Enjoy an Outdoor Summer Staycation in Vermont

Families and adventure seekers flock to Vermont ski and snowboard resorts in the winter for downhill thrills and snowy escapes, but these resorts also shine as a beacon for summer adventure enthusiasts and families looking for outdoor escapes and events. From gorgeous golf greens and mountain trails to lakes, rivers, pools and waterparks, there are so many places (and ways) to play in Vermont’s Green Mountains in the warmer months.

Adventures

For those planning an adventurous, unplugged summer staycation, Vermont is an easy one-stop shop. Save on stays at Ski Vermont resorts with discounted “off season” lodging and value packages, like the VIP Vermont Package at Stowe Mountain Lodge or the Adventure Zone package at Okemo Mountain Resort.

For weekend thrills or just a day away, enjoy the growing trend in adventure parks, which feature thrilling ziplines, mountain coasters and more. Killington expands its adventure center at the Snowshed base area this summer, adding terra tubing and stand up paddle boarding to features like the Beast Coaster and Skyride. Okemo adds an inflatable bag jump like those used by stunt doubles in movies to features including the Haulback Challenge course and zipline tour.

Ride, Bike, Hike Vermont

Whether going up, down or both, hikers and bikers enjoy beautiful views of Vermont’s bucolic mountains, valleys and forests. Hiking trails are abundant from ski resort base areas. Visit Bolton Valley for access to more than 100km of Nordic trails connecting to Vermont’s Long Trail, or Mad River Glen to access the Monroe skyline and grab a bite at the renowned General Stark’s Pub.

Mountain biking at Vermont resorts continues to grow at a rapid pace. Lift-served mountain biking options expand this summer at Killington Resort and Okemo Mountain Resort, and Smugglers’ Notch Resort adds more trails and class options. Sugarbush Resort joined forces with the Vermont Mountain Bike Association to connect nearly 60 miles of mapped trails to its own trails. Voted one of the Top 5 Bike Parks in the Northeast Region by MTBparks.com, Burke Mountain Downhill Bike Park is also open for the season.

Unwind in the Green Mountains 

For those seeking a leisure staycation, Vermont resorts offer access to some of the best golf courses in the Northeast, spas that reflect the surrounding beauty and fitness classes that connect with the outdoors.

Vermont’s majestic mountains are well-known ski destinations in the winter, but they also serve as the backdrop for some of Vermont’s best golf courses. Tee up at Jay Peak Golf course, Vermont’s Best Public Course as rated by Golf Digest and Golf Weekly magazines, or check out a championship tournament like the New England Open and Collegiate Challenge at The Quechee Club.

For a little pampering, visit The Stratton Day Spa which offers a full menu of massages, facials and nail treatments. Visitors can also take their yoga practice out of the studio and onto the mountain with spring and summer yoga classes at both mid-mountain and on the summit. The Spa at the Woodstock Inn & Resort boasts a 10,000 square foot, LEED-certified facility featuring 10 treatment rooms, a spa boutique and locally sourced products.

For more information, visit Vermont.com/resorts/vermont-resorts.  

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