landscapes. Then partake in Vermont’s always fresh, oft fireside dining and engaging arts scene. Enjoy festive villages dressed up for seasonal celebrations, snowman building, ice skating, and all the playful, hillside sledding you can handle in between.
For the latest updates on winter events and activities, visit VermontVacation.com.
