Southwest Vermont (Winter)

Southwest Vermont, including Bennington, Arlington, Manchester, and Wilmington, is a prime winter destination. Skiers, snowboarders, and spectators have their choice of four excellent ski areas. Bromley, just outside Manchester, is particularly family-friendly with great beginner runs and south-facing slopes. Nearby Stratton Mountain is a full-scale resort with something for everyone, including slope-side condos, its own village with shops, and first class trail maintenance. The smaller Magic Mountain offers quality skiing without the frills, perfect for day-trippers or those who want to focus on the sport, but also has a tubing park for all ...

Southwest Vermont, including Bennington, Arlington, Manchester, and Wilmington, is a prime winter destination. Skiers, snowboarders, and spectators have their choice of four excellent ski areas. Bromley, just outside Manchester, is particularly family-friendly with great beginner runs and south-facing slopes. Nearby Stratton Mountain is a full-scale resort with something for everyone, including slope-side condos, its own village with shops, and first class trail maintenance. The smaller Magic Mountain offers quality skiing without the frills, perfect for day-trippers or those who want to focus on the sport, but also has a tubing park for all ages and an all-terrain snowboarding park. Mount Snow, near Bennington, offers a similar experience – dedicated skiers will love its rustic trails and old-school feel. Cross-country skiers have plenty of options as well, not only at larger ski areas like Stratton Mountain but also at Robert Todd Lincoln’s Hildene and Wild Wings Ski Touring Center. Those who prefer to sit out the snowsports will still find plenty to do in this area – Manchester boasts extensive outlet shopping as well as boutiques and unique specialty stores, and there are many nearby museums including the Bennington Center for the Arts and the Norman Rockwell Exhibition in Arlington.

About the Expert

Lura Seavey is the author of Fun with the Family in Vermont and New Hampshire and she has contributed to several Thomas Cook guidebooks, including Drive Around Catalonia, Travellers Mallorca, and Travellers Barcelona.