From the vents or the chimneys of the sugarhouses clouds of sweetly aromatic steam suffuse the air. A tasty and chewy offshoot of the sugar making industry is a local delicacy called 'sugar on snow'. The hot, sticky syrup is poured over snow or crushed ice before being messily devoured. Lots of the sugarhouses and many ski resorts have 'Sugar on Snow' parties. The Vermont Maple Festival , which is held in St Albans on 28-30 April, celebrates everything syrupy.
Outdoor activities are a mainstay of the Vermont lifestyle and there are a lot to choose from.
The north-western edge of the state is separated from New York State for 150 miles by Lake Champlain , which is a mecca for fishing, sailing and diving while the Green Mountains , which run the length of the state provide excellent skiing and hiking. The 250-mile 'Long Trail' along the central ridge is particularly popular.