The Green Mountains of Vermont offer thousands of skiable acres and hundreds of alpine and Nordic trails to skiers and snowboarders every winter. Perhaps the best-known ski resort is Stowe, home to Mt. Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak, as well as the state's most luxurious resort hotels. Stowe Mountain Lodge, the Trapp Family Lodge and the Topnotch Resort and Spa are just a few of the lodging options in this area that offer luxury accommodations, fine dining options and mountain views. Other Vermont ski areas include Okemo, home to the Hawk Inn and Mountain Resort; and Killington, where guests can stay at the Killington Grand Resort Hotel, which has a convenient ski-bridge that takes you straight to the slopes.
Spring is a transitional time in Vermont -- enough snow is still on the mountains to keep the skiers coming in, but at lower altitudes. The warmer weather and blooming flowers attract visitors, and in spring the maple sap begins running through the trees. Maple sugaring typically occurs in March and April in the northern part of Vermont in places like Northfield, home of the Sweet Retreat Guesthouse, and Sugarworks, a woodland retreat that offers guests the opportunity to help create Vermont's famous maple syrup while relaxing in their fully appointed guesthouse. The Comfort Inn & Suites in St. Johnsbury also offers a maple sugaring vacation package with its neighbor, Maple Grove Farms, the largest maple syrup producer in the world.
People who think of Vermont as primarily a ski destination may be surprised to discover that the area offers numerous outdoor activities during the summer. In fact, many of Vermont's ski resorts offer summer activities as well. After the ski melts, Okemo Mountain Resort throws a summer concert series, and the nearby Hawk Inn and Mountain Resort is open year-round. During the summer, Stowe's trails open to hikers, mountain bikers and horseback riders, and its lakes and streams offer canoeing, kayaking and swimming. The Topnotch Resort has two outdoor pools, while the Stowe Mountain Lodge boasts an 18-hole golf course that was ranked one of the "Top Ten New Courses" by "Golf" magazine in 2009.
In fall, visitors go to Vermont to view New England's color. Because of its largely unspoiled nature and its acres of forests, fall foliage enthusiasts, or "leaf-peepers," are often surrounded on all sides by autumn color. Some of the best viewing is along Route 100, which follows the Green Mountains from north to south and offers hotels along the way. A small detour will lead you to the village of Grafton, home of the Old Tavern, a charming old stagecoach hotel with a storied history. A bit further north lies the town of Ludlow and the Castle Hill Resort and Spa, a luxury hotel in the mountainous countryside with views of the changing leaves.
