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Getting first chair or ending your workday early to get in laps before sunset is a way of life in Vermont. Nowhere does winter like Vermont, where the ski culture runs deep. Vermont after all was home to the first rope tow in the U.S., built in 1934, while Vermont’s Mad River Glen, known for its “Ski it if you can” slogan, is home to the nation’s oldest single chair.
Today, Vermont’s 20 alpine ski areas range from expansive resorts to intimate community hills. Whether you crave the thrill of glades and steeps, prefer the gentle slopes for learning, or enjoy the well-groomed trails, Vermont’s diverse terrain caters to every skier’s preferences. What sets Vermont apart is its unparalleled snowmaking capabilities, covering a vast majority of the trail network across the state. As a global leader in snowmaking technology and sustainability, Vermont ensures a consistently high-quality, unmatched skiing experience.
Get to know Vermont’s ski areas
Vermont’s ski resorts run the gamut. Killington Mountain Resort, “The Beast of the East,” is the first Vermont ski resort to open in the winter, and the last to close in the spring, making it the longest operating season in the East. The state’s ski resorts are also intently focused on sustainability as they work to upgrade their snowmaking, which has included more energy- and water-efficient systems. In fact, the community-run Middlebury College Snow Bowl is the first-ever carbon-neutral ski area.
In Jeffersonville, Smugglers Notch Resort has been named the no. 1 resort in the U.S. for families for years running. Beyond just Smugglers Notch Resort, Vermont is a great ski destination for families and kids, as evidenced by Ski Vermont’s Fifth Grade Passport program. The program gives fifth graders the chance to ski at any participating Vermont ski area for just $30 for 90 days. Ski Vermont also offers a number of other deals for college students, seniors, and those just learning to turn.
Get inspired, and return to what skiing is all about, with these videos about Vermont’s ski culture. Follow Vermont Tourism on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube, and search #ThisIsVT to find trip ideas on social media.
Start Planning your trip at VermontVacation.com.