Skiers have long known the joys of Vermont Winter in the "Islands & Farms" of the northwestern region, or Vermont's "West Coast," as locals know it.

This area is close to skiing at Jay Peak (just over an hour from St Albans) - particularly if you stay at the Phineas Swann Bed and Breakfast Inn at Montgomery Center.

Other mountains near this area include Smugglers' Notch Resort, Stowe Mountain Resort, and Bolton Valley, all of which are about an hour from St. Albans, VT and less than 1.5hrs from the Burlington International Airport. Each has its own flavor, charm, and degrees of difficulty. Most are family-oriented, and some carry the partying into the wee hours of the night.

Follow SnoCountry's current Vermont ski reports right here on Vermont.com, then click on a resort for more details. It's Vermont Winter.

Ski it.

Snowboarding, as we know it today, began when a young man named Jake Burton Carpenter started manufacturing fiberglass snowboards out of his garage in 1979. Of course, Jake is the namesake of the market-leading Burton Snowboards Company, with its headquarters in Burlington, located just south of the "Islands & Farms" region.

Today, participants who ski or snowboard co-exist together on most of our mountains, all observing a national Skiers and Snowboarders Responsibility Code. Snowboarding lessons are offered at many of Vermont's ski schools with professional snowboard instructors. For example, Jay Peak has "The Zone" - a learn to ski & ride lift, trail, and glade system.

Look for terrain parks at most resorts. These are fun places on the mountain slopes where riders - even relative beginners - can learn and practice tricks.

Snowboarding in Northern Vermont. Ride it.

Is snowmobiling your passion? The Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST) maintains a "vast" network of scenic snowmobile trails throughout the "Islands & Farms" region of Vermont. Eighty percent of the VAST trails are on private land, so staying on those trails is very important. Snowmobiling on these private lands is indeed a privilege to be respected.

It's easy to access VAST's trails. You will need a valid trail pass, state registration, and insurance. You can also take a guided tour from one of Vermont's many snowmobile tour operators. You do not need to re-register in Vermont if you are already registered in your home state or province, but you must join a local club and purchase a trail pass.

Snowmobile Clubs of the "Islands & Farms" region include the Alburg Sno-Springers, the Cold Hollow Barons of Enosburg Falls, the Fletcher Rough Riders, the Covered Bridge Snowmobile Club of Montgomery Center, the Franklin County Snow Raiders of Fairfax & St Albans, the Missiquoi Bearcats of Richford, and the North West Riders of Swanton & Highgate, Vermont.

Snowmobiling in Northern Vermont. Ride it.

The "Islands & Farms" region of Vermont is a great place to enjoy cross country skiing. Gliding across pastures, fields, and through the woods on cross country skis is as serene or exciting as you want it to be.

Some wonderful old New England inns have great access to cross country skiing, such as the Inn at Buck Hollow Farm in Fairfax, and the Phineas Swann Bed & Breakfast Inn at Montgomery Center.

Cross country skiing in Northern Vermont. Glide it.

You can choose to unwind or windup after your day in one of the most relaxing and romantic places in the world. Classic inns such as the Phineas Swann Bed & Breakfast Inn make a visit to Vermont's "Islands & Farms" a real treat.

Most winter days are pleasantly cold. Enjoy the sun when it pokes through beautifully once March rolls around, offering a truly delightful spring skiing experience.

And when you see the sun or moon sparkling on the Northern Vermont fields of snow, or glistening on the ice of Lake Champlain, the photograph in your mind never will go away. It's easy to say, "I love you" in Northern Vermont Winter.

Love it.