Weather 
Number of skyscrapers in Vermont? Zero point zero, those tall things are just mountains. Number of billboards? Also zero, those wooden things are trees. Tap water? Not here — that’s maple syrup oozing straight from the faucet, as nature intended.
OK, maybe that last one’s a lie. Still, there’s no purer way to experience this undefiled state than at its dead-centrally set Mountain Top Resort.
Whether you’re seeking cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing or sleigh rides, this hidden-yet-GPS-able, 700-acre snowy Shangri-la of meadows, forests and lakefront is just 4.5 hours due north of NYC by car in Chittenden (fans of the psychic Eddy Brothers, anyone?).
You’re also within boot-clacking distance of Killington and Pico, both for which the resort offers ski-and-stay packages.
And the timing couldn’t be better. “This will be the 61st year of our Nordic Center operations, making us the oldest in the US and we’ll be offering discounted pricing for season passes,” gushed Jade Miller, marketing director at MTR. “We are also hosting our first ever Winter Wellness Retreat in partnership with HikYoga, Jan. 30 to Feb. 1, featuring candlelit yoga, meditation and vision board workshops.”
She added the resort is also bringing back its pew pew, swish swish-happy kid paintball biathlon.
Born a turnip farm in the 1870s, MTR’s mod menu has since expanded beyond its roots, serving up steaks, pork chops, duck cassoulet and roasted chicken in its main dining room.
But don’t sleep on the burgers and salmon sammies in its tavern. Do sleep on beds in its rustic-chic accommodations ranging from lodge rooms and suites, to its king cabins and pricier private guest houses.
From $295 a night.
