Skiers have long known the joys of Vermont Winter in the Southern Windsor County region of Vermont, home to Okemo Mountain Resort, one of Vermont's most popular ski resorts, located in Ludlow, Vermont. Sadly, Ascutney Mountain closed its operations in 2010.

Other mountains near this area include Killington Resort and Pico Mountain, both located less than an hour from Ludlow. Each has its own flavor, charm, and degrees of difficulty. Most are family-oriented, and some carry the partying into the wee hours of the night.

Follow SnoCountry's current Vermont snow condition reports right here on Vermont.com. Click on a resort for more details. It's Vermont Winter.

Ski it.

Snowboarding, as we know it today, began when a young man named Jake Burton Carpenter started manufacturing fiberglass snowboards out of his garage in 1979 in Southern Vermont.

Today, participants who ski or snowboard co-exist together on most of our mountains, all observing a national Skiers and Snowboarders Responsibility Code. Snowboarding lessons are offered at many of Vermont's ski schools with professional snowboard instructors. For example, Okemo Mountain Resort has adult and children's Learn to Ski & Ride programs.

Look for terrain parks at most resorts. These are fun places on the mountain slopes where riders - even relative beginners - can learn and practice tricks.

Snowboarding in Southern Windsor County Vermont. Ride it.

Is snowmobiling your passion? The Vermont Association of Snow Travelers (VAST) maintains a "vast" network of scenic snowmobile trails throughout the "Southern Windsor County" region. Eighty percent of the VAST trails are on private land, so staying on those trails is very important. Snowmobiling on these private lands is indeed a privilege to be respected.

It's easy to access VAST's trails. You will need a valid trail pass, state registration, and insurance. You can also take a guided tour from one of Vermont's many snowmobile tour operators. You do not need to re-register in Vermont if you are already registered in your home state or province, but you must join a local club and purchase a trail pass.

Snowmobile Clubs of the "Southern Windsor County" region include the Little Ascutney Snowmobile Club; the West Windsor Moonlighters in Brownsville; the Chester Snowmobile Club; the Sidehill Snow Cronchers in Ludlow; the Hawks Mountain Ridge Riders in North Springfield; the Plymouth Snow Sneakers; the Skitchawaug Trail Riders in Springfield; and the Windsor Sno Travelers.

Snowmobiling in Southern Windsor County Vermont. Ride it.

The Southern Windsor Country Region of Vermont is a great place to enjoy cross country skiing. Gliding across pastures, fields, and through the woods on cross country skis is as serene or exciting as you want it to be.

Some wonderful old New England inns have great access to cross country skiing, such as the Hawk Inn & Mountain Resort with its luxurious villas and inn, located near Okemo and Killington Mountains, in Plymouth, Vermont.

Cross country skiing in Southern Windsor County Vermont. Glide it.

You can choose to unwind or windup after your day in one of the most relaxing and romantic places in the world. Two of our favorite resorts are located in this region: The Inn at Weathersfield and Echo Lake Inn, in Ludlow, Vermont.

Most winter days are pleasantly cold. Enjoy the sun when it pokes through beautifully once March rolls around, offering a truly delightful spring skiing experience.

And when you see the sun or moon sparkling on the Vermont fields of snow, or glistening on one of the area's large lakes, the photograph in your mind never will go away. It's easy to say, "I love you" in Vermont Winter.

Love it.