Vermont

Vermont gets nod as best winter sports destination in the U.S.

Published

2 months ago

February 22, 2026

Vermont gets nod as best winter sports destination in the U.S.

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.

Source link

Vermont

74-year-old woman fulfills childhood dream as EMT at fair in Vermont

Published

8 hours ago

April 20, 2026

Press Room

74-year-old woman fulfills childhood dream as EMT at fair in Vermont

ESSEX JUNCTION, Vt. (Aging Untold) — For 10 days, the Champlain Valley Fair, a county fair in Vermont, becomes its own little town with thousands of people, hot afternoons and the occasional emergency.

Charlene Phelps, 74, runs the fair’s emergency response team.

“We have a lot of seniors that come and people don’t drink enough water,” Phelps said.

The team handles sprains, bee stings, heat exhaustion and whatever comes through.

“I like taking care of people, I like helping people,” Phelps said.

Living out a childhood dream

It’s also a childhood dream.

Phelps wanted to be a nurse, but college wasn’t possible, so she found another route into care and has been showing up year after year at the fair.

Aging Untold expert Amy O’Rourke said living out your purpose can improve mental and spiritual well-being.

“When you tap into that, you’re tapping in on a place that’s a risk, that’s a challenge that inevitably creates growth inside you, gives you confidence so that if you’re in another situation you can build on that,” O’Rourke said. “Or, if you’re in an everyday situation where you’re a little anxious, it’ll help create stabilization in that place as well.”

Saving lives at the fair

Sometimes it’s bigger than a bandage.

“Over on there near the swings way over there is Gustovo, and we saved his life,” Phelps said.

Gustovo had gone into cardiac arrest at the fair a few years ago.

“I mean he was gone,” Phelps said.

Now he’s back and working the rides.

“Came for my hug, Gustovo,” Phelps said.

O’Rourke said stories like this are also why some people keep working past retirement age. Purpose isn’t a number, it’s a role.

“I’ve seen a 92-year-old still working as a nurse’s aid. I’ve seen people in my neighborhood chilling out and loving it,” O’Rourke said. “So, I think it’s being really self-aware of what you need and making sure that you’re getting those needs met.”

Source link

Vermont

Vermont lawmakers reject digital lottery initiative – Valley News

Published

20 hours ago

April 19, 2026

Press Room

Vermont lawmakers reject digital lottery initiative – Valley News

A plan by Gov. Phil Scott’s administration to make all of the state’s lottery games, including scratch-off tickets, available on a person’s phone never got off the ground at the Statehouse this year.

Lottery Commissioner Wendy Knight told lawmakers in January that the plan was a way to modernize the lottery “because you need to keep pace with technology — you need to meet your players where they are.”

Fifteen states have created a “digital” lottery system, and many have discovered there’s a distinct market of people who don’t buy lottery tickets at retail outlets but will do so on their phones, according to Knight. “We’re trying to ensure the future of the Vermont Lottery, ” the commissioner said.

But state lawmakers have not been persuaded.

Vergennes Rep. Matt Birong, the Democratic chair of the House government operations committee, said members of the panel felt this year was not the time to move forward with this plan, especially given the recent legalization of sports betting.

“It is digitizing a current system and after moving forward with the sports wagering — people just wanted to take their time with it — so my committee decided to tap the brakes on further testimony.”

The administration estimated that the plan would have raised roughly $5 million a year for the state’s education fund after two years of implementation.

The prospect of that additional revenue is appealing to lawmakers, and Birong said they may reconsider the plan next year.

Source link