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. 

WESTERN SLOPES

  • 1 minute read

The western slopes of the Green Mountains are home to three of Vermont’s iconic independent ski areas…

COCHRAN’S SKI AREA

  • 4 minute read

By Berne Broudy Mickey Cochran. Photo courtesy of Marilyn Cochran In 1960, Mickey Cochran, a passionate skier and…