Winter Wonderland: Best Ski Resorts and Cozy Escapes in Southern Vermont

Southern Vermont Weekend Getaways become a wonderful haven from the daily when the snow falls and the Green Mountains become a winter paradise.  From warm fireside inns to powder-covered ski slopes, this area presents a dreamy winter wonderland ideal for families, couples, and single adventurers equally.

Charming towns, breathtaking mountain views, and plenty of outdoor pursuits define Southern Vermont.  Particularly in the colder months, this area has something for everyone whether your vacation is romantic or an intense ski weekend.

Let's look at the top ski resorts and little hideaways that will make your Southern Vermont winter trip unforgettable.

1. The Premier Ski Destination: Stratton Mountain Resort

One of the best ski resorts in the Green Mountains, Stratton Mountain is right in their middle.  It boasts 99 trails, over 670 acres of skiable terrain, and a mix of slopes suitable for beginners, intermediate, and advanced skiers.

Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Stratton also provides snowshoeing, tubing, and a charming alpine town complete with eateries, stores, and après-ski lounges.  For Southern Vermont Weekend Getaways when adventure and leisure coexist on the schedule, it is perfect.

Stay slopeside at the Black Bear Lodge or upscale with a condo rental in Stratton Village.

2. Mount Snow: A Family Love Song

Another great winter spot just a short drive from Wilmington, Vermont is Mount Snow.  Mount Snow, well-known for its family-friendly surroundings, provides more than 80 paths and 20 lifts, so allowing one to spend a whole weekend on the slopes easily.

Whereas the Carinthia Parks provide some of the best terrain parks on the East Coast for snowboarders, its dedicated learning zone is ideal for first-time skiers and children.

Bonus: The snowmaking systems of the resort guarantees excellent conditions even in less snowy weeks.

The Grand Summit Resort Hotel provides heated outdoor pool and hot tub-equipped ski-in/ski-out lodging ideal for relaxing following a day on the mountain.

3. Small, friendly, sunny Bromley Mountain

See Bromley Mountain in Peru, VT for a laid-back vibe.  Though smaller than Stratton or Mount Snow, this ski resort provides a lovely and unspoiled experience fit for families and beginners.

One of the sunniest ski resorts in the Northeast, Bromley, sometimes referred to as the "Sun Mountain," is ideal for a laid-back day on the slopes from its southern orientation.

Where to stay: Just minutes from Bromley, book a room at the beautifully rebuilt 1920s inn known as Seesaw's Lodge.  This is a rustic, cosy hideaway with modern conveniences.

4. Magic Mountain: An Undercover Gem

Magic Mountain in Londonderry is a local favorite if you're searching for something different.  With difficult terrain that advanced skiers will value, it has a more relaxed, traditional skiing environment.

This resort presents a really Vermont atmosphere—no frills, only outstanding skiing and community spirit.

Where to stay: Pick a nearby B&B like The Upper Pass Lodge, which provides reasonably priced, comfortable lodging right at the mountain base.

5. Warm Retreatues and Firesides

Winter is about more than just skiing; it's also about lounging around, savoring hot cocoa by the fire, and appreciating the snowscape.  These are some of the coziest lodging options:

The Reluctant Panther Inn Manchester, VT
A great base for seeing the area is this opulent Manchester boutique hotel.  Perfect for a romantic winter weekend, every room has a fireplace and soaking tub.

Equinox Golf Resort & Spa Manchester, Vermont
Seeking a combination of luxury and history?  To relax following outdoor excursions, the Equinox presents elegant rooms, great dining, and a full-service spa.

The Weston Inn
This romantic B&B in Weston is near Magic Mountain and Bromley, has nice rooms, and serves gourmet breakfasts.  For people looking for a quiet winter getaway, this is the perfect fit.

6. Day Trips from Manchester, Vermont

The center of Southern Vermont, Manchester is a great base for day trips from Manchester VT to surrounding ski resorts, old towns, and picturesque locations.

Dorset in English
Dorset is well-known for its marble quarries, country stores, and quaint downtown area just a short drive north of Manchester.  Spend a snowy afternoon exploring here; it's a fantastic spot.

Weston's
Well-known for the Vermont Country Store, Weston presents a classic New England experience.  Get a cup of cider and peruse their never-ending array of nostalgic items.

Peru and Land Groves
For those who want a quiet getaway, these small towns near Bromley provide cross-country skiing paths, unspoiled forests, and peaceful winter scenes.

Arlington and Sunderland
From Manchester, head south to visit some charming communities along the Battenkill River.  See covered bridges, nature walks, and picturesque drives across valleys covered in snow.

Advice for the Ideal Southern Vermont Winter Holiday

Early book:  Since winter is peak travel time, make sure your hotel and ski passes are well secured far in advance.

Layer Up: Southern Vermont gets cold!  Bring thermal accessories, waterproof boots and insulated clothes.

Try local food; from Vermont cheddar to maple-glazed everything else is missing.

After a day of skiing, nothing compares to a hot bath and a good book. Pack for comfort.  Select lodging with those little luxuries.

Thoughts on Final Notes
Southern Vermont Weekend Getaways are the ideal winter vacation whether your activities are downing ski slopes, touring small towns, or lounging fireside in a mountain lodge.  The area provides something for every kind of visitor with its array of ski resorts and small hotels.  And you never run out of snowy adventures to enjoy with lots of day trips from Manchester VT.

 So pack appropriately, get on the road, and find your own winter paradise right in Southern Vermont.