January 2009

January is a perfect time to experience winter in Vermont. Whether you’re here to ski, ride, snowmobile, shop or just relax, there are also plenty of great events and activities to enjoy with your family and friends. Here’s a look at what’s happening in January. For a comprehensive, searchable listing of events, visit our Vermont Travel Planner.

New Year’s Day Parade at Burke Mountain
East Burke – January 1, 2009
Save your noise makers, dress up in your favorite costume and join the parade. The parade will start at the top of the Willoughby Chair at 1 p.m. and descend all the way to the Sherburne Base Lodge. For those who do not wish to start from the top, join the parade at the top of the Sherburne Express at about 1:15 p.m. Face painting starts at 11 a.m., and the sledding hill is open from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. For more information, visit www.skiburke.com.

Mountain Dew Vertical Challenge
Killington – January 3-4, 2009
The Mountain Dew Vertical Challenge offers ski and snowboard racing fun for the whole family. Registration is free (competitors must have a valid lift ticket or season pass) and will be held on the third floor of the K-1 Lodge at the DJ booth beginning at 8 a.m. The race will start at 11 a.m. with an awards party at 3 p.m. Sunday the events move to Pico on Route 4 with gates set up on Pico and registration in the Pico Lodge. For more information, visit www.killington.com.

Lake Morey Winterfest
Fairlee – January 11, 2009
This event will offer outdoor and indoor activities for all ages and ski levels. Enjoy Nordic skating, snowshoe hikes, cross-country skiing, winter travel skills, sledding, old fashioned ice cutting, igloo building, music, storytelling, dog sledding demos and more. Bring your own snowshoes, skis and skates or borrow them at the Center. Donation $5/$15 per family. Hulbert Outdoor Center, Lake Morey Road. For more information, visit www.alohafoundation.org/hulbert.

Full Moon Sleigh Ride
Wilmington – January 11, 2009
The full moon and abundance of stars in the Vermont sky is an unforgettable experience. The best way to gaze at the full moon is to take an evening sleigh ride pulled by Belgian draft horses. Warm up at an old log cabin deep in the woods. Reservations required. Weather permitting. Adams Farm, 15 Higley Hill. For more information, visit www.adamsfamilyfarm.com.

Stowe Winter Carnival
Stowe – January 22-25, 2009
The Stowe Winter Carnival is one of the many reasons why people visit the winter wonderland of Stowe. Tour the town, enjoy a chicken pie supper, the Village Night Celebration, and see the competition evolve at the Annual NICA sanctioned Ice Carving Competition. Various locations. For more information, visit www.stowewintercarnival.com.

Art in the Snow, Brandon Open Studio Weekend
Brandon – January 24-25, 2009
Art is elegant, quirky, practical and whimsical at “Art in the Snow” in Brandon, a town that comes together in support of the growing and active arts community that Warren Kimble calls home. Over twenty artist studios and galleries in town offer variety to suit every taste or budget – folk and fabric artists; potters and painters; sculptors, jewelers and more. The event will also be held February 28-March 1, March 28-29. Various locations. For more information, visit www.artinthesnow.com.

Winter Festival and Penguin Plunge
Bennington – January 31, 2009
From the Ice Sculpture Contest to the Penguin Plunge and the wagon rides, chili contest, winter pet fashion show and much more (including shopping specials all over town), Bennington celebrates winter like nowhere else. Various locations. For more information, visit www.bennington.com.

Benson Down-Home Ice Fishing Derby
Benson – January 31-February 1, 2009
Don’t miss this ice fishing derby on the southern shores of Lake Champlain. The event is organized by the Benson Fish & Game club and the Benson Youth League. For more information, contact Neil Bartholomew at 802-537-2963.

Brookfield Ice Harvest
Brookfield – January 31, 2009
The annual Brookfield Ice Harvest recalls the history of ice harvesting through a talk, demonstration and hands-on competition for young and old. This great family event includes food, dog sledding and many other features. For details, call 802-276-3959.

Celebrate 60 Years at Mad River Glen
Fayston – January 31, 2009
A gala is planned to celebrate 60 years of “Ski it if You Can” at Mad River Glen. Come and share in the fun and planned events. 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, visit www.madriverglen.com.

To find more great events happening in Vermont search the Vermont Travel Planner.