A slow, snowy itinerary

Winter at Stone City asks very little of you.  We work hard to make things easy for you. The woods quiet down, the light softens, and the days naturally slow. This is a season for warmth, rest, and simple pleasures — for letting the cold sharpen your senses and the heat bring you back to yourself. Here’s a gentle winter itinerary for guests who want to stay close, move slowly, and savor the season.

Day One: Arriving + Nesting In

Arrival Afternoon: Winter travel takes energy, so let your arrival be unhurried.  Arrive between 4-5pm so you get to enjoy the magic of twilight, but there's still enough light to orient yourself. Once you’re settled, take a few minutes to step outside onto the treehouse deck — notice the snow underfoot, the way sound carries differently in the cold, the stillness of the trees.  See if you can hear the stream water flowing under the ice. Then head back inside and get cozy by the stove.

Warm Drinks & Winter Light: This is a good afternoon for hot tea, cocoa, or soup on the stove.  Or enjoy some great local brews or a Barr Hill Gin Hot Toddy.  Read, nap, watch the snow fall, or simply do nothing at all. Stone City winter days are short, and they’re meant to be honored that way.

Evening at the Cabin: As darkness comes early, light a fire in the firepit by the stream, cook something comforting, and settle in. Winter nights (and screen-free time!) here invite early rest, deep sleep, and a sense of being held by the quiet.

Day Two: Snow, Town, and Heat

Slow Morning at Stone City: Wake without an alarm if you can. Make coffee, linger in bed, and take your time getting moving. A short wander on the property — bundled up and breathing in crisp air — can be invigorating, even if it’s brief.

Late Morning Snowshoe: If conditions are right, this is a lovely time to snowshoe up to Nichols Ledge or over to Nichols Pond. Both offer that quiet, winter-only feeling — soft snow, wide views, and the kind of stillness you don’t get in other seasons. Reserve our snowshoes, go at your own pace, turn back when you’re ready, and know that simply being out there is enough.

Midday in Hardwick: After your snowshoe, head into Hardwick to warm up. Enjoy a hot meal at the Village Restaurant and a slow wander through town, checking out our amazing bookstore and the Whistle Emporium feels especially satisfying after time outside. Winter in Hardwick is humble and welcoming — a good place to land.

Afternoon Sauna & Cold Contrast: This is the heart of a winter stay. The forest sauna after a snowy walk is something special — deep heat, steam rising into the cold air, and the option to cool off with snow and the cold air if you’re feeling called to it. Take your time. Rest between rounds. Let your body and your instincts set the rhythm.

Evening: Post-Sauna Glow: After the sauna, everything tends to soften. Eat simply, hydrate well, and enjoy the quiet, grounded feeling that lingers.  Go out and enjoy a yummy and relaxing meal at the Cork and Fork.  Later, settle back into the treehouse. This is a beautiful night for journaling, stargazing, playing games, or early rest.

Day Three: Gentle Re-Entry

Final Morning: Pack slowly. Have one last warm drink. Step outside and take a final look around — winter has a way of imprinting itself gently but deeply.

Town Stop: If the roads and weather feel good, a final stop in Hardwick at Front Seat Coffee for coffee or a short walk down the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail can help ease the transition back into the world beyond the woods.

A Winter Note

Winter at Stone City is about contrast — cold and heat, dark and light, stillness and movement. You don’t need to push yourself or fill the days. The season will meet you where you are.

Come prepared to be cozy, to move slowly, and to leave feeling warmer than when you arrived — in more ways than one.  Check out our packing list when making your plans.

We look forward to sharing this special experience with you!