A Winter Travel Guide to Dover Vermont
I spent a winter week in Dover Vermont for a cozy ski getaway that blended icy March slopes with lively après bars, great food, and that perfect small-town Vermont charm. Dover is one of those places that feels both tucked away and full of energy, especially during ski season. Here’s everything we did, what I loved, and what I would recommend.
About Dover Vermont
Dover sits in the Green Mountains of southern Vermont and is known for its classic winter charm, easy access to multiple ski resorts, and a warm, rustic ski-town atmosphere. The town traces its roots back to the early 1800s, when it was a quiet rural settlement, and it has held onto that old New England feel through its inns, restaurants, and winding mountain roads.
In winter, Dover transforms into a hub for skiers heading to Mount Snow or exploring nearby mountains within a forty five minute drive. Even with the cold and ice, the town feels inviting, friendly, and perfect for a snow-filled week.
Ski Resorts Near Dover
We skied three mountains during our trip, each with a very different vibe. March skiing was icy in spots, but the scenery made up for it and the après scene kept spirits high.
Mount Snow (Dover)
This was our home mountain for most of the trip. Mount Snow is one of the most accessible ski resorts in southern Vermont, and being right in Dover makes it incredibly convenient.
My experience: We skied here first, and while some runs were solid ice due to late season conditions, the mountain is big enough that we kept exploring until we found trails with better grip. The vibe was relaxed and easy, and the après options nearby made it feel like a full ski-day experience.
Good for: convenience, groups, varied terrain, après choices
Stratton Mountain Resort (30–45 minutes)
Stratton feels more polished with a true resort village and wider groomers.
My experience: We drove to Stratton midweek when Mount Snow felt extra firm, and I was glad we did. The grooming made the icy snow much more manageable. Stratton has a more refined “destination resort” vibe, and it was a nice contrast to Mount Snow’s more local feel.
Good for: cleaner grooming, village atmosphere, day trips
Magic Mountain (about 45 minutes)
Magic is smaller, quirkier, and very local.
My experience: We wanted to try something different, so we spent an afternoon here. Magic Mountain has steeper terrain and a more old school ski culture. It felt like stepping back in time in the best possible way. It is not fancy, but it is full of charm.
Good for: advanced skiers, people who love a throwback ski experience
Après Ski and Nightlife: My Favorites
Even though skiing in March can be unpredictable, après ski in Dover makes up for everything. This area has surprisingly lively nightlife for such a small town.
Red Door Tavern
This became one of the highlights of our trip. Red Door is a cozy tavern in West Dover with real speakeasy history. During Prohibition it operated as a hidden bar, and the owners preserved the original speakeasy structure behind glass panel walls so you can literally see the old rooms.
My experience: We came here for cocktails after skiing and loved the warm, intimate feel. The drinks were great and the history adds so much character. It feels like the kind of place where both locals and visitors end up staying longer than planned.
Snow Republic Brewery
A fun craft brewery just minutes from Mount Snow.
My experience: We stopped in after a cold ski day and it was lively, warm, and relaxed. It feels very Vermont — flannels, big tables, live music, and beer flights.
Where We Ate in Dover Vermont
We kept dinners cozy, casual, and hearty — exactly what you want after a day in the cold.
The Last Chair: Classic ski town restaurant. We came for big plates of pasta and pizza. It is friendly, casual, and always busy in winter.
Two Tannery Road: A beautiful, rustic New England spot in a historic building. Perfect for a nicer dinner out.
Harriman’s Farm to Table: Located at Mount Snow, with local ingredients and good cocktails. A great spot for something a little more elevated without leaving the resort area.
The Saloon: A fun, low key bar with comfort food and a lively crowd. Great when you want something simple after skiing.
Where to Stay
Dover has plenty of inns, cabins, and ski lodges. A few traveler favorites include:
Mount Snow Grand Summit Hotel
Kitzhof Inn
Gray Ghost Inn
Austrian Haus Lodge
Cabin and chalet rentals throughout West Dover
Renting a ski house is also common here, especially for groups.
The Drive Back and a Sweet Ending
By the end of the week, Vermont was covered in fresh heavy snow and the scenery was beautiful for the drive back toward Boston. Before catching our flight home to the West Coast, we stopped at Mike’s Pastry for cannolis. It was the perfect final stop — sweet, nostalgic, and very New England.
Final Thoughts
Dover Vermont is a perfect winter base if you want variety, charm, and easy access to multiple mountains. Even with icy March conditions, our trip felt full thanks to the cozy taverns, great après spots, speakeasy cocktails, live music, and that classic Vermont scenery. It is laid back but lively, and exactly the kind of winter escape that stays with you.
