Winter in Vermont is not just a season—it defines daily life. With scenic mountains, cozy towns, and world-famous ski destinations, the state transforms into a snow lover’s paradise every year. Along with that beauty comes another kind of excitement, especially for students, parents, and teachers: the possibility of a snow day.
Thanks to improved forecasting tools and the growing use of snow day calculators, predicting school closures in Vermont for 2025 has become easier than ever. These tools combine local weather patterns, historical snowfall data, and real-time forecasts to help families prepare ahead of winter storms.
📅 Snowfall Timeline (November → March)
| Month | Expected Conditions |
| November – Light to Moderate | Early snowfall begins, especially in northern regions and higher elevations. |
| December – Heavy | Consistent snow accumulation, freezing temperatures, and the start of major winter systems. |
| January – Very Heavy | Peak winter month with frequent storms and the highest number of school closures. |
| February – Moderate to Heavy | Continued snow events with icy conditions and travel disruptions. |
| March – Light to Moderate | Snow tapers off in southern Vermont but persists in northern areas. |
🌨️ Snow Day Probabilities
| Month | Closure Probability / Notes |
| November | Low–Medium — Closures are uncommon, with mostly light early-season snow. |
| December | High — Regular snowfall and freezing temperatures increase closure chances. |
| January | Very High — The most disruptive storms and blizzard activity occur this month. |
| February | Medium–High — Snow and ice remain frequent, with refreezing risks. |
| March | Low–Medium — Late-season snow is possible, though closures become less common. |
👨👩👧 Snow Day Checklist for Parents
| Category | What To Do |
| 🏠 At Home | Keep blankets, batteries, and simple meals ready. Check heating systems and protect pipes from freezing. |
| 🎒 School Closures | Subscribe to alerts, plan childcare, and prepare learning materials. Keep devices charged. |
| 🚗 Travel & Safety | Avoid unnecessary trips, winterize vehicles, and carry emergency kits. Monitor Vermont road conditions closely. |
🏫 School Closure Decision Process (Step-by-Step)
| Step | Action |
| 1 | Review National Weather Service updates and local road reports. |
| 2 | Assess safety risks including visibility, temperatures, and bus route conditions. |
| 3 | Apply decision levels: Green (Open), Yellow (Delay), Red (Closed). |
| 4 | Communicate decisions by 5:00 AM via text, email, and social media. |
| 5 | Record data and review outcomes after storms to improve future decisions. |
🌨️ Final Note
Stay prepared for Vermont’s ever-changing winter weather with the Vermont Snow Day Forecast—a reliable resource for snowfall trends, school closure probabilities, and family safety planning throughout the season.
Understanding Vermont’s Unique Winter Climate
Vermont’s winter weather can change dramatically within short distances. Light snowfall in Burlington can coincide with deep drifts in the Green Mountains. This variation is driven by the state’s mountainous terrain, which creates localized microclimates that significantly influence snowfall totals.
Northern towns such as St. Albans and Newport often see heavier early-season snow, while southern communities like Brattleboro and Bennington experience more mixed precipitation and ice events. Meteorologists predict a colder-than-average winter in 2025 due to lingering effects of a weak El Niño pattern. This increases the likelihood of frequent storms, extended cold spells, and deeper snow cover during January and February.
As a result, residents are paying closer attention to long-range forecasts and regularly checking snow day calculators to anticipate potential school closures.
✅ Historic Snow Data (Last 10 Years – Vermont)
| Winter Season | Avg. Snowfall (inches) | Notable Weather Events | Impact on Schools |
| 2024–2025 (Projected) | 85–95″ | Strong Nor’easters and colder-than-average conditions | High closures (Jan–Feb) |
| 2023–2024 | 78″ | Frequent coastal storms | Moderate–high closures |
| 2022–2023 | 90″ | Extended snowpack, Arctic outbreaks | High snow day counts |
| 2021–2022 | 82″ | Several major January storms | Regular delays and closures |
| 2020–2021 | 70″ | Milder winter overall | Moderate February closures |
| 2019–2020 | 64″ | Below-average snowfall | Few disruptions |
| 2018–2019 | 93″ | Record storms and Nor’easters | Widespread closures |
| 2017–2018 | 86″ | Persistent snow cover, March blizzards | Multi-day closures |
| 2016–2017 | 74″ | Late-season storm activity | Moderate impact |
| 2015–2016 | 62″ | El Niño-driven mild winter | Very few closures |
| 2014–2015 | 97″ | Extreme cold and repeated Nor’easters | Record snow days |
What the 2025 Vermont Snow Day Forecast Indicates
Early projections suggest Vermont will experience above-average snowfall in 2025. Significant snow events are expected to begin in late November. December is likely to bring steady snowstorms across central Vermont, affecting areas such as Montpelier, Barre, and Rutland.
By mid-January, colder Canadian air masses are expected to intensify storms, increasing the chances of widespread shutdowns in northern Vermont. The Lake Champlain Valley may also see lake-effect snow, while mountain regions could exceed 100 inches of total snowfall by season’s end.
Although forecasts provide guidance, final school closure decisions depend on multiple real-time factors—this is where snow day calculators play an important role.
Vermont Snow Expectation: November → March
| Month | Snowfall Pattern | Expected Conditions |
| November | Light to Moderate | Early snow in northern and mountain areas; slick roads during first freezes. |
| December | Heavy | Consistent snow accumulation; increased Nor’easter activity. |
| January | Very Heavy | Deep snowpack, strongest storms, and extreme cold. |
| February | Moderate to Heavy | Ongoing snow events with possible ice storms. |
| March | Light to Moderate | Gradual thaw in southern regions; snow continues in the north. |
Insight:
Vermont’s snow season typically runs from early November through late March. The highest risk for full school closures occurs in January and February. Mountain towns such as Stowe and Killington consistently receive some of the heaviest snowfall in New England.
Why Snow Day Calculators Are Popular in Vermont
Snow day calculators generate excitement among students and provide practical value for families. As storms approach, probabilities update in real time, allowing parents to plan work schedules and childcare while teachers adjust lesson plans.
Their popularity in Vermont is driven by the state’s highly localized weather patterns. A forecast tailored for the Champlain Valley may differ significantly from one for the Mad River Valley, making location-specific tools especially useful.
Local Factors Affecting Vermont School Closures
Snow accumulation alone does not determine closures. Road conditions, wind chill, timing of snowfall, and the ability to clear rural bus routes all play a role. Overnight storms that leave roads untreated by early morning often result in snow days.
Extreme cold is another key factor. Even minimal snowfall combined with dangerously low wind chills can lead to delays or closures to protect students waiting for buses. Ice storms, particularly common in southern Vermont, also increase the likelihood of precautionary cancellations due to power outages and hazardous roads.
Technology’s Role in Snow Day Decisions
In 2025, Vermont schools rely heavily on technology to make informed closure decisions. Advanced weather monitoring, automated alerts, and coordination with road crews have made the process faster and more data-driven.
Communication with families is now nearly instantaneous through apps, text messages, and social media. Combined with snow day calculators, these tools give families greater awareness and confidence when dealing with unpredictable winter conditions.
Making the Most of a Vermont Snow Day
Snow days in Vermont are often celebrated rather than dreaded. Families enjoy sledding, snowman building, and quiet mornings by the fireplace. Ski resorts such as Stowe, Killington, and Sugarbush often see increased visitors eager to enjoy fresh powder.
Snow days also highlight Vermont’s strong sense of community. Neighbors help clear driveways, local cafés fill with people enjoying hot drinks, and towns remain active despite snow-covered silence. These moments turn long winters into memorable experiences.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Vermont Snow Days (2025)
1. When does the snow season typically start in Vermont?
Vermont’s snow season usually begins in early November, especially in northern and mountainous areas. Light snowfall becomes more frequent by late November as temperatures consistently drop.
2. How much snow does Vermont get on average each year?
On average, Vermont receives between 70 and 95 inches of snowfall annually, depending on location. Mountain regions often exceed these totals, while valleys receive slightly less.
3. Which month has the highest chance of school closures in Vermont?
January has the highest probability of school closures. It is the coldest month and experiences the most intense snowstorms, blizzards, and dangerous wind chills.
4. What factors influence school closure decisions in Vermont?
School closures depend on several factors, including snowfall amount, road conditions, wind chill, visibility, timing of storms, and the safety of bus routes—especially in rural and mountainous areas.
5. How accurate are snow day calculators for Vermont?
Snow day calculators are generally reliable for estimating closure chances. They use real-time forecasts, historical data, and local weather trends, but final decisions are always made by school districts.
6. Which areas in Vermont receive the most snowfall?
Northern Vermont and mountain towns such as Stowe, Killington, and areas within the Green Mountains receive the highest snowfall totals each winter.
7. Are southern Vermont towns less likely to have snow days?
Yes, southern Vermont towns often experience more mixed precipitation and ice rather than heavy snow, which can result in fewer snow days compared to northern regions.
8. How do Vermont schools announce snow day closures?
Most Vermont school districts announce closures by 5:00 AM using text alerts, emails, school apps, official websites, and social media platforms.
9. Can extremely cold temperatures cause school closures even without heavy snow?
Yes. Dangerous wind chills and extremely low temperatures can lead to delays or closures to prevent frostbite risks for students waiting outdoors.
10. What role does technology play in snow day decisions?
Technology helps schools track real-time weather conditions, receive automated alerts, coordinate with road crews, and communicate decisions quickly and efficiently to families.
11. Do rural Vermont areas experience more snow days than cities?
Yes. Rural areas often have longer bus routes, unpaved roads, and steep terrain, which increases safety concerns and result in more frequent closures.
12. How can parents prepare for unexpected snow days?
Parents should sign up for school alerts, keep devices charged, stock essential supplies, plan childcare options, and ensure home heating systems are working properly.
13. What does the 2025 Vermont Snow Day Forecast predict?
The 2025 forecast predicts above-average snowfall, frequent winter storms, colder temperatures, and a high likelihood of school closures during January and February.
14. What are the best things to do on a Vermont snow day?
Popular activities include sledding, skiing, snowshoeing, building snowmen, enjoying hot drinks at home, and visiting local cafés or ski resorts.