Vergennes may be Vermont’s smallest city, but it offers easy access to some of the state’s best winter recreation. From family-friendly downhill skiing to peaceful cross-country trails and classic outdoor skating, Vergennes is the perfect home base for a Vermont winter getaway.

Whether you're carving turns on nearby slopes, gliding through quiet Nordic trails, or skating under open winter skies, Vergennes makes it easy to enjoy the best of Vermont in every snowy season.

Snow Days Start in Vergennes

  • Veterans Memorial Park in Vergennes, Vermont features a charming outdoor ice skating rink that locals and visitors enjoy each winter. Set within the community park on East Street, the rink is maintained by Vergennes Parks & Recreation and is open for recreational skating when weather and ice conditions permit, usually with set hours in the afternoons and evenings as well as on weekends. It’s a cozy spot where families and friends can glide on the ice, soak up some fresh winter air, and be part of a classic Vermont seasonal tradition.

  • When winter settles over the Champlain Valley, ice fishing becomes one of the region’s most rewarding cold-weather traditions. With direct access to Lake Champlain, Vergennes offers outstanding opportunities to fish for lake trout, landlocked salmon, northern pike, yellow perch, and more — all set against a classic Vermont winter landscape.

    Ice season typically runs from early January through mid-March, depending on ice conditions. Anglers commonly use tip-ups baited with minnows for pike and salmon, while jigging with spoons or small jigs is effective for perch and trout. As always, anglers should check current regulations and ice safety guidelines before heading out.

    Button Bay State Park

    Button Bay is one of the most popular launch points near Vergennes for winter anglers. Its combination of shallow bays, rocky structure, and deeper ledges creates diverse habitat that attracts: The varied underwater terrain makes it a consistent producer throughout the season.

    Lake Champlain Access Areas

    Beyond Button Bay, several public access points along Lake Champlain provide entry to productive ice fishing grounds. Shallow bays are especially known for yellow perch and pike, while deeper sections hold trout and salmon during mid-winter.

    Guided Ice Fishing Trips

    For anglers seeking local expertise, Fine Line Fishing Adventures, led by Captain Sterling Pelsue, offers guided year-round trips on Lake Champlain. Guided ice fishing experiences provide professional equipment, local knowledge of current conditions, and a safe, well-planned day on the ice — ideal for visitors or those new to winter fishing.

    From quiet mornings in a heated shanty to the thrill of a flag popping on a tip-up, ice fishing near Vergennes delivers an authentic Vermont winter adventure.

    Important Tips & Information

    • Safety: Always check ice conditions, especially around moving water and rocky, sun-exposed shores.

    • Regulations: Licenses are required. Ice shanties must be removed before the ice weakens, usually by the last Sunday in March. Some lakes have restrictions

  • Middlebury Snow Bowl (Approx. 20 minutes)

    Just a short scenic drive from Vergennes, the Middlebury Snow Bowl is the closest alpine ski area. Known for its welcoming atmosphere and affordable lift tickets, it’s ideal for families and skiers of all abilities. With classic New England terrain and views of the Green Mountains, it delivers an authentic Vermont ski experience without the crowds.

    Within about an hour’s drive, you can also reach larger destination resorts like:

    These mountains offer expansive terrain, advanced trails, and full-service resort amenities for those looking for a bigger ski adventure.

  • Rikert Nordic Center

    Located in nearby Ripton, Rikert Nordic Center features beautifully groomed cross-country ski trails that wind through forested landscapes and open meadows. It’s one of the region’s premier Nordic destinations and offers rentals and lessons for beginners.

    Locally, quiet backroads and open spaces around Vergennes also provide opportunities for casual cross-country skiing when snow conditions allow.

    The Catamount Trail Associationmaintains and promotes Vermont’s statewide backcountry ski trail. It connects communities across Vermont while protecting access to the state’s winter landscape.

  • Addison County connects to the statewide trail network maintained by Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST). Riders staying in or near Vergennes can access groomed trails throughout the region, offering scenic winter routes across Vermont’s countryside.