Vermont Ski Resorts Fall vs. Winter
Vermont ski resorts were originally developed to enjoy during the winter. However, over the years most have become year-round playgrounds for active families. With hiking, biking, disc golf, scenic chairlift rides, and more in the fall and skiing, snowboarding, snowshoeing, and cross country skiing in the winter, it is hard to know which season is better for a visit.
As we head into snowliage season, will you be sad to see the leaves be replaced by snow? Or are you ready for ski and snowboard season? To that end, the Mamas want to know which is your favorite season in Vermont? We know it is a tough call, but please tell us in our first ever Fall vs. Winter poll how your family prefers to spend time at these Vermont ski resorts.
Sugarbush Resort
Sugarbush’s trails were made for hiking up and skiing down. The fall is filled with opportunities to explore the trails on foot or drive some balls down the fairway while taking in the stunning foliage. In the winter carve out some turns on any of the 111 trails on Lincoln Peak and Mt. Ellen.
Killington Resort
Killington Resort is known as the Beast of the East. It has 156 trails spread out over 752 skiable acres. In the fall the trails are home to mountain bike trails that are great for kids of all ages and abilities. While in the winter Killington’s six peaks are challenging enough to keep your teens happy all day long.
Okemo Mountain Resort
The Mamas love Okemo. It is a great place in the winter with little ones as well as the ideal place for Moms to take a few lessons so they can keep up with the kids or just improve their skills. However, in the fall both on and off-mountain activities at Okemo keep the whole family entertained for days on end. You will have a hard time dragging the kids away from the mountain coaster to get them out to enjoy the foliage!
Burke Mountain
There is no denying that Burke is one of Vermont’s best-kept secrets for skiing in Vermont. However, they are also known for having mountain biking trails with some of the prettiest scenery in the Northeast. In addition to their downhill trails, they have a mountain bike park that has something for every rider in your family and they are right next door to the Kingdom Trails XC Network.
Bolton Valley
Bolton Valley offers great beginner lessons for kids and challenging backcountry skiing in the winter, but the mountain also has amazing bike trails and an 18 hole disc golf course. It is hard to know which season is better for planning a visit with the family.
Stowe Mountain Resort
Stowe Mountain Resort has plenty of places for family adventures. Home to the highest peak in Vermont, no matter what season you visit there is fun to be had for families. You can launch yourself off of a platform at the top of Mount Mansfield and zip down the mountain or take the gondola to the top of the peak where it drops you off near the Cliff House Restaurant, a great place for lunch. From there, find plenty of options to hike or ski the long winding trails back down to the base.
Stratton Mountain
The best way to see the fall foliage is from above. That is why a Gondola ride to the top of Stratton should be on everyone’s leaf peeper bucket list. From the top, you can hike down their beautiful trails. In the winter Stratton offers some of the best skiing and riding in southern Vermont. Plus it has outstanding options for family fun on and off the mountain for families.
Dana is a freelance journalist and digital influencer living in Vermont. She is the editor behind Dana Freeman Travels. Through her original photography and writing, she provides authentic destination information, reviews, and travel tips. Dana specializes in cruise, luxury, food & wine, and adventure travel. Her work has been featured in CNN Travel, Porthole Magazine, Thrillist, Yankee Magazine, the Forbes Travel Guide, and several other print and digital publications. Dana is also the Founder of FindandGoSeek — a hyperlocal destination for families to discover what to see and do in Vermont.