You might think moving to Southern Vermont will limit opportunities for your kids. And it’s true – we don’t have everything (which, honestly, we kind of like – “everything” would make it too crowded). But we also have some pretty unexpected activities that your kids might just get into …
Photo: Alix Joyal
Unexpectedly … ski jumping?
After moving to Brattleboro in 2019, Alix — a new Vermonter from Texas — was surprised to find her family suddenly fully immersed in the world of competitive ski jumping. (That’s her daughter, above, about to take a run.)
Brattleboro has had an Olympic-size ski jump since the 1920s, and competitors from elementary school age to young adult descend on the town every year for our iconic Ski Jump Weekend. So of course, we have a strong local youth ski jump club as well!
Competitive ski jumping is one of the more breath-taking spectator sports, especially viewed from what feels like arm’s reach, at the Harris Hill Ski Jump, just minutes from downtown. Just climb the 150 steps (probably less, but we haven’t counted tbh) up to hang on the sidelines and see tweens and young adults soar over hundreds of feet over your head at up to 60 mph.
A chance to be an acrobat?
Photo: Elsie Smith
That’s far from the only unexpected activity our kids get up to. Brattleboro is home to a world-class circus school, serving everyone from toddlers to honest-to-goodness professional circus performers. (It’s pretty common to see someone unicycling around downtown.)
Sure, we have basketball and ice hockey teams … but wouldn’t your kid rather learn to be a trapeze artist?
Photo: Jeff Cravotta
Classical dance for every body
We’re also proud of our supportive and inclusive Brattleboro School of Dance that produces top-notch dancers like the amazing Victoria Jaenson. Victoria is originally from Uganda but came to the U.S. as a child – and found big opportunity in her new small town. Victoria is currently a member of Collage Dance Collective in Memphis. (Read more about her story here — and follow her on IG to add some gorgeousness and strength to your day!)
Kids learning … sometimes in the woods
Given Vermont’s love of the outdoors, it probably isn’t a surprise that nature-based education shows up everywhere, from camps at the Vermont Wilderness School to local public schools, multiple nature-based preschools, and high school options like the prestigious Putney School. But you might be surprised to know that the Putney School is one of the most influential private schools in the nation.
(We’re very proud of our local schools, public and private. Did you know Vermont is #3 in the nation for high school graduation rate?)
Adventure awaits
All that to say … you never know what you will get into in Southern Vermont!
Photo: Landmark Trust
(Snow golf, anyone??)
P.S. There are great opportunities for grown-ups too, not just kids. Check out our resources for finding a job in Vermont. And, don’t worry, the circus school has classes for you too.