A State of Peace

As the hues of the Green Mountains change from season to season, Vermont entices any time of the year

- By Michael Alpiner

One trek through Vermont is enough to make it obvious why it is named the Green Mountain State. Summer landscapes are verdant with shades of green, from the light green of a leaf in sunlight whose edges are nibbled by a hungry caterpillar to a deep green of the woods when the sun begins to fade and night creatures emerge.

In the fall, verdant turns vibrant as a flamboyant crazy quilt of yellows, golds and reds covers the hills, creating those iconic picture-postcard settings of quiet country lanes in a New England autumn. Whatever the season, Vermont proudly wears its bucolic cloak of nature.

However, as the hues of autumn give way to the frosty whites of winter, a different set of postcard images are revealed, this time peaceful scenes of covered bridges spanning icy streams and sparkling slopes framed by snow-laden trees. For business travelers in search of an idyllic winter getaway from the city chill, the towns of Killington, Brattleboro and St. Albans City are only a few from a long list of rustic destinations.

Killington is known as one of the largest ski areas on the East Coast. When the green turns to white, and the mountain grows its whiskers to the delight of winter sport enthusiasts, Killington has become one of the hottest – or coldest – destinations in all of Vermont.

From professional ski tournaments to themed weddings, the slopes of Killington are alive from early November to late in May. In addition, if all play and no work is a concern, Killington proudly hosts groups, meetings and conferences in the 40,000 square feet of dividable space at Grand Hotel and Snowshed Lodge.