Vermont: Winter Wonderland

We’ve been enjoying a gorgeous stretch in these Green Mountains of late. The snow globe keeps ashakin’.

Since the middle of January the Mad River Valley has been blanketed in more than 50 inches of the fluffy white stuff. Not all at once, mind you, but in a series of modest to light dustings. We love it! And you will, too.

So what, you might wonder, does one do in Vermont in the Mad River Valley in the middle of winter wonderland? Plenty, depending on your personal preferences.

Let’s start indoors. We love to watch the snow fall softly across Warren village. So, too, do many of our guests, as it turns out. Believe it or not, some guests find plenty of contentment with a good book in the cozy library or curled up on a soft chair in their room. Another indoor favorite is a relaxing massage. We employ some of the very best masseuses in the valley to tend to your aching muscles. Follow your massage with a hot bath or steam shower (limited to select rooms) while the fireplace or woodstove is roaring and there’s no better cold-weather pleasure. Throw in a hot toddy delivered to your room and your relaxation is complete.

Even indoors types aren’t opposed to a short adventure through the snow, across Main Street, on a shopping expedition to the almost-world-famous Warren Store. There you will find a newly renovated deli with espresso drinks and housemade baked goods and plenty of lunch options, not to mention a wide selection of Vermont’s finest brews. Upstairs you’ll find a well-curated selection of women’s and men’s clothing, jewelry and home goods. While there, visit the Art in the Village gallery next door.

If you tend more toward getting outside, well then there are plenty of choices. Some guests enjoy exploring local byways via car (snow tires or four-wheel-drive advised). We strongly suggest a trip up the East Warren Road, accessed right from the inn. It presents long views of the spine of the Green Mountains and the three ski areas arrayed across them. Your journey ends at a covered bridge and some fine shopping on Bridge Street in Waitsfield. And if you want a guide, our Experience Director Sam Chambers will be happy to take you on a Mad River Valley Ramble.

If you’re more adventurous, you have plenty of choices, including skating at nearby Blueberry Lake, snowshoeing the logging trails at Slide Brook or the walking trails at the Scrag Mountain Town Forest. And there’s always downhill skiing or riding at nearby Sugarbush or Mad River Glen and cross-country at Ole’s or Blueberry Lake. We’re happy to guide you on any of these adventures and you can see our full menu of experiences elsewhere on our website. Or we are content to offer you directions and send you on your way.

And for the power- and speed-minded, there’s always snowmobiling. Vermont is criss-crossed with trails thanks to VAST, the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers, which maintains the trails. We’ll be happy to hook you up with an outfitter, either here in the Mad River Valley or further afield, whichever you prefer. Seeing the Vermont landscape from a powerful sled at speed can be awe-inspiring.

So, however you like to enjoy winter, indoors or out, reading or schussing, we have the goods. Reach out today.