Between the lakes, the mountains and that fresh, crisp air, Vermont is about as close as you can get to Mother Nature. If you’re going to live here, you should take advantage of your natural surroundings. You’ll want to in the warmer months, and getting outside in the winter is crucial, too. (Trust us, seasonal affective disorder is real.)
So read on for a sampling of our favorite outdoor activities, both in winter — uh, skiing and riding — and when the weather turns nice. We’ve also included some choice spots to get you outfitted for whatever activity you choose — cuz you don’t want to be the chump skiing in jeans.
Spots for Winter Fun
Mad River Glen
57 Schuss Pass Rd., Waitsfield, madriverglen.com
Corduroy is for wimps. Boasting some of the most challenging and ungroomed slopes in the East — accessible via one of only two single-person chairlifts in North America — Mad River’s slogan dares you to “Ski it if you can.” Whatever you do, don’t try to snowboard it. No boarders allowed, brah.
Bolton Valley Resort
4302 Bolton Valley Access Rd., Bolton, boltonvalley.com
Just a half-hour drive from downtown, Bolton is Burlington’s closest ski area and one of the best peaks for night skiing and riding.
Burlington Country Club
568 S. Prospect St., Burlington, burlingtoncountryclub.org
Once it’s covered with snow, the hill at BCC becomes Burlington’s most popular sledding destination. But watch your speed, hot dog. Kids and families abound.
Catamount Outdoor Family Center
592 Gov. Chittenden Rd., Williston, catamountoutdoorfamilycenter.com
Don’t let the “family” in the title keep you away from this 500-acre spread on the outskirts of Burlington. Come here for biking, cross-country skiing and running.
Lake Champlain
Waterfront Park, Burlington, enjoyburlington.com
When the lake freezes over, Burlington Bay is a magical ice skating spot. There’s nothing quite like looping figure eights with the Queen City skyline as your backdrop.
Jay Peak Resort
830 Jay Peak Rd., Jay, jaypeakresort.com
Bundle up — Vermont’s chilly, northernmost resort has lots of fresh powder and great glades. To defrost, surf, swim or waterslide at the Pump House Indoor Waterpark.
Stowe Mountain Resort
5781 Mountain Rd., Stowe, stowe.com
Vermont’s preeminent alpine resort boasts unrelenting verticals, a fully stocked terrain park, a fancy lodge and a first-rate performing arts center. They don’t call it the “Aspen of the East” for nothing.
Spots for Summer-ish Fun
Camel’s Hump State Park
vtstateparks.com
Vermont founding father Ira Allen initially named this distinctive 4,083-foot mountain Camel’s Rump in the late 1700s. And, yes, there’s some question as to whether Allen had ever actually, y’know, seen a camel, as the mountain only vaguely resembles one. Whatever. The summit still offers one of the most jaw-dropping vistas in the state. From the Huntington side, you can go up to the top and make it back to town in time for dinner.
Bristol Falls
Lincoln Rd., Bristol
Swimming holes are everywhere in Vermont, which is a good thing when Lake Champlain inevitably sprouts an algae bloom. Bristol Falls, just outside of cute-as-a-button Bristol, is one of the more scenic — and safe — spots to cool off. It features a 15-foot waterfall that empties into a deep, chilly pool.
Community Sailing Center
234 Penny Ln., Burlington, communitysailingcenter.org
Old salts who know the difference between a jib and a spinnaker can rent sailboats at this community-oriented sailing center from May through October. If you’re here in the summer, take lessons or test your skills in weekly races.
Island Line Trail
South Hero, localmotion.org
This 14-mile bike trail runs along Lake Champlain from Oakledge Park all the way to the Colchester causeway — a narrow old railbed that extends three miles into the lake. A bike ferry connects you to the Champlain Islands in the summer.
Mt. Philo State Park
5425 Mt. Philo Rd., Charlotte, vtstateparks.com
Mt. Philo is the perfect high-altitude spot for a picnic with friends. There’s a steep trail to the top, but your less adventurous buds can drive up the 968-foot peak from late May to mid-October. Either way, you have to pay.
North Beach
52 Institute Rd., Burlington, enjoyburlington.org
Students flock to this popular sandy strip as soon as the temperature cracks 40 degrees. To avoid the crowds, walk a few hundred yards south to Texaco Beach, where in-the-know locals go, with dogs in tow.
Oakledge Park
2 Flynn Ave., Burlington, enjoyburlington.org
Tennis, volleyball and bocce — and the occasional hipster kickball league — are draws at this beautiful South End park. The picnic pavilions, spacious lawns and clean beach are nice, too.
Outdoor Stores
Burton Flagship Store
80 Industrial Pkwy., Burlington, burton.com
Respect your elders, especially if they invented your sport. Jake Burton’s flagship store is the first stop on any boarder’s quest for pow — not to mention any quest for steez. Burton is a trendsetter in both gear and style.
Alpine Shop
1184 Williston Rd., South Burlington, alpineshopvt.com
“Ski today, work tomorrow” is the motto of this locally owned outfitter, housed in a roadside ski chalet and in business for more than half a century. It has everything you need for your alpine adventures — including stylin’ après-ski apparel.
Eastern Mountain Sports
100 Dorset St., South Burlington, ems.com
Look for climbing, hiking, camping and paddling gear here. They’ve got boats, too! Show your student ID for a 20 percent discount on EMS-brand items; you get 15 percent off everything else, as long as it’s not already on sale.
The North Face Store @ KL SPORT
210 College St., Burlington, klmountainshop.com
Superior service and great outdoor gear — packs, tents, sleeping bags and jackets — are the foundations of this one-stop, locally owned-and-operated shop.
Old Spokes Home
322 N. Winooski Ave., Burlington, oldspokeshome.com
The self-described “most unusual bike shop on the planet” is the best place in Burlington to find a vintage ride. Its staff tunes anything with two wheels. They sell new stuff, too.
Skirack
85 Main St., Burlington, skirack.com
SnowSports Industries America has called this the No. 1 ski shop in New England. Skirack is also a sizable bike shop with tons of two-wheelers, from BMX to downhill.
WND&WVS
688 Pine St., Burlington, wndnwvs.com
Yes, Burlington has a surf shop. The city’s only exclusively water-sports retailer offers access to the wind and waves. Gear up here for windsurfing, standup paddleboarding and kiteboarding.
Related Stories
This article appears in What’s Good Student Guide 2015.
Got something to say?
Send a letter to the editor and we'll publish your feedback in print!