As winter softens and the first hints of spring appear in the Green Mountains, something special happens around Manchester, Vermont. Snow still blankets the slopes, the days grow longer and sunnier, and sugar maples begin their annual transformation into Vermont’s famous “liquid gold.”
March is one of the most magical—and underrated—times to visit southern Vermont. It’s the perfect blend of spring skiing, maple sugaring, cozy village charm, and mountain adventure.
The Sweetest Season in Vermont
March marks the beginning of maple sugaring season, when freezing nights and warmer daytime temperatures cause sap to flow from sugar maple trees. Across Vermont, local sugarhouses tap their trees and begin the centuries-old process of boiling sap into maple syrup. Learn more about March Maple Madness.
In and around Manchester, visitors can experience this once-a-year craft firsthand. Sugarhouses open their doors for tastings, tours, and demonstrations, offering a rare look into the craft behind Vermont’s most iconic product. You’ll find steaming evaporators, the sweet scent of maple in the air, and plenty of chances to sample fresh syrup. Some farms even serve traditional treats like “sugar on snow,” where hot syrup is poured onto packed snow to create a chewy maple candy. It’s an authentic New England tradition—and one of the most delicious reasons to visit in early spring.
Spring Skiing Under Sunny Skies
Just minutes from Manchester, two of southern Vermont’s most beloved ski destinations—Bromley Mountain and Stratton Mountain Resort—keep winter alive well into March and April.
Spring skiing offers a completely different vibe from mid-winter:
Warmer temperatures
Longer daylight hours
Soft afternoon snow
Bluebird skies
At Bromley, often called the “Sun Mountain,” the slopes face south, meaning they soak up sunshine and deliver some of the most enjoyable spring skiing conditions in New England. Meanwhile, Stratton Mountain offers expansive terrain and a lively mountain village, with nearly 100 trails and plenty of events, après-ski spots, and outdoor fun throughout the spring season. Local ski seasons often extend into April, making March a fantastic time to squeeze in a few more days on the slopes.
The Perfect Blend of Winter and Spring
What makes this time of year truly unique is the mix of seasons happening at once. In a single day, you can ski fresh morning snow, tour a maple sugarhouse in the afternoon, stroll through Manchester Village’s shops and galleries, and end the evening with a fireside dinner at a cozy local restaurant.
The longer days mean more time outdoors, whether you’re snowshoeing forest trails, exploring the Battenkill Valley, or simply enjoying the crisp mountain air.
A Charming Village
Manchester is also one of Vermont’s most picturesque towns. Nestled between the Green Mountains and the Taconic Range, it offers a welcoming mix of historic inns, boutiques, art galleries, and local dining. And unlike peak winter holidays or fall foliage weekends, March often feels refreshingly uncrowded, making it easier to enjoy the region at a relaxed pace.
A Season Worth Discovering
For travelers looking to experience Vermont beyond the usual seasons, early spring offers something truly special. It’s the time of year when winter adventure meets Vermont tradition—when ski boots and maple syrup tastings go hand in hand. And in Manchester, that combination creates one of the most memorable getaways of the year.
Nestled in the heart of Manchester Village, the Kimpton Taconic Hotel is a boutique retreat that feels like a cozy yet polished Vermont country estate. With its shingle-style architecture, welcoming front porch, and thoughtfully designed interiors, the Taconic is the kind of place where dogs are greeted with treats, and guests are handed a glass of wine by the fire. As part of the IHG One Rewards program, travelers can earn or redeem points while enjoying amenities like the seasonal outdoor heated pool, cottage-style accommodations, and farm-to-table fare at The Copper Grouse. Guests are also perfectly positioned to explore leaf-peeping trails, fly fishing streams, and the quaint shops lining Main Street.
Head to Stratton Resort for the upcoming 14th Annual 24 Hours of Stratton, a one-of-a-kind opportunity to ride Stratton at night under lighted trails into sunrise. Join in camaraderie with hundreds of winter enthusiasts from across New England for a magical weekend of fun-filled activities, fireworks, food, and charity. The event bib is your two-day and night access to riding lifts for an exhilarating amount of time. It’s Snow much of a good thing for all ages and abilities. The #Shred4Nate alpine slalom race for mental health and suicide prevention is also on Saturday. Do one or do both events!
After a day of exploring, there’s nothing better than gathering for a warm, memorable meal at The Restaurant at Hill Farm. Dinner is served in the beautiful, lofted barn with a wood-fired oven and sweeping views of the Taconic Mountain Range. Seasonal farm-to-table menus are sourced from their own market garden, as well as from the neighboring food community. The full bar features seasonal cocktails, Vermont beers on tap, and a wine program that is committed to sustainable vineyards. The Restaurant offers table seating for small and large groups, as well as seating at the bar and Chef’s Counter. Outdoor seating is also available, in season, on their wrap-around deck.
Looking to make the move to Manchester? Rest easy knowing there are many local services that help make living in Manchester a breeze. When a company is rooted in the same community where you live, work, and raise a family, the relationship becomes more personal.
The Richards Group has long been known throughout Vermont for helping individuals and businesses navigate insurance, employee benefits, and financial protection with a local perspective. Working with advisors who understand the region, the risks, and the local economy brings a level of confidence that’s hard to replicate with out-of-state providers.
Similarly, the Bank of Bennington represents the kind of community banking that many people worry is disappearing. Instead of automated systems and call centers hundreds of miles away, you get real people who know the area and understand the needs of local residents and businesses.
Early spring here brings fresh mountain air and a renewed sense of energy throughout the community. From scenic walks and local shops reopening their doors for the warmth and sunshine, to the simple beauty of snow melting off the Green Mountains, it’s a time when the town feels both relaxed and full of possibility. For visitors and future residents alike, early spring offers a perfect glimpse of what makes Manchester such an incredible place to experience—and an even better place to call home.
