[Vermonr]

Hello, I'm a bit new to the forums but I've noticed that one thing seems to resonate across many threads- that Vermont winters are cold, harsh, miserable, and bleak. I have a hard time understanding why many people feel this way. For me, there is nothing more beautiful than winter in Vermont-the opportunities we have to participate in skiing, snowshoeing, and ice skating, the guarantee that our Holidays will be white, and most of all, the tranquility and beauty that can be found by taking a walk in the woods right as the sun is about to go down.

Now that I am in London, I find myself missing the crisp winter air and the way the snow looks at night (all this rain doesn't help either ). I find it odd that winter is often listed as one of the reasons NOT to live in Vermont when people are offering advice to out-of-staters. So perhaps someone could let me in the loop? What's wrong with a nice, long Vermont winter?

[Sherylcatmom]

Originally Posted by Vermonr

So perhaps someone could let me in the loop? What's wrong with a nice, long Vermont winter?

Nothing! I love Vermont winters. I'm very comfortable in cold weather. Even when it's colder than I'd prefer, I still feel better than when it's hot out.

I love how the natural world changes around me in Vermont. It reminds me to notice what's going on! When I lived in South Florida (for the first 20 years of my life), it seemed like everything was the same all the time: Concrete, strip malls, and hot, sticky weather. Not my thing at all.

I like the 4-season culture of Vermont. I find myself conversing with neighbors and even strangers about the weather, but not in the superficial way, like, "Cold enough for you?" Rather, we tend to empathize, commiserate, and offer each other our favorite tips for snow removal, walking the streets even when it's slippery, car care, comfort food, hot drinks, etc. We also lend each other a hand. Does this happen even in less cold, snowy places? Sure, but this is where it happens for me.

In early winter, I do get logy from the short, dark days. But once January gets going and the days stay lighter longer, I'm very pleased to be living in a Vermont winter.

[tkln]

I think, in general, most people just don't like the cold or winter. I, on the other hand, LOOOOOOVEEEE the cold and snow and hate the measly excuses for winter we have down here in NY (though this winter has been pretty good so far).

But I love winter for all the reasons you stated, and is one of the main reasons I want to move.

[GypsySoul22]

I agree, cold is better than hot. I hate humidity and endless hot days where you cannot do anything about it except hide in air conditioning.

Yes, it can get a bit humid here but nothing like where I am from (NY) and at night here in the mountains, it will cool down nicely.

The greyness and drabness of winter is grating, however. Planning your days around snow and ice is draining. The endless cold in my apartment is getting on my nerves. We can only keep it a little above 60 to save fuel costs. So we layer up and soldier on and I do dream of having a job again and maybe jacking up my heat to 65 or 68.

I don't know if I want to be 60 something and live this way...(a long way off but still...)

[vter]

I love winter here, but for me it lasts a little too long. Come April I'm ready to break out the shorts, but usually can't until June.

[Sherylcatmom]

Originally Posted by vter

I love winter here, but for me it lasts a little too long. Come April I'm ready to break out the shorts, but usually can't until June.

You reminded me of something else I love about Vermont winters: Vermont summers! Before I'd lived in Northern New England for a few years, I dreaded summer and every season except winter. Now I look forward to summer and enjoy it because I know that before too long, I'll have all the cold I can eat. :-)

[flu189]

I don't think it's an outright hatered of winter as a whole, but rather some of the aspects which over time start to grate on folks. I like winter and try to get out and snoeshoe as much as possible. I do find that winter here does seem to drag on a bit long by about a month or so. For some the cold just does not agree with their bodies, especially for those that suffer from aches aggravated from cold. Keep in mind too that snow and cold cannot be tailored to schedule and creates frustrations for working and commuting folks. Clearing that 500 foot driveway on a day off is fun, doing it after working 12 hours and having to go in early the next day is not fun anymore. Finally, the cost of heating has become a drag on budgets. When fuel oil was just 1.35 not so long ago a gallon cranking up the thermostat a few degrees on below zero days had minimal impact, now just keeping up with average heating degree days is a burden.

[MRVphotog]

I like the winter, still look forward to that first snowfall of the season. My car tho, sometimes doesn't like the winter at all. Looks like another chilly weekend coming up.

[Summerz]

Originally Posted by flu189

I don't think it's an outright hatered of winter as a whole, but rather some of the aspects which over time start to grate on folks. I like winter and try to get out and snoeshoe as much as possible. I do find that winter here does seem to drag on a bit long by about a month or so. For some the cold just does not agree with their bodies, especially for those that suffer from aches aggravated from cold. Keep in mind too that snow and cold cannot be tailored to schedule and creates frustrations for working and commuting folks. Clearing that 500 foot driveway on a day off is fun, doing it after working 12 hours and having to go in early the next day is not fun anymore. Finally, the cost of heating has become a drag on budgets. When fuel oil was just 1.35 not so long ago a gallon cranking up the thermostat a few degrees on below zero days had minimal impact, now just keeping up with average heating degree days is a burden.

Some good points there.

[city_data91]

This isn't something that can be explained. You either like the cold or you don't. If you like the cold, you wouldn't understand how bad winter can be for the people that hate it.