What to expect from ice castles and Winter Realms within driving distance of Vermont

Snow returned to the Burlington area on Nov. 1, and that means it’s now time to start planning winter excursions that book quickly.

For an alternative to skiing, ice castles are a popular day trip for Vermonters, as two are within driving distance of Burlington. This year, however, things will be different for the New York property which is being reimagined to respond to climate impacts and branded “Winter Realms.” The New Hampshire ice structure will still be the “castle” visitors have come to enjoy.

Tickets are on sale now for Lake George’s “Winter Realms.” What to expect this season at it and North Woodstock’s Ice Castle.

Ice Castles and Vermont

The Ice Castles organization crystallized into a business in 2011 after creator, Brent Christensen, found a way to enjoy winter with his kids following a move from sunny California to Utah. He attempted an ice cave and discovered how to use water to grow and shape giant icicles into a structure that could include a cave, tunnels and slides. Early on, he used a wooden substructure to form the ice around but found it tedious to clean up after the melt. He later developed a way to combine ice sections so that when it melted, there would be nothing left to pick up.

Today, Ice Castles has properties in Cripple Creek, Colorado, Maple Grove, Minnesota, North Woodstock, New Hampshire, Lake George, New York, Midway, Utah, and Lake Geneva, Wisconsin.

Visitors can purchase tickets for a time slot to explore caverns, archways, alcoves, tunnels, slides, or sit on an ice throne. The evenings turn colorful as multicolored lights emanate from inside the opaque ice. For an additional amount, visitors can book a private alcove for a small gathering or to provide an interesting setting for a special moment.

Burlington happens to be equidistant between two of the six locations − the New York and New Hampshire sites are each about a 2 hour and 15 minute drive away. The New Hampshire property has been around for at least 10 winters, and this year will be the third season for New York. However, the New York location will not be the traditional “castle” this year.

Climate-proofing winter recreation

Climate change has certainly affected outdoor recreation in Vermont from leaf-peeping, skiing and ice skating to historic flooding that did millions in damages to the 90-mile Lamoille Valley Rail Trail days before its planned grand opening this summer.

For ice attractions, a warming climate thaws the winter recreation market.

“We’re kind of perched on a bubble with the weather and it’s out of our control sometimes,” Ice Castles creator Christensen said.

He said the New York property has been the most challenging climate-wise for the past couple years.

“The problem in New York is we took such a hit on a public relations level because the weather shut us down and we had to refund so many tickets,” he said. “Instead of pulling out of the market…there’s such a great location and there’s so many people that want to get out in the winter and do something winter related.”

He said they have had to drastically change and are pivoting to a “Winter Realms” model at some of its properties, including New York. It will still feature ice and snow but will be less vulnerable to the weather, Christensen said. Ice skating, an ice bar, igloos, snow features and ice walk-through light experiences will make up Winter Realms. Snow-making equipment will also be on hand.

“No matter what the weather’s going to be we’ll be able to produce, remake, refresh and reinsulate all of these attractions with our snow,” he said.

It’s possible the winter realms could outlast some of the ice castles. This season ice castles will be erected at the New Hampshire, Utah and Minnesota locations.

Visiting an Ice Castles property from Vermont? What to consider.

Because the ice castles and winter realms provide a very different experience, Vermonters are well positioned to take advantage of both. Christensen said if you are interested in ice skating and spending time in Lake George where there is lots to do, you may consider a multi-day trip and head there. If you are looking for the castle experience that can be done in a day’s time, North Woodstock may be for you.

Of course, he suggests checking them both out at some point during the season.

Slots usually fill up in advance and quickly, particularly for weekends or school and work holidays.

How to visit Winter Realms in Lake George, NY

Tickets for Winter Realms Lake George went on sale Nov. 1. The season is expected to run November through March, Thursdays through Sundays, from 4 to 10 p.m. Prices range from $14 to $20 per person depending on peak and off-peak times as well as child versus adult rates.

Find out more at winterrealms.com/winter-realms-lake-george/.

How to visit Ice Castles in North Woodstock, NH

Tickets have yet to go on sale for Ice Castles New Hampshire. To keep up with the latest, sign up for their newsletter or follow Ice Castles on social media. During the season the ice castle will be open Tuesdays through Sundays and select Mondays during holidays. Prices range from $15 to $29 per person depending upon peak visitation days (which include weekends and holidays) and adult or child (ages 4 to 11) admission rates.

More information, including signing up for newsletter or finding links to social media can be found at icecastles.com/new-hampshire/.

Contact reporter April Barton at abarton@freepressmedia.com or 802-660-1854. Follow her on Twitter @aprildbarton.