If you start hearing holiday songs wherever you go, you know it’s officially time to start tackling your winter getaway goals! Embrace winter in all its glory by taking a trip to the Vermont countryside. Vermont’s topography completely alters once the winter months hit. Blankets of crisp white snow cover the ground and line the treetops, creating a magical scene. There’s something especially peaceful about spending time outdoors, hearing the crunch of snow underneath your feet as you explore pristine forests and mountain lined backdrops of Vermont.
To help you maximize your time exploring this winter wonderland, we’ve put together some of our top outdoor winter activities.
Calm and Cool Recreation
Snowshoeing is a great way to soak in the beauty of Vermont and get some exercise at the same time. Those who love Vermont hiking will find familiar places transformed by the touch of winter. Most hiking trails are open year-round and easily explorable using snowshoes or cross country skis. If you are staying at a local resort, like The Essex Resort & Spa, you can even get complimentary snowshoes included in your stay with their “A Taste of Vermont Holiday Experience” package.
Another slow-paced activity to calm your senses is ice fishing! In Vermont, Lake Champlain is the go-to spot to cast your line. This large lake is brimming with pike, salmon, trout, walleyes, and panfish—so you never know what you’re going to get! A day of ice fishing is a great time to spend outside with family and friends to catch up on life and catch dinner in the meantime.
Action-Packed Activities
Thrillseekers will have no problem getting their dose of adrenaline with ice climbing. In Vermont, there’s a handful of destinations that have become popular ice climbing playgrounds. Explore craggy caverns, steep cliffs, and crystalized quarries that are reminiscent of a scene out of Game of Thrones. By booking an ice climbing tour through a local company, you’ll get to have all the rewards without the risks.
For an unforgettable fast-paced excursion, try Siberian Dog Sledding. At October Siberians, they’ve been breeding and training sled dogs for almost 30 years. You can choose from a variety of dog sledding tours ranging from 20 minutes to 2 hours along various alpine routes. If you’re curious to learn more about the life of a sled dog, consider arranging a kennel visit where you can see how the dogs are cared for and get a better idea of their daily routine.
A Winter Retreat
After a day out in the cold, you’ll need a warm place to rest your head and fill your belly. For a taste of luxury, reserve a suite at The Essex Resort & Spa, Vermont’s culinary resort and spa. We recommend having dinner at Junction, one of the resort’s many dining options that serves up delicious high-quality plates with ingredients sourced from their on-site organic garden. Start your meal off with their Roasted Ginger and Butternut Soup followed by Seared Duck Breast with Black Cherry Chutney and Celeriac Puree. Right now, the resort is offering a “Destination Exploration” winter package, which includes 20% off at Junction along with other perks like nightly hot chocolate by their fire pit and daily breakfast at The Tavern.
