8 Coziest Mountain Towns In Vermont

Often called the Green Mountain State, it’s only fitting that Vermont abounds in cozy mountain towns that make it oh-so-easy to get comfortable and soak up the warm vibes, even on the coldest New England nights. Of course, Vermont has some of the Northeast’s premier ski towns with a fun variety of family-friendly and advanced-level slopes. But even if you’re not into winter sports, there’s still plenty to experience across this state, from genuine farm-to-table local cuisine to quirky artistic flair. There’s even a surprising selection of historic treasures to experience, from the Lincoln family summer home to the Jersey dairy farm that doubles as an interactive agricultural museum.

Whether you’re a seasoned snowboarder or a cabin connoisseur, it's quite easy-breezy to settle into these eight coziest mountain towns in Vermont.

Jay

Right by the United States-Canada border in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom is the curious town of Jay. During the winter season, skiers and snowboarders flock to Jay Peak Ski Resort, one of the East Coast’s snowiest ski areas (averaging 308 inches in annual snowfall!), with 80 trails across 385 acres offering up to 2,153 feet in vertical drop. But if you’re more interested in seeing some wild backcountry, Jay State Forest provides prime wilderness terrain for backcountry skiing, as well as hiking on the Long Trail that traverses the entire length of the state.

After a day on the mountain, diners often head to Troy Hoagies for hearty sandwiches or to The Jay Village Inn & Restaurant for classic Vermont comfort food and lodging.

Burke

Burke may not be New England’s most famous ski town, yet it might be the most satisfying one for daring thrillseekers craving an authentically local Vermont mountain experience. Up here is Burke Mountain Resort, a 178-acre ski area that offers a surprising variety of well-groomed trails and challenging slopes that sport up to 2,011 feet of vertical drop. Yet beyond the ski slopes, there's more to explore in the beautiful forests of Darling State Park. And at Northeast Kingdom Skeet & Shorting Clays Club, it's possible to shoot skeet in a safe and friendly environment.

Whether you want a convenient hotel by the ski slopes or a comfortable “base camp” for exploring more of the Northeast Kingdom, Burke Mountain Hotel is a fantastic option with its ski-in/ski-out location at the resort and spacious condo-style studios and suites.

Stowe

Unlike some of the other towns featured here, Stowe garners plenty of attention (and visitors) as “The Ski Capital of the East.” Nevertheless, this town that's about 39 miles east of Burlington continues to shine with its uniquely Vermont take on mountain life. In town, it's always a good idea to dig into the region’s storied past at the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum. It’s also worth checking out the Stowe Recreation Path for an accessible and beautiful trail that remains open year-round, including for Nordic skiing and snowshoeing.

Of course, while in Stowe, Winter visitors typically head to the legendary Stowe Mountain Resort for some of Vermont’s best terrain. Not only does this ski area include terrain on Vermont’s tallest mountain at Mount Mansfield, but it also sports a remarkable amount of terrain variety, a good mix of beginner-friendly and advanced-level trails, and up to 2,360 feet of vertical drop. And for even more incredible thrills, there’s the von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort. This is an Austrian-style four-season resort founded by the family whose true story inspired The Sound of Music, yet it's also a genuine Vermont original with ski trails, the family’s craft brewery, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and many more activities available on site.

Warren

About 25 miles southwest of Montpelier is the town of Warren, a picture-perfect corner of the Mad River Valley for all sorts of adventures on and off the slopes. At the edge of town is Sugarbush Resort with its two mountains, 484 total acres of skiable terrain, a diverse mix of trails for skiers at all levels, and up to a staggering 2,600 feet of vertical drop. If that’s not enough mountain-top action, there’s also the nearby Mad River Glen Ski Resort, the United States’ only major-mountain skier-owned co-op with 60 trails across 115 acres that offer up to 2,037 feet of vertical drop. (Also note that, unlike most other Vermont ski areas that are snowboard-friendly, Mad River Glen is ski-only.)

Back down the mountain, there’s even more to experience in Warren. In particular, it’s worth checking out the “almost world famous” Warren Store, a locally-owned treasure trove of tasteful finds, from their on-site (and from-scratch) cafe and restaurant to their upstairs boutique full of dazzling jewelry, fashion, and homewares. Then, check into The Pitcher Inn for a cozy yet posh boutique hotel with tastefully appointed guest rooms and the sophisticated farm-to-table fare at 275 Main Restaurant.

Killington

Right by Green Mountain National Forest is Vermont’s central winter sports hub of Killington. This town is home to not only Vermont’s largest ski resort, but also the largest ski area of the entire Eastern U.S. at Killington Resort, clocking in at 1,526 acres of skiable terrain serviced by 22 lifts that offer up to a staggering 3,050 feet of vertical drop. And for plenty more adventures on open snow, Killington also has Pico Mountain Ski Resort with a balanced mix of beginner, intermediate, and advanced trails that provide up to 1,970 feet of vertical drop.

Even if you’re more inclined to explore without skis or a snowboard, Killington probably has some great trails to hit. More specifically, Thundering Brook Falls has a beautiful stretch of pristine Green Mountain wilderness, along with a great entry point to the much longer Appalachian Trail that extends from Maine all the way down to Georgia. Whatever you decide to do in the mountains, head on down to Mountain Valley Retreat to enjoy a wonderful bed-and-breakfast that’s close to the ski resorts while feeling far removed from the troubles of the outside world.

Woodstock

If you’re looking for a different kind of Vermont mountain getaway, the town of Woodstock is around 20 miles southwest of Hanover (New Hampshire). Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Historical Park has a beautiful network of trails on Mount Tom, which anchors the nation’s oldest continuously managed scientific forest. Right next to the park is Billings Farm and Museum, a working Jersey dairy farm with a calendar full of fun activities for the whole family, along with a gift shop fully stocked with local cheeses, maple syrups, and other special treats.

If you’re still hoping to do some skiing in Woodstock, you’re in luck, as Saskadena Six welcomes skiers and snowboarders at all levels to hit the slopes of one of the nation’s oldest ski areas (since 1936). Whatever else ends up on the itinerary, it's always worth capping that off with a stay at Woodstock Inn & Resort for authentic Vermont-style luxury, complete with elegantly appointed rooms and suites, comfortable fine dining at Richardson's Tavern and The Red Rooster, and their full-service and eco-conscious spa.

Ludlow

Since Ludlow is only about 142 miles northwest of Boston (Massachusetts), it makes a convenient option for a mountain escape, yet it still looks and feels like an authentically cozy Vermont town. For winter sports lovers, the main attraction is Okemo Mountain Resort, a 667-acre ski area with several terrain parks and up to 2,200 feet of vertical drop. Meanwhile, foodies also have reasons to come here, particularly when it’s a short drive to Crowley Cheese to discover Vermont’s oldest cheese company, one that’s been making uniquely flavorful cheddar for just over 200 years.

In town, Ludlow offers plenty more options to delight the palate, including the Wine & Cheese Depot with its vast yet sophisticated selection of local and imported cheeses, fine wines, and expertly curated gift baskets. There’s also Main + Mountain, a sleek and stylish take on the classic Vermont motel with a cool bar and kitchen serving craft cocktails and gourmet comfort food.

Manchester

Around 63 miles northeast of Albany (New York) is the Southern Vermont village of Manchester, a town with an incredible backstory and an abundance of contemporary creativity. In 1905, the Lincoln family (as in, the descendants of President Abraham Lincoln) built Hildene as a summer home, and it’s now a year-round treasure open for all to wander the nature trails, tour an authentic 1903 Pullman Palace railcar, and see the active livestock farm. Also in town is the Southern Vermont Arts Center, an incredible institution featuring a wide variety of works by local and international artists, along with a full calendar of workshops, classes, and special events for kids and adults.

While Manchester offers a lot to experience in town, it’s also the perfect place to discover some snowy magic on the ski slopes. Nearby is Stratton Mountain Ski Resort, home to Southern Vermont’s highest peak (at 3,875 feet) and 99 trails across 670 acres that offer up to 2,003 feet of vertical drop. From there, it’s an easy drive to the Kimpton Taconic Hotel, a posh yet casual boutique hotel with a cozy fireplace in the lobby, the in-house Nomad Boutique for fascinating fashion, the Copper Grouse tavern, and a wonderful selection of guest rooms and cottages.

Conclusion: Vermont’s Mountain Town Highlights

Since Vermont is the Green Mountain State, it’s a state with a wide selection of mountain towns to escape for an extra cozy retreat. Jay is great for a scenic journey in the wild and wonderful Northeast Kingdom, while Stowe is the place to go for world-class ski slopes and worldly hospitality. Woodstock is perfect for elegant digs and farm-fresh flavors, and Manchester works well for a uniquely enlightening ski trip. No matter how you prefer to get comfy, Vermont always provides the warmest of welcomes.