Photography by John Couture
*Traveling during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic increases your risk and the risk of those around you. Please be mindful and observe local restrictions, stock up on supplies and fuel close to home, wash your hands, WEAR A MASK, and practice social distancing with locals. Your safest bet: bookmark this article for post vaccine 2021.
For as far back as most East Coasters can remember, Northern Vermont has held the coveted—and in all honesty, controversial, but still standing—title of New England’s ski capital. Each winter, you can count on a generous dumping of snow—and yes, ice—to fall on the groomers and glades of the Green Mountains’ famous ski resorts. From Stowe’s legit terrain and Jay Peak's vertical to the top-shelf craft beer and food scene in downtown Burlington, and the pristine mountain biking trails throughout the region, no one ever called Northern Vermont boring. And we’re not about to start now.
It’s a reasonable distance from both New York City and Boston and full of both genuine adventure opportunities and plenty of cozy cabins to get some much needed R & R in, too. If you’re road tripping, keep an eye out through Southern Vermont before heading straight north. When you find yourself among the sugar maple, beech, and birch, damn near to Canada, you'll have made it. When that time comes, book your stay at one of these 11 unique cabin rentals and stay awhile, in Northern Vermont.
Stowe, VT — Canopy House
Vibe: Lofty and Bright
Accommodations in Stowe don’t get much dreamier than this light-filled cabin. The Canopy House has white-washed wood-paneled ceilings and walls with copious windows that keep this A-Frame from being too dark. The gnarled wood and glass coffee table is a standout piece in this stunning getaway in the heart of town.
Rate: $451/night
Stowe, VT — Sterling Treehouse
Vibe: Mixed Mod
A patchwork of raw steel, maple, bronze, concrete, and glass of the like only Seattle-based architecture firm Olson Kundig—a long time Field Mag favorite—could deliver, this stoic cabin is tucked away on a wooded property in Stowe. While the exterior has plenty of character, the inside showcases the picture-perfect views of the surrounding area through floor-to-ceiling windows. Modern furnishings keep things neat and sleek, but make sure you go out and get after it on nearby Catamount Trail, VAST Trail, Sterling Forest, and at Stowe Ski Resort, of course.
Rate: $558/night
Moretown, VT — Waldhaus
Vibe: A Sweet Escape
If the idea of arriving at a cabin with homemade coffee cake ready and waiting doesn’t tempt you to book a night at Waldhaus, then maybe a quick drive to some classic Vermont ski resorts will. Take shelter in this peaceful and inviting space that has mountain views and access to hiking, biking, and snowshoeing trails right outside the front door. When snow is falling, spend a day at nearby Sugarbush or Mad River Glen for some of the best natural skiing in the East.
Rate: $182/night
Stowe, VT — Country Cottage
Vibe: Stowe Snowflake
Located in the heart of Stowe with an unspoiled view of Mt. Mansfield, this snowy-white cottage puts you close to just about everything in town. Cook up a mouth-watering meal with local fare in the full kitchen and swap stories around the painted brick fireplace after a day on the mountain. Big wooden beams pull in the rustic aesthetic that is quintessentially ski town Vermont.
Rate: $457/night
Huntington, VT — Happy Hollow Barn
Vibe: Maple Villa
Embrace your inner Vermonter in this lofty post-and-beam cabin. Warm, rustic, and undeniably cozy, the Happy Hollow Barn is full of reclaimed wood, plush couches, and farmhouse style decor that’s cool but not kitschy. They place a strong emphasis on environmental practices and be sure to check out the sugar house when the time is right.
Rate: $300/night
Stowe, VT — Hygge House
Vibe: Cozy Condo
What this condo lacks in its cabin-ness, it makes up for in its location. The Hygge House is decidedly cozy, thanks to tasteful decor and furnishings that blend warm textures with crisp, modern touches. As beautiful as this breezy space is, you won’t want to miss everything in downtown Stowe that’s right outside your door.
Rate: $361/night
Granville, VT — Breadloaf Mountain Cottage
Vibe: Into the Woods
Sandwiched between Killington and Stowe, this mountaintop retreat is surrounded by thousands of acres of natural beauty. Explore the White River and the Green Mountains or drive down the famed Route 100 for a New England sojourn. A woodstove and radiant floor heating will keep you cozy when you’re not lounging in the easy and down-to-earth furnishings after a long day out of doors.
Rate: $174/night
Wolcott, VT — Lakefront Cabin
Vibe: Board-and-Batten Boathouse
This wooden boathouse was transformed into a secluded lakefront cabin complete with a spacious deck and canoe that’s available (and encouraged) for guest use. Located in the wilds of the Northeast Kingdom, this refuge was made of new and upcycled materials, so it feels cozy and clean. It’s important to note this cabin is Wi-Fi-free, so prepare to be unplugged.
Rate: $350/night
Stowe, VT — The Acorn House
Vibe: A Rustic Respite
Location, location, location. It may not be a cabin, but you can’t beat this apartment’s central locale in the actual heart of downtown Stowe. The (very) open-concept space has been renovated into a bright and sunny crash pad that has just enough room for a small group of powder hungry friends who prefer a shuttle ride to the mountain rather than parking at Stowe
Rate: $204/night
West Bolton, VT — Off-Grid Cabin
Vibe: No Frills
Adventure lovers, this rugged log cabin is your base camp. This milled-log home is bare-bones in the best way: a solar-powered shower and a woodstove will help you sharpen your fire-building skills, there isn’t any power so get ready to fully embrace life off-grid. It’s no matter, however, the cabin is just minutes away from the Long Trail, mountain biking, rock climbing, swimming and more.
Rate: $145/night
Westfield, VT — Mountain View Chalet
Vibe: Northern Seclusion
If your destination is the snowy paradise of Vermont’s Northernmost ski resort, Jay Peak, this is your spot. Its soothing and tranquil interior has a soft contrast of white wood-clad ceilings and dark rustic beams that’s sparsely decorated but still warm and inviting. The real highlight is the direct view of Jay Peak, the horses on the property, and 13 acres of peace and quiet way up north.
Rate: $164/night
Published 10-30-2020
