New England Winter Getaways: Why Southern Vermont Belongs on Your List

Why Southern Vermont for a New England Winter Getaway?

Many New England winter vacations ask you to choose between a ski resort and a historic town. Manchester sits between several Southern Vermont ski areas, so you can spend the morning on the mountain and the afternoon browsing Manchester Center or walking the marble sidewalks of Manchester Village.

The region also suits travelers driving in from across the Northeast. Residents of Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, New York, Connecticut and Rhode Island can save up to 15% on their stay with the Nearby Neighbor Perks offer, which makes a long weekend in the Green Mountains easier to plan at short notice.

For a full picture of the season, see our guide to winter activities in Manchester.

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Skiing and Snowboarding Near Manchester

Two of Southern Vermont’s best-known mountains are within a short drive of the resort, each with a different character. Both typically open between mid-November and early December, depending on snow and temperatures, so check each mountain’s snow report before you travel.

Bromley Mountain

Bromley is a family-favorite mountain with a south-facing aspect and terrain for every level. It is the closest major ski area to The Equinox, and guests can purchase Bromley lift tickets at the Front Desk.

• Distance from The Equinox: around 10 miles
• Best for: families, beginners and relaxed ski days
• Tip: skip the line at the mountain and purchase your lift ticket right at the Front Desk

Stratton Mountain

Stratton offers 99 trails, glades, terrain parks and a summit gondola, which suits skiers and riders looking for a bigger mountain day. On Saturdays and Sundays, The Equinox runs a complimentary shuttle between the resort and Stratton. Sign up at the Front Desk, and note that the schedule can change with weather or demand.

• Distance from The Equinox: about 20 miles
• Best for: intermediate and advanced skiers, snowboarders and groups
• Tip: take the weekend shuttle and leave the car at the resort

Okemo and Killington

Many guests also drive north to Okemo Mountain Resort in Ludlow or to Killington Resort, the largest ski area in the East. Either makes a full mountain day, with Manchester Village waiting for dinner when you get back.

• Distance from The Equinox: Okemo about 30 miles, Killington about 50 miles
• Best for: families and mixed-ability groups at Okemo, advanced skiers and big mountain days at Killington
• Tip: allow extra drive time on winter weekends and check road conditions before you set out

To travel light, The Equinox works with Ski Butlers, which delivers rental equipment to your inn and collects it at the end of your stay. Find mountain details, shuttle times and rental information on our skiing in Southern Vermont page.

Skiing in Southern Vermont

Winter Activities Beyond the Slopes

A New England winter getaway does not have to revolve around downhill skiing. Around Manchester, there are plenty of ways to spend a winter day outside at your own pace.

• Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing: Hildene offers 8 miles of winter trails with ski and snowshoe rentals, and Viking Nordic has 35 km of trails about 20 minutes from Manchester.
• Ice skating: Riley Rink is a few minutes from the resort, with rental skates available.
• Sledding: borrow a sled from The Equinox and head to the sledding hill at Burr & Burton Academy.
• Tubing: Stratton’s Sun Bowl tube park is a fun half day for families.
• Snowmobile and sleigh rides: local operators run guided snowmobile tours and wagon rides through the Green Mountains, weather permitting. The Front Desk can share contact details.

Back at the resort, the fire pit and s’mores kits from the Front Desk make an easy end to a cold afternoon.

Explore Winter Activities

Spa and Wellness Between Mountain Days

Winter is a natural time to slow the pace. At The Spa at The Equinox, treatments draw on local Vermont ingredients, and guests can spend time in the indoor pool, sauna, steam room and outdoor hot tub after a day on the slopes.

On Sunday afternoons, the Mountainside Yoga Hike pairs a walk in the Green Mountains with an outdoor yoga session. On the third Friday of each month, the Floating Sound Bath brings water, sound and stillness to the spa pool.

For a stay built around rest and recharge, The Equinox Spa Getaway includes your room, a 50-minute massage or Vermont Glow facial for each adult, unlimited spa access and fitness classes. Reserve spa appointments before you arrive, especially on holiday weekends.

Explore the Spa The Equinox Spa Getaway

Dining, Shopping and Winter Evenings in Manchester

After a day outside, keep dinner close. Marsh Tavern has welcomed travelers since 1769 and serves New England dishes in a setting made for cold nights, while Falcon Bar is a relaxed spot for drinks and conversations that linger past dinner. On Wednesdays, $20 Burgers & Brews pairs a burger with a draft Equinox Lager at either venue.

Manchester is also one of Southern Vermont’s best towns for a shopping afternoon. Browse Manchester Designer Outlets and the independent shops around Manchester Center, then lose an hour in the Northshire Bookstore.

The Winter Dine & Dream offer, available for stays from November 27, 2026 through March 31, 2027, includes savings on the Best Flexible Rate, a $50 food and beverage credit and a 50% reduced resort fee.

View Dining Winter Dine & Dream Offer

When to Plan Your Winter Getaway

Southern Vermont’s winter season runs from late fall into March, and a few dates are especially popular for winter getaways in New England. Plan ahead for holiday weekends, when the mountains and resort are at their busiest.

Prefer a last-minute trip? The Last Minute Getaway offer saves up to 50% on select rooms when you book within three days of a Sunday to Thursday arrival.

Last Minute Getaway Offer

Make The Equinox Your Winter Base

Choose the accommodation that suits your winter plans. The Main Inn pairs historic character with modern comforts in the heart of the resort. The Orvis Inn offers a more intimate setting with suites and extra living space, and the resort’s Vacation Rentals give families and ski groups room to spread out, with kitchens and shared space for après evenings.

Wherever you stay, the mountains, the spa and Manchester Village are all part of the same winter trip.

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