Vermont’s mountain roads are part of the charm of a Mount Snow trip, but the same curves and elevation that make the drive scenic in October turn slow and slick by December. Winter driving in Vermont is manageable once you know what the roads actually do in a storm and what to carry in the trunk. Here is what helps on the drive to West Dover, based on how these specific roads behave rather than generic advice written for flatland highways.
Two Roads In: Route 9 and Route 100
Most guests reach West Dover one of two ways. From the south and east, Route 9 climbs out of Brattleboro over Hogback Mountain, a roughly 23-mile, 40-minute stretch that tops out near 2,400 feet before dropping into Wilmington. That climb is the most exposed stretch of the trip — it catches wind and heavier snow bands that lower elevations miss, and it has closed outright during the worst storms. From the north, Route 100 follows the valley floor with far less elevation change, which usually makes it the calmer option once snow starts falling. If a storm is moving through and you have a choice of routes, lean on Route 100.
Winter Tires Are Not Optional
All-season tires are built for a wide range of conditions and excel at none of them once the temperature drops much below 45°F. Winter tires use a softer rubber compound that stays flexible in the cold and a tread built to bite into snow rather than pack it down, which shortens stopping distance on grades like Route 9’s. Put them on all four wheels, not just the drive axle. To check tread depth, insert a quarter upside down — if Washington’s head disappears into the tread, you’re still fine.
Pack a Simple Winter Car Kit
A small kit in the trunk turns a bad ten minutes into a minor inconvenience. Keep an ice scraper, a folding shovel, a bag of sand or non-clumping cat litter for traction under a stuck tire, a flashlight, a phone charger, and a blanket. Add warm boots if you plan to be outside the car, and keep the gas tank at least half full — both for range and as a backup heat source if you are ever stopped for a while.
Slow Down, Back Off, Skip Cruise Control
The two adjustments that matter most are speed and following distance. Give yourself more than the usual three or four seconds behind the car ahead, since stopping distances roughly double on packed snow and can be far worse on ice. Turn cruise control off in any winter precip — it will not release on its own if your tires start to lose grip, which is the opposite of what you want on a downhill curve. Keep headlights on when visibility drops, and give snowplows a wide, patient berth.
What to Do If You Start to Skid
If the back end starts to slide, ease off the gas and steer gently toward where you want the car to go, rather than fighting the slide — small, smooth corrections work better than a sharp yank on the wheel. Brake with slow, steady pressure; if your car has anti-lock brakes, press firmly and let the system pulse on its own instead of pumping the pedal. Overcorrecting is the most common way a minor slide turns into something worse, so less input, not more, is usually the right call. The Vermont State Police winter driving guide covers this and more if you want the full rundown before a big storm.
Check Conditions Before You Leave the Driveway
Vermont road conditions can change in the time it takes to load the car, so a quick check before you go is worth the two minutes. New England 511 posts live traffic cameras, closures, and plow locations for Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine in one place, which is the most current source available before you commit to a route. If Route 9 is reporting trouble over Hogback, Route 100 is almost always the safer detour, even if it adds a few minutes to the drive.
More to Explore Near Mount Snow
- Your Pre-Season Ski Checklist for Mount Snow, Vermont — lodging, passes, and gear timing before the first storm
- Ski Trip Packing List: What to Bring to Mount Snow, VT — layering and gear for the week itself
- The Nearest Airport to Mount Snow, Vermont — drive times if you are flying in and renting a car
- Hospitals and Pharmacies Near Mount Snow, Vermont — know where the nearest care is before you need it
- January at Mount Snow: Peak Skiing and MLK Weekend Tips — what to expect if winter driving conditions coincide with a January trip
- Parking at Mount Snow: A Guide to a Smooth Ski Day — free vs. paid lots and how to skip the wait
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need winter tires for a trip to Mount Snow?
Winter tires make a real difference on Route 9’s climb over Hogback Mountain and on any unplowed side road, since their rubber and tread are built for cold and snow. All-season tires can get by on well-plowed main roads in light conditions, but winter tires are the safer choice for a Vermont mountain trip.
Which route is safer in a storm, Route 9 or Route 100?
Route 100 generally has an easier profile with less elevation change, which tends to make it the calmer option once snow is falling. Route 9’s climb over Hogback Mountain is more exposed to wind and heavier snow bands and has been closed outright during severe storms in the past.
Where can I check Vermont road conditions before I drive?
New England 511 covers Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine with live cameras, closures, and plow tracking, and is the most current source available. Checking it before you leave takes a couple of minutes and can save you from driving into a closure.
What should I keep in my car for winter driving in Vermont?
An ice scraper, a folding shovel, sand or cat litter for traction, a flashlight, a phone charger, and a blanket cover most situations. Keeping the gas tank at least half full is worth doing too, both for range and as a backup heat source.
Is Valley View Villa easy to reach in winter?
Yes — the villa sits close to both main approach routes into West Dover, and the driveway is maintained through the winter season. The tips above are mainly about the regional roads leading in, not the final stretch to the property.
