When cabin fever hits and Boston streets feel a little too slushy, head north to Fairlee, Vermont — a storybook village where winter truly shines. Here, Lake Morey transforms into the longest natural ice skating trail in North America, with more than four miles of smooth, open ice to explore.
Unlike the circular rinks scattered across New England, this is wild ice — a natural frozen path that meanders around the entire lake, framed by snow-laden pine forests and mountain ridges in the distance. It’s quiet, cinematic, and endlessly peaceful — the kind of place where the only sounds are your skates gliding and the winter wind through the trees, and on a clear morning, maybe a bald eagle overhead.
Skate Lake Morey
The historic Lake Morey Resort serves as home base for most skaters, offering cozy lounges, fireplaces, and equipment rentals. You can choose from figure skates, hockey skates, or extra-long Nordic blades designed for the natural ripples of lake ice.
If someone in your group isn’t quite ready to glide, try renting a Kickspark sled — a traditional Finnish kicksled that lets you zip across the lake while standing. The resort’s Clubhouse offers hot cocoa, big windows with lake views, and the kind of mountain-retreat warmth that makes you want to linger after a long day in the winter air.
Things to do in Fairlee, Vermont
Fairlee might be small, but it’s packed with charm. You can spend the morning skating, then swap skates for skis at nearby Dartmouth Skiway or go snowshoeing along the wooded trails that overlook the lake. For a slower pace, take a local drive to discover Vermont’s iconic covered bridges, or try ice fishing with the locals on a sunny afternoon.
Everything about Fairlee feels quaint and cinematic — perfect for a spontaneous winter date, a weekend trip with friends, or even a Valentine’s getaway that’s equal parts adventure and calm.
Getting to Fairlee from Boston
Fairlee sits just about two hours and fifteen minutes north of Boston, making it an easy winter escape that doesn’t require much planning. Follow I‑93 North to I‑89, then enjoy Vermont’s scenic backroads as you approach the Connecticut River Valley.
Before you go, check TrailFinder’s Lake Morey Ice Trail page or the Lake Morey Resort website for real-time ice updates.