Vermont transforms into a snowy wonderland in winter, attracting all outdoor enthusiasts — especially skiers. Whether you prefer racing down alpine slopes or meandering along cross-country treks, there is a mountain or path for you among the 20 downhill ski areas and countless miles of cross-country trails. And with an annual average of 17 inches of snow falling in Vermont between March and April, there’s still some time to enjoy it.
Beyond skiing, the Green Mountain State enthusiastically embraces the season with festivals, markets and a fantastic après-ski scene. While there are plenty of ski resorts to use as your home base, these three luxurious properties offer standout amenities.
Forbes Travel Guide Five-Star Twin Farms is a unique all-inclusive slice of heaven, set on 300 acres in Barnard, with just 28 suites and cottages, each individually and gorgeously designed. Twin Farms has six groomed trails exclusive to its guests. Staff will gladly take you up to the summit on a Viking (a high-powered UTV with tracks). If you prefer Nordic-style skiing, there are also guest-only groomed trails with all the gear provided. Other wintry pursuits include snowshoeing, ice skating, fat-tire cycling, ice fishing and sledding.
One of the special aspects of staying at Twin Farms is that it is truly all-inclusive, with all meals and drinks (premium wine, spirits and non-alcoholic beverages) included. Whether you prefer a private happy hour in your room with canapés and bubbles or a multi-course tasting menu in the dining room, it’s up to you. Picnics and boxed lunches also can be arranged, if you want to go on an outing.
The hardest decision you will have to make at Twin Farms is choosing which room to reserve. If you want to fully embrace the ski theme, the Chalet cottage with alpine décor sits on the edge of the ski slope, with two fireplaces and an outdoor hot tub.
Woodstock Inn & Resort
In the charming town of Woodstock, Woodstock Inn & Resort is a scenic place to enjoy a powder-covered vacation. The resort offers a special ski package that includes accommodations, breakfast for two and all-day ski passes for two adults at the Saskadena Six Ski Area. Another option is the cross-country ski excursion package, which features a $300 credit for passes, rentals, lessons or guided excursions at the Woodstock Nordic Center (next to the resort), plus two nights’ accommodations.
The inn is also home to a10,000-square-foot spa, so you can soak your sore muscles in the hot tub or with a deep tissue massage after hitting the slopes. Before or after treatments, chill out in the enormous Great Room with a cozy throw next to one of the Shaker wood stoves.
The inn provides a few dining options, but Perley’s Pourhouse, located slopeside, is a great spot to unwind with hearty soups and sandwiches after being in the elements.
For a special experience and plenty of space, book the three-room Laurance S. Rockefeller Suite, which has a living room with a gas fireplace and a separate dining room. Other perks include warming drawers for your robes and slippers in the walk-in cedar closet and a steam shower with a separate soaking tub. Nothing could be nicer after a day spent outdoors.
The Lodge at Spruce Peak
If your idea of a dream ski vacation is not only seeing the mountain you’ll trek down from your bedroom window but being able to touch it within minutes, The Lodge at Spruce Peak is for you. At the base of Mount Mansfield, the ski-in, ski-out property makes it easy to enjoy the sport with lifts mere steps from your room.
The Lodge is part of a larger complex that includes the Village Center, which features shops, restaurants and a nearly 10,000-square-foot ice skating rink. Other seasonal activities include cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, ice climbing, horseback riding, sleigh rides, dog sledding, snowmobiling and enjoying the town’s vibrant Peak Weekend (March 12 to 15).
When you’re ready to relax, there’s a heated outdoor pool with stunning mountain views, as well as hot tubs to soak in. Unique treatments at the resort’s spa include a cider scrub and a hair treatment with beer, although classics like sports massages are also on the extensive menu.
Book a penthouse at the Lodge, where you will have a private check-in, personal concierge service and perks such as daily breakfast and a private lounge where you can relax by the fire. The penthouses have full kitchens, dining areas, gas fireplaces and many come with terraces.
