WINTER DISCOVERY IN VERMONT

You could argue that the first time Bing Crosby crooned “White Christmas” he put Vermont on the map as a winter wonderland: endless virgin evergreen forests, frozen lakes, wood smoke curling from chimneys and colourful holly wreathes brightening up the verandas of white clapboard houses - this is winter as you’ve always dreamed it could be.

Our base here is right in the heart of the Green Mountains, just outside the historical town of Plymouth. The surrounding frozen lakes, wooded hills and river valleys contain a wealth of cross country and snow shoeing trails. Yet there’s more besides: iceskating on natural ponds, snow mobiling through towering pine forests and romantic sleigh rides through the driven snow.

Built in the style of a New England farmhouse, Hawk Inn enjoys an unrivalled location in the 1200 acres of wooded hills and valleys running alongside the Black River. Run by affable host and winter sports enthusiast, Jim Nielsen, it successfully combines traditional Vermont hospitality with modern home-from-home comforts. There is a cosy library with log fire - perfect for enjoying afternoon tea. The hotel also boasts a gym, Jacuzzi, sauna, indoor swimming pool and an outdoor thermal pool, set against the spectacular backdrop of the beautiful Green Mountains.

The menu at Hawk Inn is a refined blend of mouth-watering North American and international cuisines. Expect to be offered dishes such as New England clam chowder flavoured with bacon and fresh thyme, wild mushroom risotto topped with asparagus and parmesan, and pan-seared rainbow trout served on a bed of lemon-infused jasmine rice.

In order you can fully appreciate the wealth of winter activities on offer, we have worked with Jim to put together an exclusive Discovery programme, making sure that everything is included in your holiday price. We have arranged tuition with resident local guides who will also accompany you most days. Cross country skiing usually starts out from the huge network of trails that are spread over the hotel’s extensive grounds, 70 acres of which are a protected nature reserve. You’ll also visit other local areas, like Mountain Meadows - it has some of the best cross country skiing and snowshoeing in Vermont. The hotel also has its own skating pond and ice skates are available for the duration of your stay. Complimentary sleigh rides and a 1/2 day snowmobile excursion are also included in your holiday price.