Little more than a mode of winter transportation for thousands of years, snowshoeing in Vermont has evolved into a popular winter activity. More flexible than skiing, snowshoeing lets you go where a pair of skis cannot; it also extends the hiking season as a good, low-impact, aerobic workout. Snowshoeing is easy enough for all ages and can be used as a social occasion or as a solitary getaway.
The Mad River Valley in the Green Mountains offers so many spectacular places for snowshoeing in Vermont. From segments of the legendary Long Trail or Catamount Trail to quiet trails just behind our Bed and Breakfast, leading to the Sugarbush Golf Course, there’s no shortage of places to discover this winter wonderland we call home. When you choose to make Vermont your destination for your winter getaway, you can call it your home away from home!
One of the best places to stay is our historic Bed and Breakfast in Vermont, located in the village of Warren. Our property began as a family farmhouse in the 1850s, and today, guests enjoy a relaxed country setting close to the best outdoor recreation, local restaurants, and scenic drives. Our location is only five miles from Sugarbush Ski Resort, earning us accolades as the closest boutique lodging property for a quiet, restful retreat. After a day exploring the crisp mountain air, return to our B&B to settle in and relax by the warm fire. Book your winter lodging today!
Best Ways to Go Snowshoeing in Vermont this Winter
While we have snowshoes right on-site for you to borrow as you explore the area around the B&B, one of the best ways to experience snowshoeing in Vermont is on guided tours in the Mad River Valley with Clearwater Sports. This long-time outdoor gear and apparel company is based in Waitsfield, Vermont. It has served locals and visitors for decades and plays a significant role in the area’s winter recreation scene.
Clearwater Sports’ guides are experienced enough with the area to give you that authentic look at the best things to do in Vermont this winter! If you’ve always dreamed of a backwoods experience, this will be the place to do it. Taking you through unmarked and off-the-trail areas, the guides at Clearwater Sports allow you to choose the level of difficulty you want to experience. Well acquainted with the natural world, they provide plenty of naturalist and animal-tracking lore during your excursion, adding a whole other level of excitement to your trip!
Clearwater Sports offers several snowshoe tours to suit your budget and interests, including a full-moon dinner tour and a few that include the famous Mad River Rocket sled, invented right here in Warren, Vermont! Combine the more contemplative pastime of snowshoeing with the excitement of flying down a snowy slope in a rocket sled strapped to you: it’s the best of both worlds.
Guided tours and other trails to find the best snowshoeing in Vermont:
- Guided snowshoe tours are one of the most accessible winter options. These outings with Clearwater Sports take you through forests, open terrain, and quiet winter landscapes around the Mad River Valley. Guides adjust the pace based on the group, making these tours suitable for beginners and casual outdoor enthusiasts. The moonlight headlamp tours are ever more magical!
- Spend a winter day with Clearwater Sports in Green Mountain National Forest, exploring backcountry terrain in the Vermont backwoods. Backcountry skis are wider than cross-country skis, which helps you move through deep, untracked snow with control and confidence. Your guide starts by dialing in technique and equipment, then leads you into quiet areas of the Mad River Valley where fresh snow and remote landscapes shape the experience.
- The Green Mountain National Forest covers a large portion of central and southern Vermont. In winter, the forest becomes a popular place for snowshoeing, with access to sections of the Long Trail, the Appalachian Trail, and many lesser-known routes. Give the Texas Falls Recreation Area a shot if you’re up for a short yet moderate winter hike.
- For experienced hikers, Camel’s Hump is a challenging yet rewarding trek from the Monroe Trailhead. Those hoping to experience these sweeping panoramic views should be prepared and trained for elevation gains. The Green Mountain Club has some great winter hiking tips.
- If you prefer cross-country skiing in Vermont, Blueberry Lake offers some beautifully groomed trails.
- Ole’s Cross Country Center is a long-running Nordic skiing destination in Warren, Vermont, located in the Mad River Valley. In winter, it offers groomed cross-country ski trails, snowshoe routes, and rentals for classic and skate skiing.
Stay at our Cozy Bed and Breakfast in Vermont for Winter Getaways
After a lovely day on the trails snowshoeing in Vermont, you’ll be ready to head back to our bed and breakfast in Vermont to warm up by the fire and hot cocoa. Relax in our living room area with a wood-burning fire, pool table, bar area with beverages for purchase, and plenty of board games and puzzles. These shared areas are often a favorite of our guests, who frequently strike up conversations.
Each morning starts with a multi-course breakfast prepared by the innkeepers. Winter guests appreciate hearty, hot dishes that help fuel long ski days or cold-weather outings. Coffee and tea are always available, and snacks throughout the day help bridge the gap between breakfast and dinner at one of the best restaurants in Waistfield or Warren nearby.
Our Bed and Breakfast in Vermont is an excellent choice for couples planning a getaway and for outdoor lovers seeking easy access to snowshoeing or cross-country skiing with trails and slopes at every turn. There’s something special about choosing a locally-owned B&B over a traditional chain hotel; we can say for sure that it will make your stay more memorable. We hope you choose West Hill House B&B as your home base; book your lodging today!
