Discover the lush, verdant trails of Mount Snow in Vermont, where the summer sun transforms the snowy slopes into a hiker’s paradise of emerald forests and breathtaking vistas.
Read In Print/Flipbook Format

Summertime Fun on MOUNT SNOW

Visiting Vermont’s Mount Snow in the summer offers a starkly different experience from its winter wonderland persona. As I arrived, the sun was shining brightly, highlighting the lush greenery that blanked the slopes that are usually draped in snow.

I’m used to seeing ski resorts in the winter, but I also knew that long before the ski resorts arrived on the scene, the mountain retreats were thronged by people trying to escape the summer heat. My summertime visit, then, shouldn’t be seen as seeing the mountains out of season, but actually more of a homecoming, experiencing Vermont’s Green Mountains the way that they used to be experienced – in its green, verdant lushness of trees and grasses and wildflowers.

My journey began at the base of the mountain, where I joined the queue for the summertime chair lift. The enthusiastic mountain bikers prepped their gear, ready to test their mettle on the downhill trails were on another lift, the Canyon Express.

In all there are 20 lifts, with the covered, six-seater Bluebird Express lift taking hikers and nature lovers like me to the top. No mountain biking on this trip for me; I had planned on a stroll through nature, not a dose of adrenaline.

Strapped into the chair lift, the ascent offered a gradual reveal of the mountain’s summer attire. As we rose, the resort at the base diminished in size, and the panoramic view of Vermont’s Green Mountains expanded.

The chair lift swayed gently, the cool breeze brushing against my face, a refreshing reminder of the 1700-foot elevation gain.

Below, I caught glimpses mountain bikers navigate the rugged trails, their movements precise yet daring. They sped through the dense forest, tackling rocks and roots, their bikes bouncing and skidding with each twist and turn. Yes, downhill mountain biking is a big thing in Summertime Mount Snow.

After 15 minutes and traveling over a mile and a half, I reached the top and disembarked from the lift, stepping onto the summit.

The air was crisp and clean, filled with the scent of pine and wildflowers.

The view from up here was breathtaking. Vermont’s rolling hills stretched out endlessly, dotted with quaint farms and dense forests. Mount Snow’s summit was alive with color, wildflowers of every hue painting the landscape. The summit area was relatively quiet, with just a few hikers and bikers sharing the space.

My plan was to hike down following the fire trail, a long, winding path that promised a full immersion into the mountain’s natural beauty. This, I reasoned, would have a fairly gentle slope even if it was a bit longer than some of the ski trails.

I don’t know if it’s the case with this trail, but trails like these in the Northeast were often cut by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930’s as part of a work-for-welfare program of the era.

The trail began with a gentle descent through a meadow, where butterflies flitted among the flowers, and birdsong filled the air. The trail then dipped into the forest, where the canopy provided a cool, shaded retreat from the sun.

For the entire trip down, the path was 40 feet wide or more, creating plenty of turning space for novice skiers to navigate the easy path back down. For me, this also opened up more vistas and places for grasses and wildflowers to thrive.

The hike down was both challenging and rewarding. I paused occasionally to admire the natural beauty: the ferns unfurling their fronds, the mushrooms sprouting from decaying logs, and the sunlight filtering through the leaves, casting dappled shadows on the ground.

I didn’t spot any of the tiny Mounty Cranberry that thrives on Vermont’s mountains – perhaps I was a bit too early in the year, but daisies, purple clover, and a wide variety of other low-laying wildflowers decorated the path as we went down.

As I continued my descent, I began to notice the rustle of leaves and the call of distant birds. The forest was rich with life. I spotted a deer grazing quietly among the trees and a chipmunk scurrying across the trail.

Mount Snow has a history as rich as the Vermont landscape it adorns. Before it became the bustling ski resort we know today, the mountain was known as Mount Pisgah. In May 1953, entrepreneur Walt Schoenknecht purchased 500 acres of land from the family of Reuben Snow for $15,000, and the mountain was later renamed Mount Snow in honor of the Snow family.

The resort officially opened on December 12, 1954, quickly becoming one of the largest ski areas in the Northeast. Vail Resorts acquired Mount Snow in 2019

Continuing down, my legs began to ache from the constant downhill strain. The fire trail seemed endless, each turn revealing another stretch of path. The final section of the trail led through a series of switchbacks, which, though easier on the knees, extended the journey.

I had considered the other summertime activities – golf at the Mount Snow Golf Club, or exploring the nearby towns of Dover and Wilimington, but the legs said that they had had enough.

At last, the trail emerged from the forest near the base of the mountain.

The resort, now bustling with summer activities, was a welcome sight. Mountain bikers having gone up and down again four or five times during my hike were lined up at the lift once again.

I headed back to the lodge where families played lawn games, and others lounged in Adirondack chairs, soaking in the afternoon sun.

My muscles protested each step.

Dinner at the lodge’s restaurant, the “Bullwheel” was a well-deserved reward. A bullwheel, by the way, is the big wheel that is at each end of a ski lift.

The menu featured local Vermont produce and hearty meals perfect for refueling after a day of outdoor activity. I opted for a classic Vermont cheddar burger, accompanied by a local craft beer. The flavors were rich and satisfying, a true taste of Vermont.

As I settled into my room for the night, exhaustion set in. My muscles ached from the long hike, but it was a pleasant ache, a reminder of the day’s adventure. The bed was inviting, and I quickly fell asleep, dreaming of the mountain and its summer secrets.

Perhaps I’ll make it back for Oktoberfest. Mount Snow’s Oktoberfest is a lively celebration filled with traditional German music, dancing, and, of course, an impressive selection of beers. The festival features local Vermont brews alongside authentic German imports, offering something for every palate. Colorful tents, food stalls serving bratwurst and pretzels, and games add a festive air to the mountainside.

Or I’ll come back in the winter, when I can take the same trail I had just hiked down on skis, sliding across the snow. There won’t be wildflowers and lush green foliage, but the trip down will be much faster and easier.

For more information

• www.mountsnow.com  

Carter Goodwin
+ posts