Staying active is crucial for our well-being and provides countless health benefits for peak productivity in all areas of our lives. Mountainous regions like Vermont offer extensive avenues to keep these foundational balances in check while adding an element of adventure to pair. With numerous variations available, each season provides excellent strides in physical fitness that can be explored throughout the year to keep a healthy lifestyle in check. I've compiled several of my favorite activities to keep the heart pumping as I traverse through the seasons; This is my Mountain Life Fitness Guide. 

Embrace the Seasons: Fitness and Adventure in Vermont

The connection between four-season adventure and fitness in Vermont creates a seamless blend with nature’s ever-changing landscapes. From the lush beauty of spring to the sun-drenched trails of summer; and the vibrant foliage of fall to the snowy wonderland of winter, Vermont provides a wealth of opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts to stay active year-round. Each season offers unique fitness activities, whether hiking, biking, skiing, or snowshoeing, enabling individuals to fully embrace the outdoors and enjoy a healthy and adventurous lifestyle in this alpine paradise.

Mountain Life Fitness Activities- Winter Time:

Wintertime fitness and adventure might seem challenging, as venturing outdoors in the cold can be daunting for some. However, with the right approach, wintertime exploration can be enjoyable and incredibly beneficial for your health. Proper layering, adequate gear, and helpful guidance make all the difference in embracing the beauty of nature while staying active during the winter months in the mountains of Vermont. And fear not; these activities can easily be translated to other alpine towns throughout your travels! Here’s a list of my favorite wintertime fitness activities to inspire your journey through the snow season!

1. Skiing and Snowboarding

With numerous variations of each practice, from Downhill, Cross-Country, and Touring/Backcountry, just to name a few. Skiing and snowboarding are top activities across Vermont to stay active during wintertime. The culmination of body weight, endurance, and resistance training will be felt across all levels of the progressive spectrum. While the learning curve can be rather drastic, the foreign act of sliding on snow engages muscle groups unoften used to perform daily tasks. Participants of all skill levels will be rewarded based on their sessions’, duration, effort, and intensity while having infinite room for aerobic advancement. 

2. Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding

Downhill skiing and snowboarding has been a staple in Vermont for decades, offering an exciting way for folks to navigate the slopes on snow. Many mountain goers rely on this rigorous wintertime activity to stay active, basking in the endless benefits of long days on the hill. The state of Vermont welcomes its skiing and riding community with 20 alpine ski resorts, over 30 cross-country ski areas, and countless backcountry-accessible zones to explore. For more facts about skiing and riding in Vermont and how the state continues it’s efforts to build a sustainable ski industry infrastructure check out Ski Vermont!

Downhill Skiing and Snowboarding In Northern Vermont:

• Jay Peak Resort– Jay, VT
• Burke Mountain Resort– Burke, VT
• Smugglers Notch Resort– Jeffersonville, VT
• Stowe Mountain Resort– Stowe, VT
• Bolton Valley Resort– Richmond, VT
• Sugarbush Resort– Warren, VT

3. Touring/Backcountry

In recent years, there has been a surge in the popularity of skiing and snowboarding, with many individuals embracing the philosophy of “earning their turns.” This approach involves hiking to their preferred runs, allowing individuals to freely explore the vast snow-capped mountains while avoiding long lift lines and crowds often found at busy ski resorts. To cater to this growing demand, both ski and snowboard companies now offer a specialized line of AT (All-Terrain) setups. These setups consist of lightweight and high-quality components explicitly designed to meet the demands of backcountry touring.

Backcountry skiing and riding have become more accessible than ever, making it easier for enthusiasts to gain valuable experience. At its core, “ski touring” involves skiing in the backcountry, away from marked and patrolled areas. Touring; is typically practiced “off-piste,” which refers to skiing on terrain not groomed or maintained by ski resorts. This exhilarating experience takes place outside the boundaries of ski resorts, allowing adventurers to immerse themselves in the raw beauty and untamed wilderness nature provides!

Some tours can be multi-day excursions or simply an afternoon spent “skinning” through the woods, each offering tremendous aerobic stimulation. “Skins” or climbing skins’ are strips of nylon or a mo-hair/nylon blend material applied to the bottom of your skis or split board to create traction with the snow to ascend and maneuver through snow-filled terrain. While a backcountry ski/split board setup isn’t strictly necessary to tour, It is far more efficient while acting as a minimalist approach as opposed to other options available such as snowshoes and approach skis; or the industry pooh-poohed boot packing method, which is simply walking up mountain with just your boots/ski gear in hand. Be sure to research your local trail regulations and guidelines, as wearing inappropriate gear can disrupt pathways, causing perpetual deterioration of trails. Always understand the risks involved in your area while wearing the proper gear needed to participate safely. For beginner backcountry tips, check out REI’s helpful guide.

4. XC Skiing and Snowshoeing

Cross-country skiing (xc-skiing) and snowshoeing are lovely winter activities that offer an ideal way to embrace the outdoors, especially for entry-level participants in the snow-sports world. It is a delightful winter sport that allows you to glide gracefully over snowy landscapes using skis and poles. Unlike downhill skiing, xc skiing involves moving across flat or gently rolling terrain, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a peaceful and scenic outdoor experience. Outdoor recreation centers provide daily equipment rentals and access to well-maintained trail systems, making it easy for anyone to get involved.

Whether you choose cross-country skiing or snowshoeing, separate routes are available for each practice, catering to participants of all skill levels. Both xc-skiing and snowshoeing provide versatile experiences, allowing you to enjoy a leisurely pace or engage in a dynamic and high-intensity workout to get your steps in and your heart pumping. The trailways for xc-skiing and snowshoeing are generally located in low-trafficked, scenic areas, making your journey more enjoyable and immersive.

Northern Vermont offers some fantastic destinations for those interested in Nordic skiing. The Craftsbury Outdoor Center and Jay Peak’s Nordic Center are excellent places to start your xc-skiing adventure. These centers provide excellent facilities and well-groomed trails, ensuring a memorable and fulfilling experience on the snow. So, don your skis or snowshoes, embrace the winter wonderland, and savor the beauty of nature as you embark on these delightful outdoor activities!

5. Fat Biking

Mountain Life Fitness has evolved, creating new and exciting ways to stay active year-round. An exciting avenue based on a summertime favorite has gained traction in the past few years. Fat Biking. While fat biking can be enjoyed in every season of the year, the extremist approach lies in the dead of winter. With their fat and knobby tires the focal point, typically packaged around a rigid mountain bike style frame that allows playfulness and capability in gearing and comfort, fat bikes are an exciting new way to get around!

For added traction, tire companies have even introduced studded fat tires to their lineups for more extreme conditions, increasing the number of days you can spend in the saddle. For those who extensively rely on their two-wheeled ventures for exercise and fun, fat biking is a wonderful solution to keep your mountain life fitness in check year-round! If you plan on joining us in Northern Vermont, there are great trail systems to explore and daily rentals available at local bike shops. Be sure to check out Local Motion’s extensive list of fat biking resources!

6. Winter Hiking

For those eager to summit peaks year-round, most shelters across the state are accessible all four seasons. Hiking is a great way to stay active while directly immersed in nature. With countless trail systems scattered around Vermont, many day hikes or overnighters exist. Vermont’s Green Mountain Club offers heaps of available and up-to-date resources on topics like trail statuses/closures, trail safety, and even winter hiking guides to propel your future adventures. I always recommend practicing your do-diligence and pre-trip safety measures before setting out on any hike; to be prepared for unforeseen scenarios you may encounter on the trail.

7. Gym and At Home Workouts

Gyms/at-home workouts can be crucial for those looking to maintain a healthy balance, especially in the winter. Weather in mountainous regions can be harsh at times, limiting the days you can participate in your choice of outdoor hobby. A regular exercise routine or one to supplement for those days is critical to sustaining peak performance throughout the seasons. While fitness centers may be a stretch for some due to distance and accessibility, don’t discount at-home workouts. With many HIIT (High-intensity interval training) and basic body-weight workout regimens accessible online, it has never been easier to train from home. Due to this demand, essential gym equipment has become available to the masses, making an at-home fitness space well within reach!

Mountain Life Fitness Activities- Summer Time:

Summertime in the mountains is an opportune time to engage in your favorite outdoor hobbies. While many outlets can be considered leisurely activities with little to no effort, others can act as fun and invigorating ways to stay active and busy throughout the warmer months. Mountain life fitness can present itself across various summertime channels, complementing our preferred lifestyles and interests. Below are a few of my favorite activities in the warmer months and other health-related hobbies to explore.

8. Biking

Biking has dominated the space across the state of Vermont and in many mountainous regions alike. With various styles available in the biking world, there is a practice suited for everyone, along with overall health benefits across the biking spectrum. Biking is one of the best workouts out there, increasing overall strength/ flexibility and decreasing stress levels, all while improving cardiovascular fitness, amongst the countless other health advantages. Depending on your chosen route, the low-impact activity can be enjoyed across a wide age range, skill level, and terrain preference. From road biking to downhill, bicycle touring/bikepacking to rail trail cruising, and everything in between, the space can be as progressive or lax as the day demands.

9. Mountain Biking

Mountain Biking is preferred amongst the crowds on the more extreme end of the biking spectrum. With numerous trail systems, downhill courses, and local stashes scattered around Vermont, there’s a perfect course to fill your daily dose of adrenaline. Either direction you decide to go, the high-interval peddling sessions matched with the core balance needed to whip around banks, bumps, berms, and turns will get the sweat pouring and your heart pumping. Add a steep hill climb to the mix, and you are well on your way to your calorie-crushing goals!

Mountain Biking Trail Systems In Northern Vermont:

• Kingdom Trails + Burke Mountain Bike Park– Burke, VT
• Jay Community Recreational Centre– Jay, VT
• Craftsbury Outdoor Center– Craftsbury, VT
• Perry Hill– Waterbury, VT
• Stowe/ Cady Hill Forest– Stowe, VT
• Bolton Valley Bike Park– Richmond, VT

10. Road Biking

The steep hills, windy roads, and many mountain passes bode well for the road biking community. It’s a regular occurrence to spot road racing professionals casually training in Vermont’s mountainous region, as the extreme roads of the north act as the perfect strength and endurance training ground to prepare for almost any terrain you’ll encounter on race day. Our foothills’ mild and hilly topography can benefit even the casual crowd in the road-biking world!

11. Bicycle Touring

A personal favorite adventure fitness model of mine and a newfound hobby in the bike world is beginning to gain popularity and turn heads amongst the biking community. “Bicycle touring” and it’s more rugged sibling, “bikepacking.” Each is unique, symbiotic in core elements but totally distinctive in design, especially when finely inspected. Both styles intend to spend long days in the saddle, using bicycle frame space, rack systems, and fasteners to carry lengthy loads for extended ventures. Bicycle touring is typically done with heftier loads, covering long distances over more time, with high-capacity bags, and larger bike frames to withstand almost anything you’ll encounter on a long-distance journey. 

12. Bikepacking

Its counterpart and stealthy sibling, “Bikepacking,” uses the same concept in a lightweight, minimalist, and more capable package. The rugged setup is typically geared around an agile, mountain bike-style set up, ready and up for anything the gravel, mud, elements, and terrain throws its way. Each practice is near-perfect on its own, taking the adventure approach to cycling, spending nights under the stars, long days in the saddle, and life one chain revolution at a time. An extraordinary way to achieve fitness goals, crush miles and create a bond between you, your gear, and your surroundings. For more on bikepacking, touring, and the community that inspires innovation in the up-and-coming industry, check out bikepacking.com!

13. Paddling

Often overlooked in the fitness world, paddling is an enjoyable way to keep the blood flowing on a warm summer’s day. The act of paddling is a great resistance training activity. Whether on water or simulated by a rowing machine, balance and strength must flow together to generate momentum across the water, engaging all of the body’s core muscles while naturally reducing stress along the way. A long day on the water or a multi-day paddling excursion can match up with the likes of any activity on land. Long days on the water can be a fulfilling source of relaxation while sustaining rhythmic endurance along your paddle. Luckily, Vermont’s vast network of waterways provides an immense outlet for paddlers to partake in this enjoyable endeavor, especially in its northern region.

14. Hiking/ Trail Running

Hiking in Vermont offers a fantastic way to stay active year-round while immersing yourself in the region’s natural beauty. Vermont’s hills are a paradise for foot exploration, with abundant trail systems, outdoor recreational areas, and diverse landscapes. The Green Mountains, stretching vertically from Canada down to its southern bordering states of Massachusetts and New York, are home to the renowned “Long Trail” (LT). This 272-mile-long trek challenges its hikers, briefly merging with the Appalachian Trail (AT) before splitting off into New Hampshire to the northeast.

Hiking provides a rewarding and adventurous experience and excellent grounds for fitness. It allows you to engage in cardiovascular activity, build strength, and enhance overall well-being while enjoying the tranquility of nature. Besides the Long Trail, hiking trails are scattered throughout the state, providing numerous opportunities to explore mountains and trail-ways across the region. So, whether you’re seeking a challenging long-distance hike or a leisurely stroll amidst nature, Vermont’s hiking trails offer something for everyone, encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle.

15. Disc Golf

A parallel yet less rigorous activity in sync with hiking is rapidly gaining popularity around Vermont and other forested areas, showcasing a traditional game with an unorthodox approach, “disc golf.” With a similar objective as conventional golf, to sink as many shots in the fewest amount of “tosses,” disc golf uses small frisbee-like discs thrown toward chain-lined baskets, or “holes” spread throughout the course. Most areas have a standard 18-hole layout, with some venues offering multiple course variations and alternate tee pads for appropriate skill levels. Combining hiking from basket to basket with game-like objectives calls for an excellent outing paired with a moderately sustained workout throughout a given round. Disc golf offers a low barrier of entry as most courses are free or have a donation box to support course maintenance costs; discs are available for purchase at reasonable price points, making the activity an accessible and approachable game for individuals of all ages.

Disc Golf Courses in Northern Vermont Include:

• Jay Peak DGC– Jay, VT
• Black Falls DGC– Montgomery, VT
• Cold Hollow DGC– Enosburg, VT
• Smugglers’ Notch DGC– Brewster Ridge and Fox Run Meadows– Jeffersonville, VT
• Center Chains DGC– Waterbury Center, VT
• Elevation Chains– Johnson, VT
• Hard’Ack DGC– St. Albans, VT

16. Swimming

With waterways throughout Vermont, swimming is an excellent activity to keep the body moving and refreshed. The numerous lakes, rivers, and streams open up a world to explore by water. Many rivers and brooks where mountain run-off collects carve out deep swimming holes in the form of private pools to indulge in. Pull out a terrain map, follow waterways, and go out and explore; you’ll be sure to encounter a secluded swimming spot to lounge and swim in. Some of the state’s most treasured areas can only be accessed by foot, combining hiking with the endless benefits of swimming to propel you toward your daily fitness and adventure goals.

Mountain Life Fitness- Final Thoughts:

With countless avenues for mountain life fitness throughout the four seasons, finding an approach to maintain a healthy lifestyle has never been so attainable. Mountainous regions like Vermont cater to physical fitness and lifestyle demands through fun and exciting exercise channels across various platforms outlined above. I hope you found this segment helpful and continue supporting the mission to advance our adventure and lifestyle goals as we uncover the many defining characteristics of the mountain lifestyle!