MONTPELIER — Vermont is the top winter sports destination in the U.S., according to Travel + Leisure.
The article cites the state’s diverse outdoor activities, broad range of ski areas and distinctive cultural attractions, an announcement from Ski Vermont states. The article highlights several Vermont ski areas including Magic Mountain Ski Area in Londonderry, which is described as one of the state’s “timeless mom-and-pop spots.”
“Recognition like this does a great job highlighting why people visit Vermont each season — winter is something to celebrate,” Ski Vermont Director of Communications Bryan Rivard said in the announcement. “Visitors don’t have to be skiers or riders — it’s a great place to snowshoe, ice skate, visit local shops or relax by an outdoor fire. There’s something for everyone.”
Vermont topped the list ahead of Alaska, Maine, New Hampshire and Minnesota, according to the announcement.
“Online gambling company SpinBlitz set out to determine which U.S. state is the absolute best destination for winter sports enthusiasts,” the Travel + Leisure article states. “Researchers considered each state’s average snowfall, average winter temperatures, and the number of ice rinks and ski slopes per 100,000 people.”
Vermont “took the crown with a score of 9.49 out of a possible 10,” according to the article.
“With an average of 81.2 inches of snowfall annually, Vermont’s precipitation was bested by only two other states in the top ten — Wyoming with 91.4 inches and New York with an impressive 123.8 inches,” the article states. “Temperatures from December through February hover around a frosty 19.4 degrees, perfect for maintaining snow accumulation on trails throughout the season.”
Vermont stood out due to its “availability of winter sports,” according to the article.
“Thanks to its low population density, 27 ice rinks and 25 ski resorts add up to 4.16 ice rinks for every 100,000 people and 3.86 ski resorts for every 100,000 people,” the article states. “In addition to its 27 rinks, Vermont offers gorgeous outdoor skating spots like Lake Morey’s 4.5-mile groomed skating loop in Fairlee.”
Recommended in the article as “a Southern Vermont getaway filled with roaring fireplaces in a quaint boutique property” is The Hermitage Inn in Wilmington.
The ranking comes as winter travel remains strong and interest in snow sports continues to grow nationwide, according to the announcement.
“From alpine and cross-country ski areas to skating loops like the 4.5-mile groomed trail on Lake Morey, Vermont offers a wide range of accessible winter experiences supported by local businesses, lodging properties, and outdoor recreation partners,” the announcement states. “Ski Vermont partner Vermont Adaptive works with anyone with a disability (of any kind) providing access and instruction to sports and recreational activities—including alpine skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports.”
Rivard expressed hope that the ranking will encourage “some new visits to Vermont this season.”
“It only takes one time to get hooked,” he said.
Though it wasn’t mentioned in the article, last weekend brought thousands of spectators to Brattleboro for the 104th Harris Hill Ski Jump competition.
