This past weekend was just about 0 degrees in the beautiful state of Vermont. Though my family and I managed to hit the slopes skiing and were bundled up in 5+ layers on the top and bottom (10+ layers total), shivering on the chairlift surrounded by the snow-covered trees left me daydreaming about sitting on a beach, soaking up the sun, and a holding a cold, chilled drink.
Every time I tell someone I go to school in Vermont, their automatic response usually goes like this: “Oh my goodness it’s so cold up there, especially in the winter! Why would you want to study there?” It’s weekends like these where I start thinking… hey maybe these people and their comments weren’t too crazy.
However, it always seems to circle back to the same three things: I love to ski, Vermont is stunning, and the warm weather of summer feels that much sweeter moving home from the Green Mountain state. There are so many mountains and trails to explore in Vermont, and skiing makes for a fun weekend outing for friends, teammates, and roommates. Not to mention SMC students get a super discounted season pass to Sugarbush… what’s not to love? Secondly, though winter in Vermont is longer than in a typical New England state, morning snowfalls, bundling up to walk to class or Dunkin Donuts, and drinking hot cocoa while looking out the window are just a few of the enjoyable aspects of this brisk weather. I can complain all I want, but the winter views of snow-capped trees and ice on my Toyota Rav-4 windshield override my grief. Finally, when May and June arrive with the bright sun and any temperature over 30 degrees, it all seems to be worth it. And boy, does it feel wonderful.
All in all, I can daydream about summer and sand between my toes all day long, but living in New England and embracing the four different seasons truly makes each one that much better.