Winter Wonderland at The Wilburton
Winter transforms The Wilburton into a Vermont snow globe where powder days, cozy fires, and mountain views create the quintessential New England winter experience. Our 30-acre hilltop estate becomes your base camp for Southern Vermont skiing - Bromley Mountain sits just 8 miles away, Stratton 18 miles, with both offering world-class terrain from mid-November through March. Return from the slopes to your historic mansion room or vacation home where wood-burning fireplaces, soaking tubs, and mountain views await.
But winter at The Wilburton isn't just about skiing. Sled down our hilltop (we provide the sleds), snowshoe through sculpture gardens blanketed in white, ice skate at Manchester's Riley Rink, or simply settle into Adirondack chairs with hot cider watching snow fall across the valley. Manchester Village's designer outlets, restaurants, and cultural attractions provide indoor alternatives on storm days. This is Vermont winter as it should be - active when you want, cozy when you need, spectacular always.
Skiing and Snowboarding
Three Mountains, Endless Powder
Bromley Mountain (8 miles, 15 minutes): Vermont's Sun Mountain earned its name as New England's only south-facing ski area - sunshine all day means warmer temperatures and bluebird conditions. With 47 trails across 300 acres and 9 lifts, Bromley excels for families and intermediate skiers. The variety spans gentle greens for beginners to challenging East Side Steeps black diamonds. Terrain parks satisfy freestylers, while glades offer tree skiing adventures.
Stratton Mountain (18 miles, 25 minutes): Southern Vermont's highest peak delivers 99 trails, 11 lifts including a high-speed gondola, and over 600 acres of skiable terrain. Stratton's 2,003-foot vertical drop and consistent snowmaking create conditions that Ski magazine ranks in their Top 10 across multiple categories.
Magic Mountain (20 minutes): For advanced skiers seeking authentic Vermont character, Magic offers 1,200+ feet of vertical with challenging terrain and old-school mountain soul. The Wilburton can arrange discounted lift tickets at Bromley - ask when booking.
Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing
Nordic Adventures Near The Wilburton
Vermont's Nordic skiing tradition flourishes around Manchester with multiple cross-country and snowshoeing options. Hildene's Nordic Center features 12 miles of groomed trails through Robert Todd Lincoln's historic estate with equipment rentals available. Wild Wings Nordic Center on Route 100 past Bromley offers beautifully maintained trails through lightly wooded forests - perfect for all skill levels.
Viking Nordic Center provides miles of trails with rental equipment and instructional classes. Stratton Mountain's extensive cross-country facility spans their sun bowl and golf course areas. Right at The Wilburton, our 30-acre estate offers free snowshoeing across sculpture gardens and woodland trails - wander at your own pace through Vermont winter beauty without the crowds or rental fees.
On-Property Winter Activities
Snow Play at The Wilburton
Winter at The Wilburton means you don't need to leave the property for snow fun. Borrow sleds from our carriage house and careen down our hilltop - natural toboggan runs with soft landings and no lift lines. Snowshoe across 30 acres of trails where sculpture installations wear snow caps and ice decorates the forest. Build snowmen with the kids on open lawns. Start snowball fights that echo across the valley.
After outdoor adventures, warm up by wood-burning fireplaces in mansion common rooms. Soak in claw-foot tubs while mountain views fill the windows. The heated indoor pool (available for additional fee) provides swimming even when snow falls outside.
Winter Beyond the Slopes
Vermont Winter Adventures
Ice Skating: Manchester's Riley Rink offers indoor skating with rental skates available. Weather permitting, we know a few nearby ponds that provide magical outdoor skating experiences.
Sleigh Rides: Taylor Farm's Belgian draft horses pull box-style sleighs through tranquil Vermont woods with views of ski mountains - 45-minute rides offered hourly on winter weekends.
Snowmobiling: Stratton Adventures offers guided snowmobile tours through the Green Mountains for adults and families - evening tours after ski trails close provide unforgettable landscape connections.
Winter Hiking: The Equinox Preserve features various winter trails from easy Flatlanders to challenging Mountain Bluff routes. Bundle up and experience Vermont's snow-covered beauty on foot rather than skis - different perspectives reveal winter magic hidden from the slopes.
Manchester Village Winter Charm
Indoor Escapes and Shopping
Storm days and après-ski afternoons call for Manchester Village's indoor attractions. The Manchester Designer Outlets feature over 100 stores including Brooks Brothers, J.Crew, Ralph Lauren, and Le Creuset - warm shopping after cold mornings on the mountain. Northshire Bookstore provides cozy browsing through multiple floors of books, gifts, and the Colburn Café for hot drinks.
Southern Vermont Arts Center's galleries showcase winter exhibitions in their historic mansion setting. The American Museum of Fly Fishing offers fascinating exhibits even when rivers freeze. Pastime Pinball features 66 vintage machines set to free play - surprisingly addictive winter entertainment. Manchester's restaurants range from casual comfort food to elegant dining - perfect for celebrating powder days with hearty Vermont meals
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