Things to Do in Montpelier in February
February weather, activities, events & insider tips
February Weather in Montpelier
Is February Right for You?
Advantages
- Winter sports season is in full swing - skiing at nearby Sugarbush and Mad River Glen typically has excellent snow coverage in February, with base depths usually around 100-150 cm (40-60 inches) and fewer weekend crowds than January
- Downtown Montpelier is surprisingly lively in winter - the Capitol building offers free heated tours, local coffee shops become community hubs, and you'll actually meet locals rather than summer tourists. The small-city vibe feels authentic when it's just Vermonters around
- February brings some of the best deals on accommodations - rates drop 30-40% compared to fall foliage season, and many inns offer midweek packages. Book directly with properties for better rates than booking platforms
- The cold weather makes Vermont's food scene shine - this is peak season for maple sugaring (late February especially), and restaurants focus on hearty, locally-sourced comfort food. The farmers market moves indoors to the Capitol building on Saturdays, and it's actually better than summer for meeting producers
Considerations
- The weather data you're seeing is misleading - those temperatures in Celsius and Fahrenheit don't match, and Montpelier doesn't feel warm and humid in February. Reality check: expect daytime highs around -6°C to 1°C (20-34°F) and nighttime lows of -17°C to -11°C (2-12°F). It's proper winter, and the 70% humidity makes the cold feel more penetrating
- Daylight is limited - sunrise around 7am, sunset by 5:30pm. That's roughly 10.5 hours of daylight, which means outdoor activities need careful timing. The short days can feel claustrophobic if you're not prepared for early darkness
- Snow and ice are real factors - while Montpelier handles winter well, you'll need proper footwear with good traction, and walking around downtown requires attention to icy patches. If you're driving, winter tires or all-seasons with good tread are non-negotiable, and you might face occasional road closures during storms
Best Activities in February
Cross-country skiing at local trail networks
February typically offers the most reliable snow conditions of the season. The Montpelier area has several groomed trail systems within 15-30 minutes of downtown, with trails ranging from flat beginner loops to challenging terrain. Snow quality is usually dry and powdery rather than the heavy, wet snow of March. Weekday mornings you'll often have trails to yourself, and the winter forest is stunning when it's quiet. Most trail systems charge modest day fees of $15-25 USD per adult.
Downhill skiing day trips to Mad River Valley
Mad River Glen and Sugarbush are both about 30-40 minutes south of Montpelier and offer completely different skiing experiences. February is ideal because snow coverage is reliable, temperatures aren't as brutal as January, and you avoid March's spring break crowds. Mad River Glen is old-school, expert-focused, and has a cult following. Sugarbush is larger and more modern. Lift tickets run $80-120 USD depending on the mountain and day of week - midweek is significantly cheaper.
Maple sugarhouse tours and tastings
Late February is when maple sugaring season begins in Vermont - producers start tapping trees when daytime temperatures rise above freezing but nights stay cold. This is the ONLY time of year you can see actual maple syrup production. Several sugarhouses within 20-30 minutes of Montpelier welcome visitors to watch the boiling process, and the experience is genuinely fascinating. You'll learn why real Vermont maple syrup costs what it does. Tastings are usually included, and you can buy syrup directly from producers at better prices than retail.
Vermont State House tours and downtown walking
The Vermont State House is one of the best-preserved state capitols in America, and February is when the legislature is in session, which makes visits more interesting. Free guided tours run weekdays and explain Vermont's quirky political culture. The building is beautifully heated, making it a perfect indoor activity for brutal cold days. Combine with walking downtown's compact historic district - State Street and Main Street have independent bookstores, coffee roasters, and the excellent Vermont Historical Society museum. Everything is within 800 m (0.5 miles) of the Capitol.
Snowshoeing in nearby state parks
Hubbard Park sits right in Montpelier with 60 hectares (150 acres) of trails that are perfect for snowshoeing. The stone observation tower at the summit offers views of downtown and surrounding hills. For more remote experiences, Groton State Forest is 30 minutes away with extensive winter trails and almost no crowds in February. Snowshoeing is more accessible than skiing - if you can walk, you can snowshoe - and it's peaceful in ways that ski areas aren't. The exercise keeps you warm even in single-digit Fahrenheit temperatures.
Local brewery and distillery visits
Vermont's craft beverage scene is exceptional, and February is ideal for indoor tastings. Three Penny Taproom in downtown Montpelier has one of the best beer selections in the state. Within 20 minutes, you'll find Lawson's Finest Liquids in Waitsfield and several other breweries and distilleries. The tasting room culture here is social and welcoming - locals gather at breweries in winter like other places use coffee shops. Flights typically run $8-12 USD, full pours $6-8 USD. Many places have food trucks or allow you to bring food.
February Events & Festivals
Vermont Maple Festival preparations and early sugaring
While the main Vermont Maple Festival happens in late April, late February is when maple producers start tapping trees and the first sap runs. Many sugarhouses host informal open houses and early season tastings. This is actually more authentic than the festival itself - you're seeing working operations, not performances. Check with the Vermont Maple Sugar Makers Association for participating sugarhouses.
Vermont Restaurant Week
This statewide event typically runs in late February or early March, with Montpelier restaurants offering prix-fixe menus at $20-35 USD for multi-course meals. It's a chance to try higher-end restaurants at more accessible prices. The exact dates shift yearly, so confirm for 2026, but it's usually the last week of February.