Whimsy.
According to the Oxford dictionary, whimsy is derived from a 17th century word “whim-wham,” originally meaning a trinket or ornamental object. Fast forward to 2026, “whimsy” is often used to describe a place, as opposed to an object: “a whimsy place is a setting characterized by quaint and unpredictable charm, designed to evoke wonder… with decor of a whimsical nature, aimed at sparking imaginative, carefree emotions.”
Enter: Mountain Top Resort in Chittenden, Vermont. Nested high in Vermont’s green mountains, upon 700 acres of forest and meadow, the property gives way to sweeping lake views and unique “magic” in each season. Our family experienced the expansive property with freshly fallen February snow sparkling in the winter sun.
Mountain Top Resort has that whimsical storybook feel to it – mixing nature, nostalgia, and playful activities in a way that feels magical rather than just luxurious.
The concept of “luxurious” isn’t exactly synonymous with my big, beautiful, very chaotic season of life as a mother of three little boys. Daydreaming about this trip had me excited for the possibility that the trifecta could, in fact, exist within a family ski trip. To say the least, Mountain Top Resort absolutely delivered on this daydream.
Getting to Know You: Mountain Top Inn & Resort
As nature and New England would have it – Connecticut experienced Blizzard Calvin in late February — one of the biggest snowstorms Connecticut has seen in over a decade — just days before we departed for Vermont. After 26 hours of continual snowfall amounting to 25+” and three back to back “snow days” off from school, somehow, the ski bags got packed and the car loaded. We were off to Mountain Top Resort for three days of winter adventures.
Around hour three of our drive, the sun was setting and darkness fell on the winding roads leading to our destination. As we took a right turn onto the long uphill road toward the resort, I rested my eyes on twinkling trees – still adorned with white lights far past the holiday season – reminding me that Vermont marches to its own beat. We pointed out rustic barns, horse pastures and other “Vermonty” delights that sped past our windows.
As we slowly rumbled up to the main building of Mountain Top Inn, it felt like a warm welcome rising out of the landscape itself. Its exterior is a blend of weathered timber and ornate shingled roof, with warm lights weaving through a trestled overhang. The inviting front doors opened to a spacious yet intimate check-in area, where guests lounged by the crackling fire, and curled up with books. A faint buzz of the restaurant below could be heard. The entire space is designed to make arrival feel less like a transaction and more like coming home—quiet, welcoming, and wrapped in the calm of the mountains.
The Mountain Top Resort property is unique with accommodations fit for any traveler – stay in the main lodge, a private cabin, or a guest home each provide a peaceful retreat.
Fortunate to stay at one of the newly renovated homes, a staff member handed me keys to “Split Rock House,” one of 34 homes on the property. This would be our home away from home the next three days and nights.
We retreated down a windy dirt road, with unique homes each unveiling themselves. Finally, “there it is -Split Rock!” was exclaimed from the back seat, and restless children jumped out of the car, quick to be the first to explore our vacation lodgings.
The kids beamed with grins, after zooming around and noting “pretty good hide and seek spots!” We were graciously greeted with goodies on the kitchen island – a trio of delicious nuts (cinnamon whiskey pecan, a family fave), exclusive Mountain Top maple candies, a maple sugaring coloring book for our 5-year-old, and a note to “check the fridge.” Someone clearly knew that after a four hour drive and hungry critters- a charcuterie board with Vermont cheese and fresh fruit was the perfect, and unexpected, welcoming pre-bedtime provisions!
Fed, settled and tired after the long drive, if was off to bed to rest up for our long weekend of fun.
Ski Day Highlights: Killington and Pico Mountain
Our weekend itinerary included ski days at Killington and Pico Mountain, along with exploring Mountain Top’s sledding hill, a family sleigh ride, and spa time for Mom.
Waking up the first morning at Mountain Top, we were greeted by natural light flooding in from every angle, and expansive views of the reservoir as the sun rose over the green mountains. I crept outside onto Split Rock’s deck – intentionally pausing with steeping hot coffee, grateful for the moment, for the respite of quiet and peace that can often only be transcended when in nature and grasping that feeling of being “away.” A perfect bluebird forecast day lied ahead and I felt ready to conquer it.
Like a well oiled machine, we did the “get ready” hustle as three boys readied themselves for the slopes, eager to enjoy fun in the winter sun. A quick 25 minute drive brought us to our destination. Our ski day at Killington was unmatched – few lines, fresh snow, warm temps, blue skies, and a phenomenal full day lesson for Reid, who excelled to new heights.
Folks at the mountain that day seemed to have an extra pep in their step – was it 40 degree temps and that blazing sun glimmering on white powder? Maybe!
For us – it was skiing together as a family and exploring Killington Mountain for the first time in 10 years, our family having grown from one to three children over that decade. It was an action packed day with laughs and adventure. The bonus? Knowing we’d be returning to Split Rock at Mountain Top, which felt like our own secret village.
The following day we were ready for family adventures at Pico Mountain. Even closer than Killington, our morning drive was just 19 minutes from door to door. Lucking out, yet again, with gorgeous winter weather, we maximized a full family ski day exploring the special, rustic mountain packed with all the little things that add up to a successful family skiing experience.
For the full ski story, read Bluebird Skies & Hero Snow: Family Laps at Killington & Pico.
Over the Hills and Through the Woods – A Sleigh Ride We Shall Go!
Back at Mountain Top Resort, we embarked on another magical memory – a horse drawn sleigh ride through the snowy hills and woods of the resort property. Originally booked for 6pm the sunset gods answered my prayers and we were able to move up to the 5pm slot. Why might this matter? As a life-long sunset and tide tracker, I know the sun setting and dancing paintbrush colors of wonderment that accompany it only happens in a one hour window. To experience it aboard a sleigh, with horses and a majestic backdrop for our family was a treasured opportunity.
Motherhood is full of many days, nights and frankly, years, handling baby witching hours and the dinner bedtime stretch where chasing sunsets is replaced with varying levels of parental patience and survival. Having emerged out of the baby/toddler stage in the past couple years has yielded flexibility and new experiences – if a sunset is now on the horizon, our boys know – let’s get out there and watch it!
In a quick transition from skiing to sleigh ride, I chomped down half an apple in the car. While looking for a trash receptacle upon arrival at the sleigh, it was suggested that Reid hold onto the apple and feed it to Merrel and Marty at the end of our sleigh ride! His eyes lit up like saucers and a smile creeped ear to ear as he gripped the apple and kept it in tow. We loaded into the carriage and off we went – the three brothers cozy in their own seat with tartan plaid blankets, and my husband and I in front.
The soft jingle of the horses’ harness bells broke the stillness of the quiet land, as we traversed hills and the snowy woods. It felt simple and timeless—just our family, the horses leading the way, and the fading light wrapping the trees and hills in a kind of quiet magic that made you want the ride to last a little longer. The experience reminded me of Robert Frost’s ‘Stopping by the Woods on a Snowy Evening’ poem, where he famously references his horse, with jingling bells, alongside the woods “lovely, dark and deep.”
In a frenzied world – our sleigh ride offered a stillness as time seemed to slow in this space. I could see it in my children’s faces, their little beings experiencing “awe” as we were carried somewhere peaceful by such gentle creatures, majestic sweeps of color crossing the sky.
As the sleigh ride came to an end, I felt both grateful and peaceful – our children had soaked it all in and were also cloaked in a special kind of shared calm – one we won’t soon forget. And, joyful Reid did, in fact, get to feed Marty and Merrel. Who knew that mom’s on-the-go snack would bring a child (and horse) such cheer.
A one of a kind experience for a family, this sleigh ride made for an enchanting memory.
You had me at Maple Butter Rolls – Dinner at Mountain Top Tavern
The sun had set and Marty and Merrel were back to their stables. What was next? A quick pivot to a dinner at Mountain Top Restaurant!
The Mountain Top Tavern felt like a hidden retreat—warm, welcoming, and full of quiet character. Its timber exterior opened into a cozy dining room where exposed beams, wide-plank floors, and a crackling stone fireplace set the tone. The windows framed sweeping views of snow-covered hills and it felt like the type of place people linger – not rush.
Our meal was memorable and very satisfying. Always ones to celebrate after a successful day of skiing; we ordered some fun drinks and cheersed.. Our kids started off with special kid-friendly beverages – Reid choosing the Pina Coooolada and Grant smitten with the Sunrise Punch. I indulged in a Peppermint Mocha espresso martini – a delicious Girl Scout thin mint-esque treat of a cocktail.
There is much to love about Vermont – but I particularly enjoy how local maple syrup is artfully incorporated into delicious meals and desserts. As such, “Parker House Rolls” were a home run appetizer. They are freshly baked daily at The Bakery in Rutland, Vermont with house made maple butter and maple syrup. The rolls arrived doughy and warm to our table and melted in our mouths. If Mountain Top could package these rolls up – we’d take them home in a heartbeat.
For the main meal, my eye went right to the Salmon entree – another done deal. Pan-seared maple-glazed Faroe Island salmon was served with candied walnuts, asparagus and sweet potato puree. The salmon was crisp and flaky, while a maple glaze added a subtle sweetness that complemented the richness of the fish without overpowering it. The flavor combinations were excellent. The kids menu was straightforward – my two younger children opted for pastas while my husband and oldest son enjoyed the Guinness Beef Stew and Tavern burger. The beef stew was another mouth-watering sensation- with slow-braised beef, carrots, and sweet onions in robust broth served with Irish soda bread which gave our Irish crew a smile.
As we enjoyed our meal, the restaurant filled up – lively but relaxed. A meal at Mountain Top Tavern is a special occasion in and of itself. But on this evening, followed by Marty and Merrel’s magic sleigh ride through the woods and hills – I looked around me with such appreciation for how far our little ski family had come. Our children are 11, 8 and 5. We are past naps and bunny slopes, and in the sweet spot where ski vacation dinners out as a family don’t require crayons or tiny toys– but where we can have enjoyable connection, conversations, and laughter as our little humans recount their ski escapades and experience thoughtfully prepared food.
For dessert, we eagerly ordered our waitress’s recommendation: the cookie skillet – 5 spoons and a dollop of maple bean ice cream- the perfect ooey, gooey, melty treat to end a memorable evening.
Mountain Top Spa & Salon: Sunday Serenity
It was Sunday morning. After two days of Vermont skiing I had looked forward to a deep tissue massage at Mountain Top Resort’s Spa before the drive back to Connecticut. Let me clarify. I had been daydreaming about this massage the whole ski season. Us ski moms pack the snacks, the lunches, ski bags, schlep the skis, load the car like a 1990s tetris game, mentally keep track of gear, remember tissues and chapstick, all while smiling through some exhausting tribulations of ski adventures with a young family. It was time for an unwinding, a recharge, a salute to my body and mind craving restoration.
Calm, grounded and deeply restorative, Mountain Top Resort’s Spa felt like an extension of the mountain itself. The space transcended mountainside tranquility – a spa that felt like a restorative space from the moment I entered. The air carried soft, natural scents, and as I checked in for my treatment, I admired beautiful design aesthetics like vertically hung birch branches from the ceiling, creating a barrier between the reception desk and waiting area.
I was immediately greeted by Kyla at the front desk, calmly welcoming me and introducing me to my masseuse, Holly. Holly was a gentle spirit and led me down the hall to a large wooden door with a sign, “Willow.” Each treatment room is named after a tree. Holly did what most women do when they learn I have 3 boys… “3 boys?!” she exclaimed. She nodded her head emphatically, acknowledging we needed to get right down to business – “Oh you need this!” she said with warm gumption (I wasn’t going to disagree). I felt like Holly could be a cheerleader for all the tired ski moms – but mothers in general – reminding me of how seldom most of us indulge in restoration on a deeper level, or much rest at all.
The deep tissue massage was everything I hoped it would be. There was a rhythm to the experience—the steady pressure, the quiet room, the subtle background sounds—that made it easy to fully relax while still feeling the therapeutic intensity of the treatment. By the end, my muscles felt lighter, my body reset, and my mind completely at ease. Holly helped ease the tightness that comes with skiing and being in the cold – but also helped me transport mentally to a place where I felt more free – lighter.
I took my time in using the spacious indoor sauna, and then walked back out into the crisp mountain air – determined to take my calm with me and enjoy the picture-perfect hot-tub. Another gorgeous day at Mountain Top, I soaked up the sun while unwinding and meditating in the hot tub. These peaceful moments were spent overlooking pristine white mountains in the distance, enhancing a culminating moment of solitude I desperately needed.
It’s All Downhill from Here (in a Good Way)
I’d find out later, that down the windy path from the hot tub, my children had jumped into the resort sleds having an absolute blast whipping down the iconic “sledding hill” with their dad. This is a unique feature at Mountain Top, sleds strewn about for guest use, and I was happy that my children had a wild ride ending to their trip, as my culminating experience was a relaxing one.
Mountain Top Resort is a lovely gem – offering rustic, charming, sophisticated ambiance sprinkled with special details across all seasons, beautiful mountain landscapes, and attentive staff. Whimsy and wonderful, our family’s Mountain Top memories will be long treasured.
Leah is a lifelong adventurer and creative spirit raising three amazing boys on the Connecticut shoreline. Her family thrives in the outdoors—skiing, biking, hiking and diving into any ocean adventure. While her children were each on skis at age three, Leah first clicked into skis as an adult. Almost outpaced by her youngest skier, age five, she has been chasing after her husband and two older boys down Vermont and other New England mountains ever since!
Working, counseling, and leading in public schools for over a decade, Leah is a former district administrator and Social Emotional Learning (SEL) and Wellness Director. As a Licensed Professional Counselor, Leah now owns a private practice, specializing in women’s wellness. In tiny sparks of free time she writes about the wild, beautiful work of living fully—where sand, sea, slopes, and meaningful healing all meet.