Vermont is Open for Skiing This Winter

Ski Vermont“Vermont is open,” said Nate Formalarie from the Vermont Department of Tourism on a zoom call last week with representatives from all the Vermont ski areas. “You just have to adhere to the state guidelines,” Nate adds, which for most of us is either a 14-day self-quarantine before arrival in the state or 7 days of self-quarantine and a negative COVID test. You then have to go online and reserve a lift ticket and possible parking reservation at the ski area you want to visit. Once on mountain, I can think of few places I’d rather be during a pandemic than a Vermont ski area. You’re already wearing a mask because it’s cold outside and you’re freely gliding around the mountain outside with few crowds, except down at the base which will be limited. Expect food trucks, fire pits, and much more. Sugarbush will provide private cabanas at the base which have to be reserved in advance. Smugglers’ Notch Resort is offering private ski lessons for the entire family. The classic cross-country skiing retreat, Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, is featuring backcountry Nordic tours. Jay Peak in northern Vermont usually caters to Canadians, but since borders are still closed, the mountain will have far less traffic this year. Stowe, Okemo, and Mt. Snow are all part of Vail Resorts, which is offering package deals on their Epic Pass like the Northeast Value Pass, which gives you access to 18 ski area in the Northeast and priority reservations. Please contact ActiveTravels if you need help with lodging suggestions!