Winter in Vermont is truly one of the most beautiful times of the year, a New England paradise covered in a serene layer of pure white snow with adventures around every corner. Book a stay at Mad River Lodge, Warren Lodge, or White Horse Lodge and see everything the area has to offer with exciting winter activities in the Mad River Valley. Our area offers activities for all ages and our lodges offer a cozy home-away-from-home during your stay. We’ve put together a guide on some of the best local activities to check out, that way you can spend less time researching and more time enjoying your getaway. The featured tours below are provided by Umiak, a local outdoor outfitting company that has a wide variety of tours available for intrepid explorers.
Backcountry Ski Tour
Prepare yourself for a trek like no other on a Backcountry Ski Tour in nearby Stowe and take the guesswork out of outdoor exploration! Everything is provided for you in this all-inclusive experience with professional instruction, high-quality gear, transportation, and a delicious trail lunch. Explore the snow-covered backcountry of Vermont and take the road less traveled on a full-day adventure with gorgeous views of the mountains. Their certified backcountry guides will teach you everything you need to not only stay safe on the trail but also improve your skills for future adventures on your own! This is a worthwhile and unique experience for intermediate skiers and one of the best ways to see more of this gorgeous state.
Dog Sled Tours
Have your own “Call of the Wild” experience on a Dog Sled Tour amongst the pristine beauty of the Mad River Valley. Professional mushers will guide you on a journey on a sled pulled by a full dogsled team over varied terrain, all while providing an educational adventure that will not only allow you to interact with the team but also learn more about mushing and dog-sledding. It’s an exciting opportunity with cute canines and something new around every corner. What’s not to love?
Mad River Valley Ski Resorts
We’re incredibly lucky to be located at the home of two legendary ski areas for alpine skiing and snowboarding. Stay at our affordable lodges and be just minutes from the mountains!
Sugarbush: One of two excellent traditional ski areas that we recommend with excellent facilities and plenty of runs for beginners all the way to advanced. They also offer lessons with a certified ski and ride school for those seeking to improve their abilities. This is the closest ski area to the Warren Lodge and is a great option for those staying there. Make sure and buy lift tickets early for specific dates to save ahead of time.
Mad River Glen: Another great ski area, this one is incredibly convenient as it’s only a 5-minute drive away from Mad River Lodge! Your home for fun skiing at affordable prices, especially if you book online as those tickets are often discounted.
Moonlight Cabin Snowshoe Tour
A magical time awaits on a Moonlight Cabin Tour that will take you on a nighttime snowshoe trek by the light of the moon through the woods to a secluded cabin. There you can warm up and take in the cozy atmosphere with a roaring fire, Cabot cheese and crackers, and delicious hot mulled apple cider. A perfect activity for friends and family, you can bring a bottle of wine with you for an unforgettable evening surrounded by good company.
Snowshoeing & Tubing Tour
A fun adventure for the whole family to enjoy, the Snowshoeing and Tubing Tour is a great way to have some fun in the snow far away from the crowds at more heavily tracked tourist tubing spots. Umiak provides everything you need, including snowshoes, snacks, tubes, and expert tour guides to help you have the best time possible. Snowshoe out to a beautiful mountain lake view and your own private snow hill. Relive a childhood experience of tubing down a snowy hill, or make new memories amongst the pines for an exciting afternoon out in the snow.
Vermont Cross-Country Skiing
Pack your poles and strap on your skis for some of the best cross-country skiing trails in New England. Here are two of our favorite spots that are also close to our lodges:
Blueberry Lake: With beautiful sheltered mountain trails making their way through dense forests and gorgeous meadows, the experience at Blueberry Lake is second to none! Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowboarding, and even fat tire biking are all welcome on their daily groomed trails. They also offer rentals as well for those that don’t own their own equipment.
Ole’s Cross Country: A cross-country skier’s dream, Ole’s offers wide open spaces with uncontested views for an unforgettable experience. A favorite among local enthusiasts, it’s absolutely the place to be for those that want a dedicated location to get out and explore.
Cozy Up in One of Our Vermont Lodges
Escape to a cozy winter getaway in one of our three Vermont lodges and turn the area into your winter playground with so much to do! We know that after a long day of skiing and adventuring, there’s nothing quite like a warm fire and comfy accommodations to really make your day, and our lodges have everything you need for a fantastic stay. Spacious and tastefully decorated with rustic charm, they’re perfect for families or groups and include kitchens to cook your own meals, warm and soft beds, and so much more. Affordable and conveniently located nearby many of the best ski areas, you can either bring your own equipment or rent some and head out into a winter wonderland knowing that your cozy home base is never too far away.
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