TheShandyMan t1_j7nxkpq wrote on February 8, 2023 at 3:50 AM

> Middlebury and drive from Barre

Do yourself a favor and do not listen to your GPS when it tells you to go through Waitsfield and Bristol. Even on "good" days it's not the nicest of trips in the winter. Depending on your GPS it might also suggest Hinesburg &/or Huntington which are both better but if you've never been on snow before and there's even a chance of it on the day you go; you should absolutely take the extra time and just take 89 -> 189 to 7 (through Shelburne).

Full_Whereas_2694 t1_j7oppyv wrote on February 8, 2023 at 9:01 AM

I regularly travel between Middlebury and barre and completely agree. 89/7 is the only route I’d recommend for someone who has no winter driving experience. Route 17 between Waitsfield and Barre is one of the most challenging sections of road in the state I grew up here and drive an awd vehicle and still avoid this drive if the weather is dodgy.

Loudergood t1_j7pvadm wrote on February 8, 2023 at 3:51 PM

Yeah theres a reason most of the other notch roads are closed in the winter.

ADinosaurNamedBex t1_j7t3r54 wrote on February 9, 2023 at 5:11 AM

This is the most important comment. Avoid anything with “gap” in the name or any roads that say trucks can’t pass. Those are signs of steep and winding roads that can be hard to pass on good days.

A note about Route 7 (the main road to Middlebury) - each town is in charge of their own snow removal, so if it snows don’t be surprised if it’s a weird adventure of totally clear and treacherous. I’ve yet to find a rhyme or reason, but it’s good to be aware.