Northwest Vermont in the Winter
Top Picks in Northwest Vermont
Vermont’s natural snowfall turns the Green Mountains into a playground for outdoor recreation, setting it apart as a winter destination. Hand-picked by the editors of Yankee Magazine, these 5 highlights are just some of what Northwest Vermont offers in winter.
St. Albans, Vermont
Hard’ack Recreation Area
A devoted fan base and hard-working volunteers have made Hard’ack a cherished winter playground for local families and visitors alike. Founded in the 1960s, it’s now a nonprofit that runs on donations and fundraisers. And while Hard’ack may seem small-scale, with its rope tow climbing a hill just 100 feet tall, there’s a lot on offer here: night skiing, a terrain park, a sledding hill, and miles of trails for snowshoeing, Nordic skiing, and fat biking. You’ll hardly ever wait in line, and if you forgot to bring a sled or snowshoes, they’re free to borrow. Add in the fun-filled St. Albans Winter Carnival in February, and it’s clear why Hard’ack is the beating heart of its community all winter long.
Enosburg Falls, Vermont
Boston Post Dairy
Maybe it was inevitable that in a Vermont farm family with 15 kids, someone would take up cheesemaking. In this case, it was the girls—who give a playful nod to their male siblings with “Eleven Brothers,” their award-winning tomme-style cheese. Family connections are as vital to Boston Post Dairy as its herd of goats, whose milk the sisters turn into a variety of artisan cheeses as well as soaps and lotions. These products fill the year-round farm store, along with cow’s-milk cheese, baked goods, and maple treats, all made right here. There are gifts and gourmet goodies from elsewhere in Vermont, too, like Lake Champlain Chocolates and Lyman’s Pickles. It’s a harvest of local flavor that’s bountiful enough to tide you over all winter long.
Montgomery, Vermont
Vermont Salt Cave Spa
Many of Vermont’s historic barns have found new life as artist studios, education centers, restaurants, and even family homes. Yet only one barn in the state—or even the country—has been reborn as a salt cave. Chalk that up to the creativity of married entrepreneurs Sarita and Nafis Khan, who hail from Jamaica and Guyana, respectively. Using 20,000 pounds of salt boulders and 4,000 pounds of salt crystals, they have transformed an 1880s barn into a version of Poland’s natural salt caves, which are said to have therapeutic powers. Need more relaxation? Massage therapy, reiki, and traditional Chinese foot soaks are among the spa’s additional pampering.
LAKE CARMI STATE PARK
– Franklin, Vermont
Peeking over the treetops at Lake Carmi is The Pinnacle, a mountain in Quebec—that’s how close you are here to the Canadian border. And like its “Great White North” neighbor, this park is a beacon for those who thrive in the winter outdoors. More than 480 acres in size, it sits on the shores of Vermont’s fourth-largest lake, a prime ice-fishing spot. Walleye, smallmouth, northern pike, and perch are among the trophies that licensed anglers can reel in. Camping is another attraction, since Lake Carmi’s campground is the largest of any state park, with 35 lean-tos, two pet-friendly cabins, and more than 100 tent sites. Gates are closed to autos in winter—but what campers lose in drive-up convenience, they gain in serene, snowy beauty.
14TH STAR BREWING CO.
– St. Albans, Vermont
Named for Vermont’s entry into the Union as the 14th state, this veteran-owned brewery is on a mission to strengthen its community. The taproom on North Main Street is a lively gathering place where local bands take the stage, and events like Music Bingo and Trivia Night make everyone feel like part of the action. Depending on when you stop in, you may find the brewery hosting a pop-up shop for local artisans and makers, a winter market for area farmers, or a Red Cross blood drive. Even its beer—unfiltered, unpasteurized, and brewed with all-natural ingredients—often helps support others. The limited-release Forget Me Not honey kölsch raises awareness for the Alzheimer’s Association, for instance, while the Empowerment pale ale is a tribute to Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports.
More to See and Do
Places to Visit In Winter
Yankee Magazine’s editors hand-picked 5 places to visit in each Vermont region. Explore things to do in winter statewide.
