Cold weather brings ample opportunities to experience Burlington by foot, skate or bike and this post will help you feel prepared with local resources. Burlington is a unique location in our region, nestled between the winding Winooski River and the shores of Lake Champlain, Vermont's largest city is sewn into the beautiful natural landscapes of Vermont.
Burlington is fortunate to have an array of wild spaces creating a network of opportunities in which the community can recreate, recharge, and appreciate. Traveling on the Burlington Greenway, exploring the sea caves, or gliding over groomed cross-country ski trails are just some of the ways that people find to enjoy the winter in Burlington.
Conditions & where to go
For those who use this 8-mile path year-round, Burlington's Parks Recreation & Waterfront Dept (BPRW) created this tracker to keep you up to date on the current status of the Burlington Greenway multi-use path throughout the winter season. Staff will plow 24-72 hours following a storm, and refrain from using salt due to the close proximity to the lake. Remember that conditions can be slippery, and users should follow guidance about which plowed or unplowed lane to follow based on their travel method of choice, whether that be foot, ski, snowshoe, or bike.
Looking for other places to explore around Burlington? Put on your winter gear, micro-spikes, and check our interactive map of the wild places of Burlington. While you're at it, BPRW compiled a variety of activity information and ways you can be a good steward of natural spaces into their guide to winter outdoor recreation in parks.
Want to connect in community, or try something new?
The Intervale Center hosts their annual Wintervale every winter around February and invites you to get out and enjoy winter activities during this day of snowy possibility!
Community partners offer free rentals for equipment like cross-country skis and snowshoes, guided walks on topics like winter animal tracking, winter tree identification, and unique opportunities like meet and greets with raptors.
If you're new to Vermont, have always wanted the chance to get on a pair of skis, or just want to eat some delicious s'mores while chatting around the campfire, check out what Wintervale is offering this year.
For those living in the Old East End, and especially those who are close to Schmanska Park, be sure to also check out the Winterlude Festival which is sponsored in conjunction with AARP VT, Burlington Parks Recreation and Waterfront, UVM Office of Student and Community Relations, UVM Student Life and the Old East End Neighborhood Coalition.
Cross-country skiing
While the ski mountain may not be within walking distance of your home, there are great opportunities for cross-country skiing right in town. Winter trails are available at Rock Point and the Intervale Center and be sure to follow along for updates about grooming.
You can view information and find a trail map for Rock Point on their trails page by scrolling down to their winter trails section. The Intervale Center offers a network of winter trails as indicated by the map on their trails page. Please be aware that winter trails at the Intervale Center are only available for winter activities and become closed after the season due to active farming, electric fencing, and other uses. While the trails at the Ethan Allen Homestead aren't groomed, this wild place is frequented by skiers who explore the fields and forests of the floodplain or venture toward the Intervale Center.
If you're looking for a scenic route along the Lake, the Burlington Greenway offers an unplowed lane for ski travel. You can check the BPRW Greenway Status Tracker for updates on conditions and whether each section has enough snowpack for skiing.
Ice Skating
With the combined efforts of the community and the BPRW team, prolonged freezing temperatures in Burlington allow for a network of skating rinks to open for the public. You can view the outdoor ice skating map for ice rink statuses and helpful information before you head out the door. If you're looking to borrow gear, check out the Calahan Park Community Rink or the Lakeside Skating Rink for loaner skates.
If you're looking for wild ice, there's no comparison to skating at Arthur Park. The long pond is maintained throughout the season for skaters and updates are frequently posted on conditions from the BPRW Conservation Team. You can read more about Arthur Park and the Sea Caves and learn more about the history of this spectacular wild place.
Remember that travel on ice is highly temperature and conditions dependent and can change dramatically from one day to the next. Be sure to follow @btvparks on Instagram for updates throughout the skating season, and always follow safety guidance when skating on wild ice.
Take the Burlington Wildways Trail
More resources
Old Spokes Home and Local Motion provide resources on winter commuting including workshops on how to "winterize" your bike, and other tips for people looking to bike, walk, or roll.
weather, safety, proper gear
BPRW gear trailer
