If you’ve only visited Mount Snow during ski season or in peak foliage, you’ve missed one of Vermont’s most underrated gems: mud season. That’s right—late March through mid-May, when the snow melts and the hillsides come alive again, is affectionately known by locals as “mud season.” It might sound messy (and, okay, it can be), but this shoulder season is also full of peaceful trails, spring sunshine, and unbeatable deals. Here’s why we at Valley View Villa love this off-the-radar window—and why you just might fall for it too.
What Is Mud Season?
Mud season happens when winter snow begins to melt, soaking into the thawing ground. Dirt roads and trails can get squishy, and boots are basically a requirement. But what you lose in dry pavement, you gain in serenity. The crowds are gone, prices are low, and the Green Mountains feel like they belong just to you.
1. Peace and Quiet at Mount Snow
Mount Snow doesn’t close completely in spring. The mountain usually wraps up ski season in late March or early April, depending on snow levels. Once the slopes go quiet, it’s an entirely different experience. You can still hike from the base lodge area or enjoy a scenic lift ride if the resort runs spring weekends.
Nearby, Horace Hill Recreation Area offers mountain biking and hiking on trails that are slowly drying out by late April—great for a little adventure without the summer crowds.
2. Local Dining Without the Wait
Spring means snagging a table at your favorite spot—without reservations or a wait. Want a cozy fireside meal at The Hermitage Inn? A cinnamon roll from Sticky Fingers Bakery still warm from the oven? Or a relaxed pint on the patio at Snow Republic Brewery? Mud season lets you enjoy it all without the ski-season bustle.
Some restaurants do close for a few weeks in April, so be sure to check websites or call ahead. But many, like The Last Chair and The Social, stay open and even offer spring specials to keep locals and visitors fed.
3. Budget-Friendly Vermont
Hotels, vacation homes, and even spa services are often discounted during mud season. At Valley View Villa, this is one of our favorite times to host guests looking for a peaceful (and more affordable) getaway. You’ll get the same eight-bedroom luxury farmhouse, hot tub, pond, and private trails—but without the peak-season pricing.
Want to cozy up by the fire, cook big family dinners in our gourmet kitchen, or just soak in the hot tub while spring peepers sing their evening chorus? This is the time to do it.
4. Unique Outdoor Experiences
Sure, the hiking trails can be muddy—but that doesn’t stop Vermonters. Throw on waterproof boots and explore places like Molly Stark State Park or the Hogback Mountain overlook. You’ll see early wildflowers and maybe even spot moose tracks in the soft earth.
Plus, fishing season kicks off in April, and local lakes like Lake Raponda and Lake Whitingham are peaceful spots to cast a line. Or, walk our private trail right here at Valley View Villa—just don’t forget the bug spray.
5. Spring Events and Local Flavor
Depending on your timing, you might catch some of southern Vermont’s spring events. Keep an eye out for Easter markets, maple festivals, and even the occasional pop-up farm dinner. And don’t miss out on spring syrup—this is the tail end of sugaring season, and many sugar shacks offer tastings, tours, and syrup by the jug.
Downtown Wilmington and West Dover are also quiet but full of charm in spring. Browse antique shops, grab coffee at The Village Roost, or just wander around without the traffic.
Final Thoughts
Mud season may not have the postcard-perfect snow or the fiery foliage of fall, but it offers something just as magical: a slow, sweet return to life in the mountains. If you’re looking for a peaceful, affordable, and underappreciated Vermont escape, April and May are calling.
And we’d love to host you at Valley View Villa while everything’s waking back up.
