The January 2026 Northwest Vermont real estate market shows shifting conditions across Grand Isle, Chittenden, and Franklin counties for single-family homes and condos. Year over year, the median sales price rose 3.6% to $469,500, while closed sales remained flat and new listings increased 8%. Inventory continues to build, with active listings up 33.6% and months supply of inventory rising to 2.9 months, signaling more options for buyers. Compared to December, closed sales declined 32.7%, while new listings jumped 84.1%, reflecting typical seasonal patterns. Homes spent a median of 29 days on market, and sellers received an average of 97.8% of list price. With inventory rising and price growth moderating, both buyers and sellers should pay close attention to local trends. Contact us today to learn more about your market and how these January 2026 housing statistics may impact your real estate goals.

Winter in Vermont is a season people tend to have strong opinions about. Some embrace the snow and cold, while others spend the winter counting down the days until spring. In the Lake Champlain Islands, locals have learned that the key to getting through the quieter months is finding a rhythm that works for you—getting outside when you can, leaning into cozy traditions, and showing up for the local businesses that keep island life going year-round.

Here are a few ways Islanders embrace winter and make the most of the season.

Ice Fishing and Skating on Lake Champlain

Lake Champlain offers fishing opportunities all year long, and once the ice is safe, locals waste no time heading out. Ice fishing is a favorite winter pastime and often leads to a great meal at the end of the day. Ice skating is just as popular, whether it’s on the Inland Sea or a frozen backroad swamp. It’s a classic way to enjoy fresh air and stay active during the colder months.

Winter Hikes in the Islands

The Lake Champlain Islands are home to several scenic trails that are just as beautiful in winter. With crampons or snowshoes, locals head out to enjoy quiet walks through snow-covered woods. Winter hiking offers a slower pace, peaceful views, and a kind of magic you only find after a fresh snowfall.

Live Music and Midweek Fun

When the days are shorter, locals turn to live music, trivia nights, and community events to stay connected. Supporting local restaurants and breweries is especially important during winter, when business slows but the lights stay on. Here are some winter happenings to check out:

• Tuesday Open Mic at Two Heroes Brewery

• Wednesday Trivia at The Sandbar Restaurant

• Thursday Night Live Music at The North Hero House

• Thursday Trivia and Friday Karaoke at McKee’s Island Pub

• Friday Night Wine Down at Snow Farm Vineyard & Winery

Grabbing dinner, a drink, or seeing live music is one of the best ways to support island businesses during the off-season and recharge your social battery.

Cozy Weekends at Home

Of course, winter wouldn’t be complete without a little strategic hibernation. For many Islanders, Friday nights are made for Pan’s Pizza and a movie, no plans required. On the weekends, after a brisk day outside, it’s all about settling in with a home-cooked meal, a good book, a football game, or a crackling fire. Winter gives us permission to slow down, stay cozy, and enjoy the simple comforts of being home.

Winter in the Lake Champlain Islands may be quieter than summer, but it’s filled with simple pleasures, strong community ties, and plenty of ways to stay busy. Whether you’re skating on the ice, catching live music, or supporting a favorite local spot, winter is just another reason Islanders love where they live.

 

 

 

This November, our community came together in a big way. Thanks to your generosity, we delivered over 330lbs of non-perishable food and personal items to The Champlain Islands Food Shelf to support families and individuals across Grand Isle County.

From pantry staples to essential household items, your donations will help keep shelves stocked as we move into the winter season. We are deeply grateful to everyone who donated or helped spread the word. Your support shows the strength of our Island community and the care we have for our neighbors.

To learn more about The Champlain Islands Food Shelf and their distribution schedule, visit www.champlainislandsfoodshelf.org.

 

 

Looking for a unique adventure in Vermont? Visit the iconic Island Line Trail! This 14-mile trek takes you from Burlington, Vermont up to the beautiful Lake Champlain Islands located in the Northwest region of Vermont. Run, bike, or even rollerskate on the path while enjoying captivating views of the Adirondack and Green Mountains.

Historically, the trail was not meant for recreational use. It was built in 1899 by the Rutland-Canadian Railroad for coastal market connections from New England to the Great Lakes. Eventually, in the 1980s, the railroad was converted for recreational use. 

The historic path attracts around 150,000 visitors per year! There are three major entry points for folks to begin their trek. Enter from Oakledge Park in Burlington, Airport Park in Colchester, or Allen Point Access in South Hero. 

Shortly after passing Airport Park you will reach Causeway Park in Colchester. This portion is four miles long with a ten foot wide compact stone path that runs across Lake Champlain. There is a 200 foot gap near the end of the causeway, locally known as “the cut”.

The local motion bike ferry takes passengers across this gap and connects you to Allen Point Access in South Hero. The Bike Ferry welcomes all passengers and just asks for a small donation. However, do note, the ferry operates seasonally. See the bike ferry schedule before you plan your trip. 

The Island Line Trail is a great way to explore the outdoor recreation opportunities that Vermont has to offer. Whether it’s with friends, family, or your furry friend, all will be certain to love this Vermont adventure. 

 

Learn more about the Lake Champlain Islands here. 

 

 

As we begin to welcome summer, don't forget to find a home for your boat this season! Grand Isle County offers some of the best marinas to make your summer boating experience better than ever. From the top of North Hero to the bottom of South Hero, check out our top spots so you can enjoy some time out on Lake Champlain.

1. Ladd’s Landing Marina

412 US-2, Grand Isle, VT 05458

Located at the Grand Isle - North Hero drawbridge is Ladd's Landing Marina. As a full service marina, Ladd's Landing has a variety of ways to improve your summer experience. They offer rental boats, complete boat services, temporary and seasonal slips for power boats and sailboats, a ship's store, and gathering areas inside and out. The season begins May 15th and lasts until October 1st with their fuel dock and ship's store open daily from 8am - 6pm and when the season is over, winterization is available so you don't have to worry about anything.

2. North Hero Marina

2253 Pelots Point Rd, North Hero, VT 05474

Out on Pelots Point is where you'll find North Hero Marina. If you're looking for a mooring you can have one as soon as May 1st and a dock space by May 15th. The season runs through October 1st. Fueling is available daily and winter storage is also an option so your boat will be ready for you when you come back next year. Rental boats, a variety of services, and a ship's store are included along with amenities at all docks, a pool for members, and even the Island Tiki Bar. The Tiki Bar is a great place to enjoy a meal after a long boat day while looking out at Lake Champlain. 

3. Apple Island Marina

6 Featherbed Ln, South Hero, VT 05486

At the entrance of the Islands sits Apple Island Marina in South Hero. They are located just off of Route 2 where they're open a full 5 months from May 15th to October 15th. The Boathouse is open everyday for your convenience with daily, weekly, and seasonal dock slips available. They have a fuel dock and rental boats but what's even better is that the marina is part of the Apple Island Resort. The resort provides a general store, golf course, RV campground, and indoor/outdoor gathering areas for guests. So when you're putting your boat in at the Apple Island Marina, you might want to consider staying a while and taking a little vacation at the resort too.

4. Keeler Bay Marina

466 US-2, South Hero, VT 05486

Down off of Route 2 is Keeler Bay Marina in South Hero. Open from May 15th to October 15th, they offer 92 seasonal dock slips. Keep your boat in the bay and also get the chance to grab food on your way in or out. Located at the entrance to the marina is a food truck with a brand new vendor offering a variety of delicious options. There is also the Keeler Bay Variety convenience store just half a mile down Route 2.

5. New England Power Boat Marina

98 Bride Rd, North Hero, VT 05474

The New England Power Boat Marina is located by the North Hero - Alburgh bridge. With the recently installed docks you're sure to be a satisfied customer. A gas dock was also installed with access to town water and a pump out station. So get your boat in the water and cruise around the islands. 

Learn more about life on Lake Champlain on our website and don’t forget to always be safe out on the water!