Vermont ski resorts and towns are not only enjoyed during the winter! There are many quaint ski towns that this non-skier believes are even better enjoyed in the peak of fall foliage season. Gondola and single chair rides, hiking and biking, orchards and pumpkin patches, galleries and shopping… There is so much to do in Vermont’s ski communities in every season. These five Vermont ski towns are worthy of a visit any time of the year, and especially during foliage.

What Vermont ski town is your favorite during fall?

Killington – Vermont Ski Town:

The views from the Killington Grand can’t be best for foliage (and snowliage) views mountainside. Have a fun day at the Killington Adventure Center with the zip line, trampoline jump and ropes course. Go up the K-1 gondola for epic views. Do an ATV tour or mountain biking! Or head to Hathaway Farm and Corn Maze. Drive to nearby Mendon for a delicious breakfast to fuel your day at Vermont Sugar and Spice on Route 4. You can also head to Bridgewater Corners for a leisurely lunch and local beer next to the river at Long Trail Brewing for an iconic Vermont stop.

Warren & Waitsfield – Vermont Ski Towns:

The Mad River Valley is one of my absolute favorite parts of the state in any season, but especially during fall! Take the single chair at Mad River Glen up the mountain for an epic ride in the sky! Drive the App Gap over to Bristol for a lovely drive and lunch or dinner in the quaint town. Check out the covered bridges in the area (one in Warren, one in Waitsfield). Stop by the quirky Madsonian Museum of Industrial Design or Bundy Modern.

Peruse local art at the Artisan’s Gallery in Waitsfield. Drink a pint of Mad River Maple at Lawson’s Finest, and hike or bike many local trails amidst foliage. For local eats, don’t miss the Mad Taco for tacos, pork belly burrito or Chile Colorado Big Daddy Fatty, or Canteen Creemee Co for a fried chicken sandwich (and creemee, of course). Stay at the Pitcher Inn in Warren for a luxury stay or newly created Madbush Falls for modern and cost-effective accommodations.

Stowe – Vermont Ski Town:

Stowe Mountain and Smugglers’ Notch are home to one of the best foliage drives in the state, Route 108, which closes during snow and has great hiking trails all around it. In Stowe, walk the 5-mile recreation path around town. Enjoy breakfast at the Butlers’ Pantry or an inventive protein shake to go from Tom Girl. Take the gondola up Mount Mansfield for an orange-filled foliage sight that is one of the best in the state. Walk downtown and pick up some local reads at Bear Pond Books or cute Vermont kitchen and household items at the Country Store on Main.

Hunker down at Von Trapp Brewing for a lagered beer after a hike to Moss Glens Falls or Stowe Pinnacle. Ensure you stop at Edelweiss Deli for the best sandwich in Stowe before your hike. Complete your Stowe beer tour with stops at the famed Alchemist or Idletyme (get the fried pickle spears!). If extra time allows, head south to Waterbury Center for visits to the Cabot Annex for cheese sampling, Ben & Jerry’s flagship location, and Cold Hollow Cider Mill.

Peru – Vermont Ski Town:

Peru, home to Bromley Mountain is another Vermont ski town to visit during fall. The southern Vermont small town has stunning mountain views in Southern Vermont. Stay at Seesaw’s Lodge for an authentic Vermont lodge or cabin experience and the restaurant on site, Johnny Seesaw’s, complete with a huge open fire! Explore the Treetop Adventure Center at the mountain or take the Sun Mountain Express for a scenic ride to the summit.

The lift runs daily through 10/9/23 for fall foliage tours. Get an amazing breakfast sandwich at Bromley Market – the simple egg, cheese and sausage is “chef’s kiss”. Head to nearby Dorset and Manchester for more fun, including stops at Northshire Books, Hildene for a tour of the property and house, along with JK Adams and H.N. Williams Country Store in Dorset.

 Jay – Vermont Ski Town:

Home to Jay Peak, a four season destination in Vermont, the Northeast Kingdom boasts epic foliage in an outdoor enthusiast’s best destination in the state. Take a tram ride, play disc golf, hike, challenge yourself in the climbing gym, or enjoy the outdoor heated pool. You can also enjoy the Jay Peak Water Park (if it’s a rainy day). Don’t miss their annual Bean and Brew Festival every fall, featuring locally-roasted coffees coupled with New England’s finest beers, ciders, and more.

Pin this blog to Pinterest for your next fall adventure in Vermont.