Burke Mountain Resort in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom offers a classic skiing and snowboarding experience with 36 trails and 14 glades across 178 acres, featuring a 2,011-foot vertical drop. Known for its uncrowded slopes, it caters to all skill levels: 25% novice, 45% intermediate, and 30% expert, with three terrain parks for freestylers. The resort averages 217 inches of annual snowfall, enhanced by 70% snowmaking coverage. Its friendly vibe, breathtaking views of Willoughby Gap, and proximity to Burke Mountain Academy—home to Olympic skiers like Mikaela Shiffrin—add to its charm. Ideal for families and those seeking a low-key, authentic Vermont adventure, it’s rarely crowded, even during peak seasons.

Burke Mountain Resort in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom is a premier mountain biking destination, featuring the Burke Bike Park, opened in 2010, with gravity-fed downhill trails accessed by the Sherburne Express High-Speed Quad and a summit shuttle. The park offers three technical downhill trails from the summit, including Upper J-Bar and Free Ride (expert-only), plus flowing singletrack and slopestyle trails on the lower mountain, like Jester and Roly Grail, catering to intermediate and advanced riders. The resort also connects to the Kingdom Trails network, with over 100 miles of cross-country singletrack for all skill levels. A Norco Bicycle Demo Center, bike rentals, and secure storage at Burke Mountain Hotel enhance the experience. Open June to October, Thursday through Sunday, the park is ideal for thrill-seekers and cross-country enthusiasts alike.

Kingdom Trails, located near Burke Mountain in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom, is a world-renowned mountain biking network spanning over 100 miles of non-motorized, multi-use singletrack trails across private and public lands. Centered in East Burke, it offers diverse terrain for all skill levels, from flowy beginner trails like Sidewinder to technical descents for experts. Maintained by the Kingdom Trail Association, the network emphasizes sustainability and community, with trails winding through scenic forests, fields, and along rivers. Open May to October (weather permitting), it also supports hiking, trail running, and winter fat biking. A day pass or membership is required, with access to amenities like parking, bike rentals, and a welcome center in East Burke village. Burke Mountain’s Bike Park complements the network with lift-accessed downhill trails.

Hiking at Burke Mountain Resort in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom offers scenic trails for all levels, set against the stunning backdrop of the Green Mountains. The resort features trails like the Toll Road, a 4.1-mile gradual ascent to the summit with panoramic views of Willoughby Gap, and shorter, steeper routes like the Red Trail for a more challenging trek. Trails wind through lush forests and open meadows, with access to the broader Kingdom Trails network for additional hiking options. Open year-round, with peak season from May to October, the trails are well-maintained and dog-friendly (leashed). The summit, reachable by foot or shuttle, provides breathtaking vistas, making it ideal for families, casual hikers, and those seeking a rewarding outdoor experience.

Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps from 1933 to 1935, the historic toll road to the summit offers amazing views and access to hiking trails, paragliding launch sites and downhill mountain-biking trails. Stop mid-way at the pavilion for the perfect picnic site with the Willoughby Gap as your backdrop and be sure to climb the historic fire tower at the top for stunning 360° views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The toll road is subject to closures due to private events.

Burke Mountain Resort in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom is surrounded by picturesque lakes. Lake Willoughby, 10 miles away, is a glacial lake with crystal-clear waters, dramatic cliffs, and beaches, ideal for swimming, kayaking, and fishing. Crystal Lake, 15 miles from the resort, offers a serene setting with a sandy beach and trails in Crystal Lake State Park, perfect for boating and picnicking. Seymour Lake, about 20 miles away, is known for its tranquil waters, great for paddling and fishing. These lakes provide scenic beauty and recreational opportunities, complementing the resort’s outdoor offerings.

Snowmobiling near Burke Mountain Resort in Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom is a thrilling winter adventure, with direct access to the Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST) network, offering over 5,000 miles of groomed trails. Maintained by local clubs like the Drift Skippers Snowmobile Club, trails wind through scenic forests, farmlands, and mountain terrain, including highlights like the Pipeline and Power Line trails. Burke serves as a hub for riders, with lodging options providing trail access and proximity to gas and food. Popular routes connect to nearby Island Pond, Canaan, or Jay, with stunning views of Burke Mountain and the Victory Basin Wildlife Management Area. A Trail Maintenance Assessment (TMA) pass, valid registration, and insurance are required. Rentals and guided tours are available for all skill levels.

The Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium, located in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, about 10 miles from Burke Mountain Resort, is a historic natural history museum founded in 1891 by Franklin Fairbanks. Housed in a striking Richardsonian-Romanesque building, it features an eclectic "cabinet of curiosities" with over 175,000 items, including taxidermy, fossils, shells, and John Hampson’s unique beetle-and-moth mosaics. The museum also hosts Vermont’s only public planetarium (Lyman Spitzer Jr. Planetarium, opened 1961), offering cosmic tours, and the Eye on the Sky Weather Center, broadcasting regional forecasts. Open daily 10 AM–5 PM, it’s family-friendly with free admission for residents of nearby towns, including Burke.

Catamount Arts, located in St. Johnsbury, Vermont, about 10 miles from Burke Mountain Resort, is the Northeast Kingdom’s premier arts center, founded in 1975. It serves over 40,000 visitors annually with a vibrant mix of independent and foreign films, live music, theater, and dance performances, plus art exhibitions featuring local and regional artists. Housed in a renovated Masonic Lodge, the center includes two movie theaters, an 80-seat performance space, and classrooms for arts education, offering workshops, summer camps, and classes like filmmaking and dance for all ages. Catamount also produces events like the KCP Presents Performing Arts Series and First Night North, a family-friendly New Year’s Eve festival. It’s a cultural hub fostering community engagement and creativity.