Outdoors & Recreation

Burlington is a perfect basecamp for winter adventure, offering easy access to downhill and cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, fat biking, and frozen-lake views you won’t forget. Local trails and parks transform into snow-covered playgrounds, glide along the Burlington Bike Path on cross-country skis, explore quiet forest trails on snowshoes, or take a spin on groomed fat-bike routes just outside the city.

When you’re ready for the slopes, Burlington is within an hour’s drive of some of Vermont’s top ski areas, including Bolton Valley, Stowe Mountain, and  Smugglers’ Notch, each offering a mix of alpine runs, Nordic trails, and après-ski charm. Closer to home, frozen stretches of Lake Champlain draw ice fishermen and sunset seekers, and the city’s waterfront parks are perfect for a brisk walk with snowy mountain backdrops.