Snowboarder at Burke Mountain. Burke photo by Jason Frank
Publication Highlights Vermont’s Range of Winter Activities and Cultural Appeal
Vermont Business Magazine Vermont has been named the #1 winter sports destination in the nation by Travel + Leisure, which cited the state’s diverse outdoor activities, broad range of ski areas, and distinctive cultural attractions when awarding the Green Mountain State its top spot for winter destination travelers.
In its recent ranking of the best U.S. states for winter sports, Travel + Leisure noted Vermont’s breadth of offerings—from alpine and cross-country skiing to snowboarding and other winter-weather recreation—along with its vibrant communities, food, and local character that contribute to a well-rounded winter getaway. The article specifically highlighted several Vermont ski areas, including Magic Mountain, Saskadena Six, Jay Peak, and Stowe.
“Recognition like this does a great job highlighting why people visit Vermont each season—winter is something to celebrate,” said Ski Vermont Director of Communications Bryan Rivard. “Visitors don’t have to be skiers or riders—it’s a great place to snowshoe, ice skate, visit local shops or relax by an outdoor fire. There’s something for everyone.”
The ranking comes as winter travel remains strong and interest in snow sports continues to grow nationwide. From alpine and cross-country ski areas to skating loops like the 4.5-mile groomed trail on Lake Morey, Vermont offers a wide range of accessible winter experiences supported by local businesses, lodging properties, and outdoor recreation partners. Ski Vermont partner Vermont Adaptive works with anyone with a disability (of any kind) providing access and instruction to sports and recreational activities—including alpine skiing, snowboarding, and other winter sports.
“Hopefully this encourages some new visits to Vermont this season,” adds Rivard. “It only takes one time to get hooked.”
Vermont topped the list ahead of Alaska, Maine, New Hampshire, and Minnesota, reinforcing the state’s standing as a national leader in winter recreation.
The full article can be viewed here.
About Ski Vermont
A non-profit trade association founded in 1969 to serve alpine and cross-country ski areas, the Vermont Ski Areas Association (Ski Vermont) is a proud ambassador of the thriving winter tourism industry in Vermont, where skiing and snowboarding are the official state winter sports. The top ski state in the east and among the top destinations in the U.S., Vermont boasts world-class snowmaking quality, coverage, and efficiency, a wide variety of terrain, and a profound historical impact on the sports of skiing and snowboarding—making it one of the most significant ski and ride destinations in the world. Ski Vermont’s mission is to help maintain an environment in which the state’s ski areas can grow and prosper.
MONTPELIER, Vt. (February 15, 2026) — Ski Vermont
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