A Taste of Vermont

Experience winter in its original state! That's easy to do in Vermont since the winter months offer unending adventures. Check out a few of our top picks to enhance your winter fun.

85th Annual Harris Hill Ski Jumping Competition
A celebrated Brattleboro tradition that dates back to 1922. February 16-17 from 12-4 p.m. The two-day tournament brings world-class jumpers from the U.S., Europe, and Canada. It is one of the region's most popular winter sporting events, attracting several thousand spectators each year. Harris Hill is a favorite among ski jumpers everywhere because of the hospitality, festive atmosphere, and continued reputation for attracting an enthusiastic crowd of spectators. For more information call 877-254-4565 or go to www.harrishillskijump.org .

Stowe Winter Carnival
The 34th Stowe Winter Carnival celebrates the 2008 theme "Stowe Away the Blues." From January 18-January 26, Stowe shines with ten major activities for both young and old, from zany sports events, ice carving competitions, movies, Kids Carnival Kaos, and the infamous Village Night Block Party. Tour the town while watching professional ice carvers create elegant and masterful ice carvings throughout the village on Demonstration Day, and see the competition evolve at the 8th Annual NICA-sanctioned Ice Carving Competition. More information can be found at www.StoweWinterCarnival.com .

U.S. Open Snowboarding Championships
Over six days of competition athletes from five continents perform in front of over 25,000 spectators at Stratton Mountain. March 11-16, 2008, admission is free (or cost of a lift ticket if you plan to ski/ride). The tent village at the base of Stratton's Sun Bowl provides a center for entertainment with games and snowboard demos for all ages, while Stratton Village comes alive at night with live performances by national rock acts such as Pennywise and the Misfits. Vendors from around the world distribute giveaways and prizes to spectators, and visitors are likely to run into Olympic athletes sitting next to them at lunch. Check out www.stratton.com or visit www.usopensnowboarding.com .

Guided Snowshoe Tours
Take a guided tour on snowshoes through the farmland and discover the magical world of winter in Vermont. Experience the sights, sounds and learn to identify a variety of wildlife tracks along the snow-covered landscape during these exceptional tours. Stop at a log cabin deep in the forest for hot chocolate and refreshments from the woodstove. Tuesday and Saturday 11:00 a.m. and 1:00 p.m.; Saturday 3:00 p.m., or upon request. Weather permitting. Reservations required. Adams Farm, Wilmington, VT. 802-464-3762, www.adamsfamilyfarm.com.

Romantic Sleigh Rides
Take a ride in a horse-drawn sleigh through the countryside; then stop at a cozy log cabin in the woods for hot cocoa and music from the antique player piano. Romantic sleigh rides for two also available. Contact Adams Family Farm for more information. 802-464-3762, www.adamsfamilyfarm.com.