We fell pretty hard for The Pitcher Inn when we visited Warren, Vermont last March, and we knew that trip would be the first of many memorable stays at the Pitcher in the years to come. So when we decided to forgo Christmas presents this year and go on a New England ski trip instead, we hardly even considered any options other than skiing at Sugarbush, with a stay at the Pitcher. Not traveling with Orvis is never an easy decision for us to make (especially at a dog-friendly property like the Pitcher), but we knew that since we’d be on the mountain all day, he’d be better off running on my family’s farm with their two dogs. This allowed us to experience a new room at the Pitcher, one that isn’t open to dogs – Mountain.

Mountain was designed by John Connell to “rekindle memories of an earlier wilderness experience.” The sleeping room, with its painted mountain mural, gives guests the sense that they’re sleeping in a fire tower with 360 degree views of the Green Mountains. The walls and ceilings of the room are adorned with vintage mountain climbing gear, snowshoes, leather ski boots, and skis. In addition to the fire tower sleeping room, Mountain offers a camp sitting area with a fireplace and leather chairs, a wet bar, and a beautiful bathroom with a luxurious slate steam shower that was more than welcome after a long day of skiing.

Of course, the room was only a small part of what made our ski escape to Vermont so enjoyable. It’s hard to imagine a better way to start your day than with the delicious Pitcher Inn breakfast. Whether you opt for the tasty farmhouse breakfast, as I did each morning, or mix things up with pancakes and Vermont maple syrup, an omelette, or the storied cheesy polenta that we sadly learned about just minutes too late, sitting in a sun-filled dining room with a crackling fire, some soft music, and a cup of coffee has become a new life-goal of Michael’s.

Another highlight of our time at the Pitcher was our walk in the woods with the inn’s GM, Ari, and his family’s sweet golden retriever, Maisy. We, along with many others, have written at length about Ari and the unique charm he adds to every stay at the inn, and our enjoyable and inspiring conversations with him on these trips to Warren have become just as memorable as watching Miss Maisy roll and romp through the woods on her favorite trail!

It’s always bittersweet for us to leave a place we love as much as the Pitcher, but as we were once so wisely told at another uniquely lovely property on our final day, we have to leave in order to return.

Photos taken by Meredith Perdue for Map & Menu.