It’s true that a ton of snow falls on Vermont and that it is one of the snowiest states in the country. But, is it THE snowiest state of all?

The U.S. receives an average annual snowfall of 34 inches, according to Wisevoter. That isn’t as much as Canada, which receives more snow, but it’s still a lot. 

In addition, snowfall varies across the country. In general, states located toward the northern parts of the nation or those situated in higher elevation can experience colder temperatures and more snow.

The amount of snow a city or state receives depends on several factors, including time of year and geographic features. In recent years, climate change has also been impacting overall snowfall patterns in the country, i.e., increasing snowfall in some areas while reducing it in others. 

But, back to the question: 

Does Vermont Receive the Most Snow in the U.S.?

The name “Vermont” comes from the French “les monts vert,” which means “green mountains.” In fact, the state’s nickname is the Green Mountain State. However, contrary to its name and nickname, Vermont, in fact, is among the top 3 states that receive the most snowfall in the U.S.

Receiving an average annual snowfall of 80.2 inches, Vermont ranks third in the snowiest state list. So no, Vermont doesn’t receive the most snow in the U.S. But, it’s the third snowiest state—after New Hampshire and Maine.

It follows Maine, which receives an average of 92 inches of rainfall each year, and the no. 1 state on the list, New Hampshire, with an average of 174.35 inches of snowfall annually. 

Surprisingly, Alaska ranks fourth, a state most people typically associate with much snowfall. The Last Frontier receives an average of 79.6 inches of snowfall per year. Fifth place is Wyoming, with 77.33 inches of average snowfall annually. 

The rest of the top 10 includes Michigan, New York, Utah, Minnesota, and Massachusetts. The average annual snowfall yearly in these states range from nearly 58 inches to around 70 inches. 

Here’s the complete list: 

Table 1. Snowiest States in the United States. 

Ranking	State	Average Annual Snowfall
1	New Hampshire	174.35 inches
2	Maine	92 inches
3	Vermont	80.2 inches
4	Alaska	79.6 inches
5	Wyoming	77.33 inches
6	Michigan	70.38 inches
7	New York	61.21 inches
8	Utah	58.2 inches
9	Minnesota	57.76 inches
10	Massachusetts	57.67 inches

Source: Wisevoter

Excluding Alaska, you might find it surprising that the states listed in the table above aren’t the ones you usually associate with the cold. That’s because, in addition to cold temperatures, there are other conditions that contribute to the amount of snowfall a place receives. 

Obviously, temperatures must be below freezing (32°F or 0°C) in the atmosphere and near the ground. Then, you also have to consider lake effect and the position of the jet stream. 

According to NOAA SciJinks, “Lake effect snow forms when cold, below-freezing air passes over a lake’s warmer waters. This causes some lake water to evaporate and warm the air. Then, the moist air moves away from the lake. After cooling, the air dumps its moisture on the ground, potentially becoming snow.”

What’s the Snowiest Place in Vermont? 

If you’re wondering where in Vermont you’ll find most of this white powder, you’ll have to look at the state’s highest peak, which is Mount Mansfield. 

Standing tall at 4,395 feet above sea level, Mount Mansfield is situated in Underhill, but its snow influences the neighboring towns of Stowe and Cambridge as well. These three—Underhill, Stowe, and Cambridge—unsurprisingly, are the snowiest towns in the state. 

In addition, because it is the highest elevation in Vermont, Mount Mansfield is often the first place in the state to receive snow. “Usually the first snowfalls that occur in the state are across the higher elevations,” Brooke Taber, a meteorologist at NWS Burlington, told Vermont Public. “And then it’ll work its way down into the lower terrain as temperature profiles cool and things like that.”

Mount Mansfield typically sees its first snowfall around mid-October. This can vary, of course, with the earliest annual snowfall recorded on the mountain being September 15, 1959 and the latest was November 20,1978. 

The Significance of Snow in Vermont 

Aside from the breath-taking winter views you get at the top of Mount Mansfield, snow is important not only for the residents of Vermont but also for others beyond its borders as well. 

“Snow is critically important to the state and the region,” said Beverley Wemple, a professor of Geography & Geosciences at the University of Vermont (UVM). “Our winter recreation economy depends on our snowpack.”

Wemple is, of course, referring to the myriad of winter activities locals and tourists alike can enjoy in Vermont. These include skiing, cross-country skiing, snowboarding, snowmobiling, and snowshoeing. Mount Mansfield’s slopes, in particular, become a winter playground for many outdoors enthusiasts that brave the snow for the views and the thrill of these outdoor sports. 

Vermont’s Winter Activities and Festivities

The state is home to several ski resorts, such as Okemo Mountain Resort where there’s a complimentary skating rink in Spruce Village, Stowe Mountain Resort with its 123 trails, and Killington Resort and its gondola which makes for some epic mountain viewing even for non-skiers. 

There’s also Sugarbush Resort, which spreads across more than 4,000 acres, covers two mountains, and features local wildlife sighting opportunities. However, the best skiing in the state is said to be had at Stratton Mountain Resort. While the resort features only eight trails, its skiable terrain is over 670 acres. Plus, you can rent a fat bike or ride on a snowcat to explore the place. Similarly, Mount snow also has more than 600 skiable acres, plus an eight-lane tubing park. 

There’s also Smugglers’ Notch, which is a family-friendly resort. It features ski lessons and a nightly bonfire that the kiddos will surely enjoy. Meanwhile, at Jay Peak Resort, you can explore 50 miles of trails, ski, or enjoy the water at its indoor water park. 

In total, Vermont has 20 downhill ski areas and thousands of kilometers of cross-country terrain for you to explore. But, that’s not all. 

Winter and its snow garb also set the scene for many of the state’s festive winter events. Aside from live music events and apres-ski sessions at its ski resorts, Vermont’s historic downtowns also celebrate winter carnivals and festivals that feature ice sculptures, ice carving, dipping in ice-cold water and many other interesting things.