Autumn Activities at Vermont Ski Resorts

Fall Fun at Vermont Ski Resorts

There is no denying that the Mamas love winter in Vermont, but truth be told we are total suckers for the fall. Bring on the foliage, apple picking, corn mazes, harvest festivals, and drool-worthy cider donuts. If your family loves the outdoors there are endless possibilities for fall fun at Vermont Ski Resorts. When there is a little chill in the air, head north to celebrate autumn and enjoy the gorgeous colors as they spread across our beautiful mountain ranges.

Hiking

It is just as satisfying to conquer our mountains by going uphill instead of down. There is nothing more rewarding than the views from a mountaintop on a crisp fall day. Challenge yourself to hike to the top of Vermont’s highest peak — Mount Mansfield at Stowe Mountain Resort. Or for a more leisurely route stretch your legs along the trails that surround the Woodstock Inn and Resort or venture over to nearby Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller Historial Park which has over 20 miles of trails for families to explore.

Where to Eat: After a hike on the wooded trails at Trapp Family Lodge reward yourself with a burger and a frosty beverage on the patio at the Bierhall.

Golf, Disc Golf, and Mini Golf

Golf

Grab the kids and tee off at any number of Vermont Ski Resorts offering golf this fall. Golfing is a great family sport. The wide-open spaces and slow pace of the game encourage meaningful conversations while you are out on the course.

Enjoy the changing colors of the landscape from the steep terrain on the Sugarbush Resort Golf Club which is challenging enough to warrant taking a cart. Take advantage of $35 Thursdays when you book a tee time through the end of the season. The meandering course at the Woodstock Country Club showcases panoramic valley views over rolling hills and is worthy of putting on any family’s golf bucket list. It was named the #1 Golf Course in New England by Golf Advisor.

Where to Eat: When 18 just isn’t enough, check out Stratton’s 27-hole championship course. Afterward, grab a bite to eat on the patio at the Green Apron which overlooks the course.

Disc Golf

Instead of using a ball and clubs, try disc golf this fall with the kids. Fling those frisbees across open trails, over water hazards, and into elevated metal baskets. From the 9 hole beginner disc golf course at Okemo to the 27 hole course at Sugarbush Resort, challenge your family to a match on some of the pretty courses in New England.

Where to Eat: Take a seat on the patio of the James Moore Tavern after playing the challenging par 60 mountain 18 hole disc golf course at Bolton Valley. On Saturdays the host a BBQ on the lawn.

Mini-Golf

If the kids aren’t quite ready to tee off down the fairway, several resorts like Smugglers’ Notch have an 18-hole mini-golf course that can be just as exciting for little ones as playing on the real greens.

Where to Eat: The Sun Deck Cafe at Bromely serves a very family-friendly menu under the awning on their deck. It is the perfect spot for a meal after 18 holes of mini-golf with the kids.

Scenic Chair Lift Rides

It is ok to skip the trek to the top and grab a ride. Scenic chairlift rides offer a different perspective and give way to some of the best views of Vermont’s fall foliage. There is nothing better than looking back at the changing color of the leaves from the seat of a chair lift at Okemo or from Vermont’s only aerial tram at Jay Peak.

Where to Eat: Head up the Bluebird Express at Mount Snow and grab a meal to go to enjoy anywhere outside on the property.

Mountain Biking

Before snowflakes cover the trails, our picturesque peaks are a mountain bikers dream. Fall fun at Vermont Ski Resorts means enjoying hundreds of the best mountain bike trails in the East. With a variety of terrain across the resorts, the possibilities for adventure are endless. Killington Resort is a great pick for families that have beginner, intermediate, or advanced riders.

Sugarbush now rents E-bikes. There is no shame in needing a little boost. Electric bikes provide pedal assistance on those uphill climbs making it easier for everyone to go out for a spin. In addition to downhill trails, several resorts have loop trails, pump tracks, and progression parks. Head to the Skills Park at Saskadena Six where riders of all levels and abilities can practice their tricks. Plus it is free to use in 2020.

Where to Eat: After a full day of riding at Burke Mountain’s Bike Park, place an order to go or park yourself in front of the oversized windows at The Pub (with a reservation) to refuel while taking in the North East Kingdom’s striking scenery.