When people think of Mount Snow, skiing and snowboarding usually come to mind first. But this Southern Vermont resort offers plenty of winter magic for visitors who prefer to keep their boots on solid ground. From snowshoe trails to cozy spa days, here are seven of our favorite ways to make the most of a winter trip to the Deerfield Valley.
1. Snowshoeing and Cross-Country Adventures
The Timber Creek Cross Country Ski Area is a peaceful escape from the buzz of the ski lifts. Located just across Route 100 from Mount Snow’s main entrance, Timber Creek offers 14 km of groomed trails winding through snow-covered forests, open meadows, and ridgeline terrain with views of the Green Mountains. The Nordic Center Lodge has rental equipment for both cross-country skiing and snowshoeing, plus lessons for adults and kids. Trail passes are affordable, parking is free, and the whole experience feels like stepping into a quieter version of Vermont that most visitors never see.
For an even more secluded outing, head to nearby Molly Stark State Park or Prospect Mountain, where snowshoe routes meander through pristine, tree-lined trails with barely another person in sight.
2. Scenic Gondola and Lift Rides
Even if you don’t ski, you can still soak in Mount Snow’s famous views. The Bluebird Express, Mount Snow’s six-passenger bubble lift, takes you straight to the summit in heated comfort. On clear days, you’ll see rolling Vermont peaks stretching in every direction and even glimpses of New Hampshire’s Mount Monadnock in the distance. Don’t forget your camera — this ride delivers some of the most iconic winter views in New England.
Once at the top, grab a hot chocolate from the summit lodge before heading back down. It’s an especially great option for grandparents or younger kids who want to be part of the mountain experience without strapping into skis. Check Mount Snow’s website for sightseeing ticket availability, as lift access for non-skiers can vary by day.
3. Snow Tubing at Mount Snow
Mount Snow’s tubing hill is one of the biggest in Vermont, with up to eight lanes of high-speed fun. Located between the Main Base Lodge and the Grand Summit Resort Hotel, the hill features a covered Magic Carpet surface lift that whisks you back to the top after every run — no hiking required.
Tubing sessions are sold in timed blocks, and you can purchase tickets online or at the tubing ticket window (online booking is recommended for the best rates and to guarantee your spot on busy weekends). Add unlimited hot cocoa to your ticket for just $7, and when you need a break, the Grand Country Deli sits right at the top of the slopes. After dark, the tubing hill glows under lights for an especially fun evening session. Pro tip: weekday sessions tend to be much less crowded than weekends.
4. Snowmobile Tours Through the Green Mountains
For something with a little more horsepower, snowmobile tours are one of the most exciting ways to explore the backcountry around Mount Snow. The southern section of the Green Mountain National Forest offers miles of groomed VAST trails winding through woods, frozen meadows, and stream crossings. Guided tours are available for beginners and experienced riders, with options ranging from short introductory rides to longer backcountry excursions.
The VAST trail system has a 35 mph speed limit, and even shorter tours cover some seriously beautiful terrain — wide-open straightaways, narrow wooded sections, and views you can’t get any other way. Check availability in advance, especially during holiday weeks and February school vacation.
5. Spa, Shopping, and Après Relaxation
Sometimes the best part of a winter vacation is doing absolutely nothing at all. Treat yourself to a day at NatureSpa at the Grand Summit Resort, where massages, facials, and hot stone treatments melt away the chill. Book ahead during peak winter weekends — the spa fills up fast when temperatures drop.
Afterward, take a drive into Downtown Wilmington for an afternoon of browsing. Main Street is lined with independent shops featuring Vermont-made crafts, artisan goods, and one-of-a-kind finds. When hunger strikes, the local dining scene punches well above its weight — grab craft beer at Snow Republic Brewery, legendary diner fare at Dot’s, or dinner at La Casita for excellent Mexican food and margaritas. Zero chain restaurants in Wilmington — every meal is a local experience.
6. Winter Festivals and Scenic Drives
Mount Snow and the surrounding towns of West Dover and Wilmington come alive with winter celebrations throughout the season. Highlights include the Mount Snow Torchlight Parade and Fireworks around the holidays, live music at the base lodge on weekends, and community events that pop up through January and February.
If you prefer a slower pace, take a drive along the Molly Stark Scenic Byway — Route 9 — to enjoy snow-dusted mountain vistas and charming Vermont countryside. The Hogback Mountain overlook offers a 100-mile view that’s just as impressive in winter as it is during foliage season. For a longer loop, Route 100 heading north through the valley is one of the most beautiful drives in the state.
7. Ice Fishing on Lake Whitingham
Ice fishing on Lake Whitingham (also known as Harriman Reservoir) is a quintessential Vermont winter experience. The lake typically freezes solid enough for safe fishing by mid-January, and you can target species like yellow perch, rainbow trout, and smallmouth bass. Local bait shops can point you to the best spots and current ice conditions.
Even if you’ve never ice fished before, it’s easy to get started — all you need is a basic setup, some bait, and a willingness to bundle up. It’s one of those activities that sounds niche but ends up being surprisingly relaxing, especially with a thermos of coffee and good company.
Planning Your Visit
The best part about a winter trip to the Mount Snow area is that you genuinely don’t need to ski to have an incredible time. Between tubing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, shopping, and everything in between, there’s easily enough to fill a long weekend — and that’s before you factor in the après scene and all the cozy evenings by the fire.
For indoor activity ideas on days when the weather doesn’t cooperate, we’ve got you covered too. And if you’re looking for a home base just minutes from all of these adventures — with a hot tub, fire pit, game room, and space for the whole crew — you’re in the right place. ❤️
🗺️ More to Explore Near Mount Snow
- Cross-Country Skiing at Timber Creek in West Dover — Mellow Nordic skiing steps from Mount Snow
- Snowmobile Vermont Tours: Thrilling Snowmobile Rides Near Mount Snow — Guided backcountry rides through the Green Mountains
- Snow Tubing at Mount Snow: Family Fun Under the Lights — Tubing lanes with lights for evening fun
- Snowshoeing in West Dover: Serene Winter Hikes in the Green Mountains — Quiet winter trails through snowy forests
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What can non-skiers do at Mount Snow in winter?
Mount Snow offers snow tubing, snowshoe tours, snowmobile rides, spa treatments at the Grand Summit Resort, fat tire biking, and a lively apres-ski scene with restaurants and live music. You do not need to ski or snowboard to have a full day of winter fun in the Deerfield Valley.
Q: Is snow tubing available at Mount Snow, and do kids need to be a certain age?
Yes, Mount Snow operates a tubing park near the base area. Riders generally need to be at least 3 years old and 36 inches tall. Tubes and the carpet lift are included in the tubing ticket. Sessions fill up on weekends, so booking ahead is a good idea.
Q: Are there indoor activities near Mount Snow for bad weather days?
Plenty. The Grand Summit Resort has a heated pool, hot tub, fitness center, and spa. Nearby Wilmington offers shopping, galleries, and restaurants. Valley View Villa’s game room with a pool table and arcade games keeps groups entertained, and the hot tub is perfect for snowy afternoons.
Q: Can I book a snowmobile tour near Mount Snow if I have never ridden before?
Absolutely. Guided snowmobile tours in the area are designed for beginners and include hands-on instruction, helmets, and gear. No prior experience or special license is required for passengers. Tours range from one to two hours through Vermont’s backcountry trails.
Q: What is the best base for non-skiers visiting the Mount Snow area?
A vacation rental like Valley View Villa gives non-skiers space to relax between activities – with a hot tub, fire pit, game room, and a full kitchen for group meals. The house is about 5 minutes from Mount Snow and 10 minutes from Wilmington, so every activity on this list is a short drive away.
