Enjoy the Best of Vermont This Winter
There are plenty of fabulous places for skiing in Vermont this winter. However, few of them compare to the experience you’ll have at Mad River Glen in Central Vermont. Mad River Glen is located in the heart of Vermont’s Green Mountains and offers some of the most challenging and diverse terrains in the state.
Skiers have revered this independent ski resort for generations. However, skiing at Mad River Glen is not the only thing to do in Vermont in the winter. In between, there are plenty of other winter activities to enjoy, including cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, plus plenty of great dining, breweries, shopping, quintessential Vermont experiences, and so much more.
Vermont is truly one of the top-rated romantic getaways in New England, and it won’t take you long to understand why. It’s a beautiful, rural winter wonderland that offers the perfect antidote to cities’ busy, often chaotic pace and the holiday season in general. Get beyond winter, and you’ll find that Vermont is the ideal place for romantic getaways in New England all year long, as it’s a fabulous four-season destination.
With so many fantastic things to do in Vermont this winter, including a few days skiing at Mad River Glen, it’s easy to see why it’s such an extraordinary getaway destination. That is even more true when you partner with Select Registry for unforgettable winter getaways.
There are several charming Bed and Breakfasts in Vermont in Select Registry’s portfolio, including a couple within an easy drive to Mad River Glen and other top-rated Vermont ski resorts in the central part of the state. Each of these properties provides exceptional hospitality and a genuinely authentic Vermont experience, and there’s a reason they are rated as some of the best places to stay in Vermont!
Whether you’re looking for an unforgettable time on the slopes of Mad River Glen or a magical winter escape, you can’t beat a winter getaway to one of our Vermont Bed and Breakfasts. Book your getaway before it’s too late!
Vermont Skiing at Mad River Glen
With such fabled and diverse skiing on offer, it’s no wonder Mad River Glen is a top destination for skiing in Vermont each winter. It’s not the biggest or even the steepest place to enjoy Vermont skiing, but it is one of three places left in the country that’s dedicated to skiers only (sorry, Snowboarders – you’ll want to head to nearby Sugarbush Resort).
Moreover, Mad River Glen is one of the few places left in the country with primarily natural snow, with limited snowmaking only on 15 runs and strictly below the 2,300 elevation mark. That’s welcome news to many traditional skiing enthusiasts! Much of this is due to the ownership structure of Mad River Glen – it’s still cooperatively owned among skiers, as opposed to the big national chains that own a majority of ski resorts across the country.
There are a total of 45 ski runs at Mad River Glen, 21 of which are considered advanced or expert level. There are only eight easy runs, meaning most skiing here is for experienced skiers and is considered challenging. That’s part of the appeal! One of the most popular features of Mad River Glen is the fabled single chair – a must for any skier in New England!
The vertical drop at Mad River Glen is impressive, too, at just over 2,000 feet. With their uphill capacity being a little smaller than bigger ski hills, you are practically guaranteed far fewer skiers clogging up the hillsides and giving you the freedom to enjoy your trip down the slopes. The opening day for the 2022/2023 season is geared for December 10th.
While we could talk for days about just how special skiing at Mad River Glen is, it’s not the only great place for skiing in Central Vermont. Sugarbush Ski Resort is the next closest destination, with Killington a little further beyond that.
Things to do in Vermont This Winter
While skiing in Vermont – especially when it includes someplace as unique as Mad River Glen – is one of our favorite things to do in Vermont in the winter, that’s just the beginning of a magical season in this beautiful state. If a fresh blanket of snow has you excited to get outside and explore, we have excellent recommendations for other things to do in Vermont this winter.
However, if a blanket of cold snow has you more inclined to keep warm indoors, don’t fret – there are plenty of things for you to do in Vermont this winter as well! From skiing through Mad River Glen to eating and drinking your way through the charming towns of Vermont, we have no doubt you’ll have an extraordinary getaway in Vermont this winter.
There’s something for everyone here. Let’s plan your trip with a few of our favorite things to do in Vermont in the winter, listed below.
- Cross-country skiing in Vermont is just as good, if not better than downhill skiing! One of the state’s most popular cross-country skiing trails is the Catamount Trail, but there are several fantastic local trails to explore, too. Near Mad River Glen, you’ll find Blueberry Lake Cross Country & Snowshoe Center and Ole’s Cross Country Ski Center. It’s by far one of the best things to do in Vermont in the winter.
- Just as hiking is popular in the summer, snowshoeing is popular in the winter. Talk about a beautiful way to experience the tranquility of this stunning winter wonderland!
- How about crisscrossing this mountainous terrain and beautiful rural valleys on a snowmobile? Whether you bring your own or take a tour, you’re sure to enjoy your time racing through the beautiful forests of Vermont. It’s one of our favorite things to do in Vermont in the winter.
- Lake Champlain is the most popular place for ice fishing in Vermont, but you can find plenty of other small lakes and ponds to enjoy this time-honored winter tradition around the state.
- When you want a break from the cold, wintry weather outside, you’ll find there are plenty of fun things to do in Vermont in the winter. For example, taste your way through the many local breweries, wineries, and distilleries.
Whether your days are spent at Mad River Glen or traversing the extensive snowshoeing trails, there’s nothing better than coming home to the cozy comfort of one of the Select Registry Bed and Breakfasts in Vermont. With friendly, welcoming hospitality, fabulous accommodations, and amenities, there is no better place to enjoy a winter getaway. Book your room at one of our Vermont Bed and Breakfasts today.
Best Places to Stay near Mad River Glen
West Hill House Bed and Breakfast
Welcome to West Hill House B&B, a historic 1850’s home in Vermont’s Mad River Valley. Enjoy four glorious seasons for romance, relaxation and recreation at our Warren, Vermont bed and breakfast. We bring you comfort, hospitality, good food, and a personal concierge service. We’re only minutes from Sugarbush Resort, Mad River Glen, and all the shops, artisans and marvelous restaurants of the valley.
Located on a quiet country road nestled in a hillside forest and surrounded by gorgeous perennial gardens, our Vermont Bed and Breakfast is certified Green with awards from many organizations.
Swift House Inn
An historic 20-room former governor’s mansion, Swift House Inn is Middlebury’s premiere full-service inn. Large, comfortable, and well-appointed rooms can be found throughout three distinct buildings spread across four acres of extensive lawns and mature formal gardens. Many rooms and common areas have fireplaces and quintessential vintage New England decor.
There’s four-seasons worth of things to do around Middlebury, Vermont, including biking, hiking, shopping, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing at Rikert Nordic Center, Middlebury Snow Bowl, Stowe, and Killington are all within an hour’s drive.
