When the snow begins to fall, tourists and locals flock to the mountains to enjoy some of the best skiing in the country. But these slopes aren't just for skiing. Many of them make for great hikes in the summer and fall and offer amazing views of some of the most beautiful vistas and peaks that Vermont has to offer.
So, before you take out the skis, check out these 7 breathtaking ski areas for hiking.
1. Mad River Glen - Waitsfield
The hiking trails at Mad River Glen will take you to the summit of General Stark Mountain. We recommend following the Stark Mountain Trail, which winds through the ski trails under the Single Chair lift. On your hike, you'll pass a waterfall as you go towards the Sunnyside Double chairlift.
Address: 57 Schuss Pass, Waitsfield, VT 05673
2. Stratton Mountain - Stratton Mountain.
Stratton Mountain has a number of trails for different hiking abilities. One popular hike for beginners is the Fire Tower Trail. The trail is about 1.5 miles out and back and will bring you to the Fire Tower where you can climb up to enjoy 360-degree views of the surrounding area.
Address: 5 Village Lodge Rd, Stratton Mountain, VT 05155
3. Bromley Mountain - Peru
To make the most out of your time at Bromley Mountain, take the Long Trail for a 6-mile loop. It offers amazing 360° views of the region.
Address: 3984 VT-11, Peru, VT 05152
4. Smuggler's Notch - Jeffersonville
Take the Sterling hike at Smuggler's Notch, which follows The Long Trail up to Sterling Pond and then returns to the resort via the Rumrunner and Meadowlark ski trails.
Address: 4323 VT-108, Jeffersonville, VT 05464
5. Stowe Mountain Resort - Stowe
Of course, while you're in Stowe you'll want to hike Mount Mansfield. While many hikers ascend to Mount Mansfield from Underhill State Park, you can also reach Mount Mansfield via the ski trails at Stowe Mountain Resort. And the views are just as amazing, if not more.
Address: 5781 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672
6. Killington Resort - Killington
Killington Resort has over 15 miles of hiking to offer, so you know you'll have plenty to choose from for a fun day-hike! Considered Vermont’s second tallest peak, you'll be able to take in beautiful 360-degree views of Vermont’s Green Mountains, New York’s Adirondacks, and New Hampshire’s White Mountains.
Address: 3861 Killington Rd, Killington, VT 05751
7. Jay Peak Resort - Jay
One of the more challenging hikes, the hike at Jay Peak Resort will demand 2,100 feet of vertical climb to get you to the summit of Jay Peak. But the breathtaking views of Lake Champlain and Lake Memphremagog, Mt. Washington, and the lights of Montreal at dusk, more than make up for it.
Address: 830 Jay Peak Rd, Jay, VT 05859
So what are you waiting for? Grab your hiking boots and hit the trails before the snow falls down and the area gets packed with skiers.
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