17 Enchanting Winter Cabins in Vermont for Skiers + Cozy Tips 2024

In the winter, Vermont transforms into a snow-kissed paradise, charmingly inviting you to experience its enchanting cabins and huts. Over the last ten years, I’ve been discovering the best spots for my skiing family to enjoy across this winter wonderland, and I’m thrilled to share these hidden gems with you.

If I had to pick, since I love snow, I think one of the absolute best ways to explore the magical outdoors of the Green Mountain State with friends is by staying at primitive huts and winter cabins in Vermont in the woods together, creating memories.

Lucky for us, Vermont has a growing system of huts as well as an increasing number of cabin rentals which easily allow us to be fully immersed in the outdoors in between eating and sleeping for ultimate adventuring.

A little tip from me who has been there and done that: pack those ski snacks especially for kids if they are joining in on the fun! Fueling up is essential for the trek to some of these cabins, ensuring your energy is as high as your spirits.

And for those traveling and camping with furry companions, I’ve got you covered with detailed pet policies for each cabin.

With that, let’s delve into this snowy adventure and help you plan for an unforgettable stay!

Vermont Winter Cabins with Backcountry Ski-In Access

Vermont offers some incredibly cool options for ski-in accommodations and even outdoor fall adventures. The primitive cabins listed in this section require you to snowshoe, ski, or hike to your lodging.

Before you plan to head to a remote hut, you should probably be comfortable in the backcountry where you can embrace the winter weather and be prepared to face the elements, so I’d keep that in mind. Or, travel with an experienced backcountry skier!

PRO TIP: When arriving at a hut you’ll want to know how to operate a propane stove or build a fire in a wood stove to keep yourself warm. Read details for each unique hut or cabin when making reservations to make sure you or someone in your party is confident regarding these details and requirements.

1. Crow’s Nest Yurt

• Location: Huntington, Vermont
• Distance from Parking: From the parking area to the yurt, there is a net gain of approximately 400′ elevation and a total distance of 1.15 miles. This is not a trail for the novice skier.
• Sleeps: Mattresses for up to six guests (two double beds bunked, one double futon)
• Pets: Well-behaved dogs are allowed

Of all the places on this list, our family returns to Crow’s Nest yurt over and over again. One big reason is that we can bring our dog with us but we also really love the location and interior space!

Water from the nearby brook can be boiled for consumption but it’s nice to have pre-bottled room-temperature water for each person for the duration of the stay.

The yurt was moved in 2023 to its new location on the same property to accommodate the new beautiful sauna which is positioned thoughtfully next to a spring for those who enjoy cold plunges! The sauna is now my favorite part of staying here.

2. Chittenden Brook Hut

• Location: Rochester, Vermont
• Distance from Parking: 2.2 miles, ski-in or snowshoe
• Sleeps: 10, bring your own sleeping bags for the padded bunks
• Pets: No

Are you craving some backcountry solitude this winter? Then this is the place for you! You can explore the expansive wilderness area on your backcountry skis or snowshoes.

The Chittenden Brook Hut was designed and built by students at the Yestermorrow Design/Build School in Waitsfield, using primarily sustainable, locally sourced materials. The hut is heated with a propane stove and is super cozy and modern inside.

It is 1.8 miles off of The Long Trail. In the winter, the hut is a 2.5-mile ski or snowshoe from the Bear Brook Ridge ski trails, which are part of RASTA’s network.

3. Bryant Cabin

• Location: Bolton, Vermont
• Distance from Parking: Access via a one-mile hike or ski via the Bryant Trail (part of the Catamount Trail). Park at Bolton Valley Nordic Center lot
• Sleeps: Unfurnished sleeping loft for up to eight guests
• Pets: No

Bryant Camp was originally built in the 1930s and was recently restored for backcountry and overnight use.

It is one of the most beautiful primitive and rustic Vermont winter cabins I have stayed at. It is heated with a wood stove and seasoned firewood is provided. Please restock the firewood from the woodpile for the next guests.

This cabin is not insulated and will never get as warm as your home, especially in the evening hours while you sleep. On a very cold night expect to get up a couple of times to stoke the fire to stay comfortable if you do not have a sub-zero sleeping bag. I was grateful my husband took on this task!

Bryant Cabin is surrounded by dozens of miles of cross-country skiing, backcountry skiing, lift-accessed skiing, and snowshoeing terrain.

You’ll need a pass from the Bolton Valley Nordic Center to access the skiing. Check this out: from this cabin, it’s possible to ski the Catamount Trail all the way to Stowe and the Trapp Family Lodge!

4. Shrek’s Mountaintop Stone Hut

• Location: Pittsfield, Vermont
• Distance from Parking: 1/2 mile
• Sleeps: Bunk for 2, with potential room for 4
• Pets: No

We’ve stayed here a couple of times and it is just so very charming and special. You will see beautiful sunrises and incredible wide views of the Green Mountains from this amazing location! Shrek’s Hut is part of the ROC (Ridgeline Outdoor Collective) trail system. The cabin is well-stocked with everything you need to make your meals and coffee.

Shrek’s Mountaintop Stone Hut is very weather-tight with no drafts so the interior heats up well with a potbelly stove. However, on a cold winter’s night expect to stoke the fire every few hours as you would in other cabins. It did get VERY warm inside, so much that I was sleeping on top of my bag through the night!

It was also so beautiful here that my husband, Matt, chose to sleep outside to take it all in, as he does often (I married an Alaskan!), and our son joined him the next night.

Shrek’s is quite cozy and has water, solar lights, and firewood for guests. Pack lightly, and choose foods wisely based on weight because this is an uphill trek to the hut.

My favorite amenities at Shrek’s are the numerous cool methods available for campfire meals! There are several camp stove options that we enjoyed experimenting with but hands down, my favorite was the epic outdoor fireplace where I cooked my Dutch Oven Bread Pudding for breakfast one November morning (without snow)! Have you EVER seen such a fireplace?

🛖 Book your reservation to Shrek’s through Hipcamp. Hipcamp offers a $10 off code for first-time renters with this link.

5. Dark Star Cabin

• Location: Huntington, Vermont
• Distance from Parking: From the new parking area to the yurt, there is a net gain of approximately 450′ elevation and a total distance of 1.34 miles.
• Sleeps: 6
• Pets: No

The Dark Star Cabin is brand new as of the 2021-2022 winter season. It sits just up the hill from the Crow’s Nest yurt. It goes without saying, that Dark Star Cabin is also located within the Camel’s Hump Nordic Ski Area trails.

I was so impressed when I entered this space for the first time! It feels like a posh mountaintop hut with a lovely hygge vibe. Everything is thoughtfully designed and laid out for a cozy stay.

The Dark Star is an off-grid solar-powered cabin that has a fully equipped kitchen and is fully furnished. A well-maintained outhouse with a composting toilet is about 100 feet from the cabin.

What’s really special is this incredible cabin is that it has running water available in the full kitchen and for the outdoor shower. In addition, there is a large expansive deck with furniture to enjoy the fresh air and view.

6. Mt. Mansfield Stone Hut

• Location: At the top of Stowe Mountain Resort’s Four Runner quad, last chair at 4pm. Early and late in the season (November and mid-April), when the resort is closed for ski operations, the only means to the Hut may be by hiking, snowshoeing, or skinning up the trails.
• Sleeps: Up to 12 People with wood platforms
• Pets: No

OK, so yes, you do get to take the ski lift to the top for access! The Stone Hut is pretty well known by locals and because the cabin sleeps 12 it is fantastic for a weekend with a group of friends. It is a rustic overnight lodging facility that is only heated by a wood stove. Guests should be prepared for winter camping as there are no electricity, lighting, or cooking facilities in the Hut.

Likewise, you must furnish all of your own gear for cooking, sleeping, and lighting. Be prepared for winter camping. Spend the days crushing the powder at Stowe Mountain Resort and head back to the hut after the last chair to warm yourself by the fire. Enjoy your own private apres ski on top of the mountain!

7. Bolton Lodge

• Location: Bolton, Vermont
• Distance from Parking: 1.5-mile hike or ski from Bolton’s Nordic and Sports Center
• Sleeps: Unfurnished bunk beds for up to 8 guests
• Pets: Pets are not allowed during the ski season

The historic Bolton Lodge offers you rustic accommodations in the backwoods of Bolton Valley, Vermont. You are right smack within easy access to Bolton Valley Ski Resort, so it’s mighty special.

The handsome lodge was built by the Burlington Section of the Green Mountain Club in 1928. Its purpose was to house hikers exploring Vermont’s Long Trail. Bolton Lodge is one of the classic winter cabins in Vermont and was restored by the Green Mountain Club in 2017.

Today the Green Mountain Club continues to maintain this lodge that is purportedly and proudly porcupine-proof! It is one of the oldest and most unique shelters on the Long Trail System and is worth checking out. It has the feel of a log cabin but is built with stone.

When booking a stay at the Bolton Lodge in the winter, consider inviting more friends or another family since it sleeps eight people.

8. Nulhegan Confluence Hut

• Location: Bloomfield, Vermont
• Distance from Parking: A 300-yard walk, snowshoe, or ski to the hut from VT Route 105. 
• Sleeps: 6
• Pets: Yes

This is a charming timber-framed cabin located in the Northeast Kingdom section of Vermont. Nulhegan is yet another hut built by students from the Yestermorrow Design-Build School in Waitsfield!

The cabin is located at the confluence of the Nulhegan River and its East Branch.  It is situated along the Northern Forest Canoe Trail and is an easy five-minute walk or ski in.

This makes it perfect for families with young children as an introduction to the ski-in cabin experience due to its easy access. Definitely check this one out!

Cozy Vermont Winter Cabins with Easy Access and Parking

Not into skiing or snowshoeing into a cabin? No problem. Check out these amazing options!

9.  Stonecity: Lovely Treehouse in the Woods

• Location: Hardwick, Vermont
• Distance from Parking: The treehouse is about 200 feet from the driveway and house, yet it’s very private in the woods.
• Sleeps: 2 guests
• Pets: Allowed but not in the sleeping loft

This amazingly enchanted treehouse is something special. Wash away your stress with the view of the stream and fresh woodland air that surrounds you. It’s a cozy little place where sitting by the fire while looking out at the snow completely melts your worries away.

Nearby cafes and restaurants are easy to get to. If you are craving winter play you can access downhill Skiing at Stowe, Smuggler’s Notch, Jay Peak, or Burke Mountain. They are all about an hour away. Cross Country Skiing is available at Highland Lodge and Craftsbury Outdoor Center.

10. Off-Grid Romantic Cabin near Sugarbush Ski Resort

• Location: Roxbury, Vermont
• Sleeps: 2 guests
• Pets: No

 A 4WD car is an absolute must when accessing this off-grid cozy cabin rental in the winter months. Located in a pristine natural setting, on 450 acres of woods, you will find you may not want to leave at all.

This central Vermont gem is ideal for a romantic getaway! It comes with all the necessary comforts of a modern lifestyle, a full kitchen, and a large deck. Backcountry skiing, sledding, or snowshoeing are accessible right outside the door but also, ski resorts are an easy 25-minute drive away.

11. Waterfront Guest Cabin with Access to Craftsbury Outdoor Center

• Location: Craftsbury, Vermont
• Sleeps: 2 guests
• Pets: No

This guest cabin is delightfully off the beaten path yet has access to the cross-country ski trails of the Craftsbury Outdoor Center. It is located on the lovely Great Hosmer Pond. The cabin is perfect for a quiet romantic weekend getaway!

There is a cozy fireplace and all the amenities you need to feel comfortable and relaxed. If you don’t ski, snowshoeing is the perfect alternative to enjoy during your stay.

12. BEARfoot Bungalow

• Location: Stowe, Vermont
• Sleeps: 2 guests
• Pets: Yes, Dogs only, $50/day fee per dog

Secluded yet also very close to town, this cute cabin is located on 3 acres of private land adjacent to 75+ acres of Stowe Land Trust. It’s pretty special to have this much privacy when only 1.5 miles from the village of Stowe.

This host has thought of everything and you will feel right at home in this absolutely charming and stylish accommodation. You can make use of the fire pit and hot tub and also drive right to Stowe Mountain Resort for a day on the slopes.

13. Sugarbush 1963 Ski in Ski Out Chalet

• Location: Mad River Valley, Vermont
• Sleeps: 8 guests
• Pets: No

This classic 1960s chalet is located right on a natural ski trail called Village Run and has Sugarbush Mountain in full view. It’s a special place to stay since it is one of the 15 original mountain homes at Sugarbush, nestled in the forest.

The chalet has a beautifully remodeled interior but still has a nostalgic old-school feel. It’s very private yet right smack in the middle of where skiers want to be!

14. Cozy Cabin Surrounded by 106 Acres

• Location: Huntington, Vermont
• Sleeps: 4 guests
• Pets: Yes

Tucked away in a woodsy location, this super clean, very cozy, cabin has everything you could need or want for a little getaway. Secluded but also in a great location to get to Burlington in 30 minutes or ski areas such as Sugarbush, Mad River Glen or Bolton Valley.

You’ll enjoy a really peaceful experience with all the necessary amenities you need for a relaxing stay! This is the perfect Vermont accommodation for a peaceful stay in the winter.

15. Cozy Rustic Cottage Close to Stowe

• Location: Elmore, Vermont
• Sleeps: 6 guests
• Pets: Yes, Dogs only, $35/night pet fee

The house and 42 acre property is all yours to explore! Set on bucolic backroads, looking out towards Stowe Mountain, the little Farmhouse is truly a Vermont country paradise. It is less than a 15-minute drive away from downtown Stowe. In addition, it’s only 25 min to Stowe Mountain and is right on the Catamount Trail for XC skiing or snowshoeing.

The wood stove in this cozy cottage rental will keep you warm on the coldest Vermont winter days. It’s a very peaceful location, quiet and the view really is just spectacular. The rustic cottage is filled with interesting decorations and has a country charm that really makes it feel magical.

16. Modern Adirondack Cabin Close to Stratton & Mount Snow

• Location: Wardsboro, Vermont
• Sleeps: 7 guests
• Pets: Yes, 1 dog per booking

This peaceful and welcoming Vermont winter cabin is quintessential coziness. It is located only 10 minutes from Mt. Snow and 20 minutes from Stratton Mountain Resort, with easy access to the VAST snowmobile trails. The location is far enough away from everything to disconnect but close enough to enjoy local food and entertainment. 

There is a gorgeous wood stove to sit beside at night after fun days on the slopes. There are big windows to sit at and watch the snow fall. Simple, warm, and quiet, you will find you’re much more relaxed here.

17. East Burke Camp – Outdoor Enthusiast Getaway

• Location: Burke, Vermont
• Sleeps: 5 guests
• Pets: No

Spend a long weekend at this warm and cozy camp skiing at Burke Mountain or snowshoeing at the Kingdom Trails. It’s located in a rural setting but is only minutes from East Burke and the activities there. Close to VAST trails for the winter; it’s just a short distance from VAST INTERSECTION marker 533.

There are magnificent views here! Be sure to come equipped with your winter tires. Roads in Vermont can be a challenge in winter weather and the drive to this cabin is no exception. Come enjoy this exceptionally clean and tastefully decorated place and unwind for a couple of nights!

Vermont Cabin with Snowmobile Access

OK, while I have not stayed here (and it isn’t exactly skiing access) it came across my radar so I contacted the owner for more info and to use her photos. How cool is this Cozy Cabin at Lavender Essentials of Vermont? I had to include it in my list for you!

• Location: Derby, Vermont
• Distance from Parking: “A field away” The cabin is ONLY accessible by snowmobile. No skiing or snowshoeing as it is on the VAST trail. Parking is available.
• Sleeps: 2 guests
• Pets: No

The Lavender Essentials Farm is located just 2 miles from the Canadian border! It is positioned just off the Vast trail 105A. This is snowmobile access only. The owners can assist you with parking and help transport your things to the cabin with their snowmobile and Jet Sled.

This 190 square foot cabin is off-grid and powered by a generator and solar. It has no running water. It is fully insulated and heated with propane. You can add on memorable experiences, such as a Chef’s Choice Dinner for two, for an extra special stay!

Consider a trip back to this unique cabin on a lavender farm in July, August, or September. The lavender reaches peak bloom around late July.

Cooking at Vermont Winter Cabins

I enjoy relaxing rather than fussing over food when I am on vacation! It is more enjoyable for me so bringing pre-cooked meals or simple prep foods for a cabin stay is helpful.

Also, sometimes it can be hard to get a complete list of what items a cabin has stocked for cooking. So, I prefer to simplify my expectations and then be pleasantly surprised if the kitchen is well-stocked.

I write out each meal my family will be eating at the cabin and I plan something easy yet satisfying for them. Below is an example of what I packed for our family of four for a weekend stay at the Crow’s Nest yurt.

Planning camping meals is easier with experience but it can become quite challenging when life is too busy. This is definitely the time to embrace backpacking oatmeal and other convenient items!

Making a soup, chili or stew a day before departure, cooling it down, and freezing it flat in a freezer bag works well. In the winter you know you can keep it cold or even frozen, outdoors until needed.

An easier meal planned for the first night of arrival is helpful so you can chill. Tasty Bites have always been our go-to mega easy meal when camping, as long as their weight isn’t an issue (i.e. we are on a short hike or ski in). Our kids LOVE them too! A side of fresh cucumber for everyone seals the deal for that meal.

Making sure fruits or vegetables are present for all meals is really important to me. While we don’t eat as many greens when camping without refrigeration, feeling good about healthy-ish meals is one of my goals.

A great idea is to get in the habit of dehydrating food beforehand to lighten your load and this ensures you can have delicious fruits and vegetables at all your meals!

One thing I don’t allow myself to do anymore when on vacation is spend too much time cooking over the stove or campfire.

Bring on the instant oatmeal for a short weekend stay so breakfast takes FIVE minutes? Yes, please. Add some fun toppings. A side of pre-cooked bacon and fruit completes the meal. Dealing with bacon grease while at a cabin in the woods is not something I desire to experience.

If you don’t have a long ski in or weight is not as much of an issue check out my other post that provides a car camping food list and meal ideas or this super delicious pancake recipe. You may find it useful in planning food for your adventure!

Sleeping in Rustic Cabins in Winter

The reality is that some cabins are simply much warmer in the winter than others due to age and type of build, insulation, or lack thereof. When planning your trip you absolutely must check to see what the sleeping arrangements are.

Specifically, are there bunk beds with padding or mattresses? Do you need a pillow or just your own pillowcase?

In addition, will you need to sleep on the floor with your own sleeping pad? If you need a sleeping pad, be very thoughtful about what you bring. Sleep is such an important piece of a relaxing time away.

Here are some things I recommend adding to your packing list if you plan on visiting a winter cabin in Vermont:

 ✔️ Sleeping Pad

As a woman, my personal favorite 3-season sleeping pad is made by Sea to Summit for the female shape. It specifically provides more width around the hips and knees for comfort. I prefer a lighter-weight pad so I can use it backpacking.

I stay very comfortable both winter camping in milder temperatures and in cooler cabins using the Sea to Summit pad. It can be used year-round if avoiding below-zero temps while camping. It’s an entire four inches thick and is perfect for a side sleeper like me.

Winter-specific sleeping pads are thicker, heavier, and much warmer when the temperature drops as you rest. Many people prefer to have a sleeping pad just for below-freezing temperatures.

Sea to Summit also makes a dreamy sleeping pad for winter camping adventures. It’s ideal for winter cabin sleeping, such as in Bryant Cabin in the sleeping loft, if you run on the cold side and like to be extra comfortable.

 ✔️ Sleeping Bag

You will be bringing your own sleeping bag to a ski-in hut. Choose a winter bag for your stay. A bag that is rated for 0-20 degrees is good for winter cabin sleeping. You can always unzip and sleep on top of the bag if the cabin is warmer than expected.

On the other hand, there is an ingenious sleeping bag option made by North Face that gives you flexibility and confidence when experiencing a range of temperatures.

The indoor temperature you experience all depends on how well you stoke the fire and also how cold it is outside. Some Vermont winter cabins are older and have more gaps and cracks where arctic temperatures can seep in throughout the night.

Ready to Plan Your Winter Cabin Rental in Vermont!

I hope you are motivated to come to stay in Vermont at a cabin this winter. All you need to do is read up on when and how to make reservations at these Vermont cabin rentals through the links provided in this post.

Accommodations such as these can fill up VERY quickly. Also, if you are traveling with someone who doesn’t ski, there are plenty of other winter activities in Vermont!

And hey, why not come up during Stick Season in Vermont too, these places are available when snow hasn’t dusted the ground yet as well.

Plan ahead for winter stays at the Vermont winter cabins that interest you and watch your calendar fill up with unique micro-adventures to feed your soul in the darker months.

It’s super uplifting to have simple things to look forward to throughout the year. So, enjoy your travels and perhaps I will see you on the trails!