Five Winter Vermont Family Resorts For Your Inner Child

A snow-covered Vermont is the perfect backdrop for a family vacation. Whether yours is a clan of accomplished slalom carvers, novice snow-plowers, cross-country skiers, or fireside Scrabble players, a winter visit to one of these Vermont family resorts has something for everyone. While you’ve probably heard of the incredible big name ski resorts, you might be surprised to find some of the best Vermont winter resorts for families operating independently of the slopes. These smaller resorts put you close enough to the mountain to catch first tracks but also lead you out of the lodge and into Vermont’s communities and authentic working landscapes. These spots cater specifically to families and have some pretty amazing winter packages to boot.

Mountain Top Inn & Resort — Just eleven miles from Killington in Chittenden, Vermont, the Mountain Top Inn & Resort is the epicenter of winter family fun in southern Vermont. This rustic luxury lodge sits on acres of pristine forest, with over 60km of cross-country ski and snowshoe trails come wintertime. We like the versatility of the Classic Lodge rooms, with queen size beds, full beds, and bunk beds. Their Winter Family Fun package includes a stay in the Classic Lodge, as well as a country breakfast each morning, a family horse-drawn sleigh ride, cross-country ski lessons, and access to the trails, ice skating rink, fitness center, and game room.

Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa — Located right in one of Vermont’s most quintessential ski towns, Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa is a wonderful place to reconnect with your family over thrilling winter activities by day and cozy fireside chats by night. With free shuttles to storied ski mecca Stowe, Stoweflake puts you right in the heart of it all. Their winter vacation package offers skiing, dog-sledding, snowshoeing, and access to the heated pool and Jacuzzi for the whole family. Townhouse accommodations comfortably host the largest of family gatherings with full kitchens and dining rooms.

Lake Morey Resort — On the shores of Lake Morey, this extremely family-friendly resort is a treat anytime of year, but is especially unique during the winter. Once the lake is frozen over, it becomes a huge winter sports complex with ice skating, a 4.5-mile Nordic skating track (the longest in the U.S.), hockey rinks and even an Ice Sports University. From Lake Morey Resort, it's also easy to get to cross-country ski trails, snowmobiling, downhill skiing and snowboarding. Off the ice, families will stay comfortable in their larger rooms and suites and entertained with live entertainment, game rooms and an in-house movie theater!

Sterling Ridge Resort — If your family can hear the call of the wild, Sterling Ridge Resort is your kind of Vermont family resort. This collection of 26 luxury log cabins, spread out over 360 acres in northern Vermont, is the perfect setting for spending some quality family time together. The rural location of Jeffersonville, Vermont, puts you within easy shooting distance of Stowe and Smuggler’s Notch, while still maintaining a bucolic remoteness not found elsewhere. Families can cozy up in 3-room log cabins, or larger group lodges set deep into the woods. Hit the nearby slopes with the kids, or head out to cross-country ski, snowshoe, snowmobile, or even dogsled on Sterling Ridge Resort’s expansive forest trails.

Trapp Family Lodge — Also located in Stowe, the Trapp Family Lodge is a great choice for a family winter getaway in Vermont. Sound of Music, anyone? The film is actually a fictionalized version of the same Trapp family that fled Austria and settled in Vermont, later starting this very resort on their property! The European style lodge has great family accommodations, including family suites, villas, and guest house rentals. Active families can take advantage of the more than 2,500 acres of trails, with cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, backcountry skiing, and history tours that recount the now legendary story of the Trapp family’s escape from Austria. Spend a day out in the snow and an evening snuggled up watching the classic family friendly film. As Maria von Trapp said, “Our life is like a beautiful story that happens to be true.”

Equinox Resort & Spa — This resort in Manchester, VT gives you and your family easy access to Bromley Mountain, Stratton Mountain, and Magic Mountain, and has package deals with each one during the winter. The kids will love pony and sleigh rides at Chipman Stables and skating at nearby Riley Rink. Parents will love the spa and fitness center, not to mention wonderful shopping at Manchester’s outlet stores and boutique shops downtown. The Townhome at Equinox Resort is great for family winter getaways, with full kitchens, porches, and a living room with full sleeper sofa. For even more space, book the very family friendly Dormy House. This three-bedroom house has twin trundle bedrooms for the kids, a cozy fireplace, and a Jacuzzi.

Essex Culinary Resort & Spa - Take your family dinners to the next level at this renowned culinary resort in Vermont, located just outside of Burlington. World-class chefs serve up sophisticated fare in both of the resort’s restaurants, and families can even enroll in the Cook Academy to learn a few new tricks. In between meals, explore the 18 acres of snowshoe and cross-country ski trails, or head off-site for hiking or skiing in Vermont’s Green Mountains. If you’re looking to bring the whole family, fear not because Essex Culinary Resort & Spa  welcomes pets as warmly as they do people. Suites, studios, and rooms are open for guests with pets, and they even provide your furry friends with a chew toy and collapsible water bowl!

So pack up your winter gear and head into the winter wonderland that is Vermont. Whether you're floating in fresh powder, charging through maple forests, or simply spending time together, you'll make lasting memories at any of these Vermont family resorts.

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