Off The Beaten Trail
Let ’ s Go Skiing ! Smugglers ’ Notch Resort
Cochran ’ s Ski Area
910 Cochran Rd ., Richmond , VT 05477
CochranSkiArea . com
A small , family-friendly ski resort located just east of Burlington . Featuring eight trails and three lifts , this resort is dedicated to the mission of providing area youth and families with access to affordable skiing . Lessons are available on site , but rentals are currently not available . Please come prepared with boards or skis !
Lyndon Outing Club
1580 Lily Pond Rd ., Lyndonville , VT 05851
SkiLyndon . com
Located near Northern Vermont University – Lyndon , this affordable ski resort offers the only night skiing and snowboarding in the Northeast Kingdom . The mountain features eight trails and two lifts , and there is a snack bar in the lodge on site . Rentals and lessons are not available on-site , so please come prepared with boards or skis !
Middlebury College Snow Bowl
6886 VT Route 125 , Hancock , VT 05748
MiddleburySnowBowl . com
Located near Middlebury College , the Middlebury College Snow Bowl is the home of the nationally-recognized Middlebury Panthers Ski Team . This small resort offers fun , accessible skiing and snowboarding for the whole family . With four lifts and 17 diverse trails , the Middlebury Snow bowl has uncrowded lifts and short lines on most days . Rentals are available on-site , as well as lessons , and lodging and dining options abound in the charming nearby towns of Middlebury and Rochester .
Suicide Six
247 Stage Rd ., South Pomfret , VT 05067
Suicide6 . com
Suicide Six is a small and historic Vermont resort with a fiercely-devoted following . As the oldest ski resort in Vermont , its trails are beloved by skiers from around the state . With three lifts and 24 trails – including its infamously wide-open and steep trail “ The Face ” – it ’ s a perfect local ski option for vacationers who travel to nearby Woodstock for winter vacations . Rentals and lessons are available on-site .
Northeast Slopes
NortheastSlopes . org
3269 Quechee Main St ., Quechee , VT 05059
This small community ski area is home to 30 acres of skiable terrain , 12 trails , and the longest-running rope tow in the United States . The junior rope tow is perfect for kids who are just learning how to ski , and the high-speed rope tow and T-bar provide faster transport to the top of the mountain for advanced skiers . The mountain features both scenic cruiser trails and steep glades , and lift tickets are very affordable . A small snack bar offers locally-sourced hot and cold refreshments at the base of the mountain . Rentals and lessons are not available on-site , so please come prepared with boards or skis !
Ski Quechee
10397 VT Rte 25 East Corinth , VT 05040
QuecheeClub . com / skiquechee
On the grounds of the Quechee Club , a small , yet beautiful ski resort stands above Vermont ’ s breathtaking Quechee Valley . With 13 trails , three lifts , and a seasonally-dependent terrain park , Ski Quechee is a fantastic option for tourists visiting the Ottaquechee River region . The Quechee Club also houses a restaurant , ice skating facility , indoor pool , and racquet courts . Rentals and lessons are available on-site .
4323 VT Route 108 , Jeffersonville , VT 05464
Trails : 78 Lifts : 8 Summit Elevation : 3,640 ft . Vertical Drop : 2,610 ft . Skiable Acres : 310
Smuggs . com
With fun winter events and activities , award-winning children ’ s ski school programs , a childcare center , a teen center , and a sensational mountain village , it will come as no surprise that Smugglers ’ Notch Resort ( affectionately referred to as “ Smuggs ” by their loyal visitors ) has been rated the # 1 best family resort on the East Coast for several years by SKI Magazine ’ s Reader ’ s Choice Awards . Six lifts spread across three mountains provide access to over 300 acres of pristine ski terrain . Beginners will find pleasurable and accessible skiing and riding on Morse Mountain . Intermediate and expert skiers will discover numerous thrilling trails on the higher peaks of Madonna Mountain and Sterling Mountain .
Other family-friendly events and activities include tube sliding , family snowshoe scavenger hunts , winter carnivals , and outdoor winter walks . Aqua aerobics classes are offered at their indoor pool , which is also ideal for lap swimming workouts . In addition , an outdoor skating rink allows guests to savor the wintry beauty of the surrounding mountains while gracefully gliding on the ice . For ski and snowboard rentals , repairs , and ski tuning services , visit 3 Mountain Equipment at the base of Morse Mountain . Novice skiers and snowboarders in search of expert instruction should enroll in their First Timer Ski or Snowboard Program , which is offered to both children and adults .
At the Fun Zone 2.0 , kids of all ages will find something to smile about .
58 VERMONT MAGAZINE