Skiers have long known the joys of Vermont Winter in the Waterbury-Montpelier Region, where skiers can enjoy their sport at two of Vermont's most famous ski resorts: Sugarbush Resort in Warren and Mad River Glen in Waitsfield. Both are about 45 minutes from the Vermont State Capital of Montpelier.

Other mountains near this area include Smugglers' Notch Resort, Stowe Mountain Resort, and Bolton Valley, all of which are 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 in Southern Vermont.

Today, participants who ski or snowboard co-exist together at Sugarbush, observing a national Skiers and Snowboarders Responsibility Code. Snowboarding lessons are offered with professional snowboard instructors, and terrain parks, where riders - even relative beginners - can learn and practice tricks.

Snowboarding in the Waterbury-Montpelier Region. Ride it.

Is snowmobiling your passion? The Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST) maintains a "vast" network of scenic snowmobile trails throughout the Waterbury-Montpelier Region. 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 "Central Vermont" region include the Barre Town Thunder Chickens; the Sno-Bees of Barre; the Cabot Skylighters; the East Montpelier Gully Jumpers; the Mountain Tamers in East Calais; the Mad River Ridge Runners; the Twinfield Snow Travelers in Marshfield; the Montpelier Trackmakers; the Northfield Snowmobilers; the Worcester Rangers in North Montpelier; the Green Mountain Roamers in Waterbury; the Washington Sno Flyers; and the Billtown Moonshiners in Williamstown.

Snowmobiling in the Waterbury-Montpelier Region. Ride it.

The Waterbury-Montpelier Region 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 Sugar Lodge at Sugarbush in Warren, and the Grunberg Haus in Waterbury. Both are close to the Catamount Trail, a 300-mile winter-use trail open to the public for skiing and snowshoeing that follows remote wilderness routes, groomed cross-country ski trails, snowmobile trails, and old logging roads.

Cross country skiing in the Waterbury-Montpelier Region. Glide it.

You can choose to unwind or windup after your day in one of the most relaxing and romantic places in the world. Head for the Best Western Plus Waterbury-Stowe where you'll be within an easy drive to the ski resorts - and just as important - it's less than a mile from Ben and Jerry's Ice Cream Factory.

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 Vermont fields of snow, or glistening on Camel's Hump Mountain, the photograph in your mind never will go away. It's easy to say, "I love you" in Vermont Winter.

Love it.