UPDATED: Gov. Scott sends a welcome as Vance family changes Vt. weekend lodging plan
Ahead of the anticipated visit this weekend of Vice President J.D. Vance and his family to Vermont, the Valley Reporter on Thursday reported that the second family has changed up their accommodations. Gov. Phil Scott also issued a statement welcoming the Vances to the state.
In a letter posted on the Valley Reporter website Thursday afternoon, Pitcher Inn owner George Dorsey writes that the Vances have changed their lodging plan and he did not know what the new arrangements will be. He said the inn agreed to host the Vances fully aware that the decision could impact business and attract protests to the small downtown during peak ski season.
“We have learned that a Saturday protest in Warren is likely. We have plans to put coffee out in front of The Warren Store for those who want a free cup. The visit of the VP presents a rare opportunity to communicate to him. I hope that happens in a way that is sensitive to his three small children,” wrote Dorsey, also the owner of the Warren Store.
The vice president along with his wife Usha and three children are expected to be in Vermont from Friday afternoon until late Sunday afternoon for a ski weekend at Sugarbush. They initially were planning to stay at the Pitcher Inn located in Warren village but the change in that plan happened on Thursday as interest in the visit grew along with public discussions of demonstrations being organized.
To demonstrate opposition to the new Trump-Vance administration in Washington D.C. the local progressive political organization Mad River Indivisible has organized a peaceful protest on the Mad River Green along Vermont Route 100 in Waitsfield on Saturday morning.
In a statement Thursday evening, Gov. Phil Scott acknowledged that Vermonters take issue with the new president and vice president. Vermonters in November chose former Vice President Kamala Harris and running mate Tim Walz 2:1 for president over now-President Donald Trump and Vance.
Gov. Scott’s statement on Thursday was:
“I welcome the Vice President and his family to Vermont and hope they enjoy their weekend here. It’s no surprise they chose Vermont, we’ve had a lot of snow this winter, which has been good for our economy. And while we’ve all been doing a lot of shoveling and plowing, Vermonters know it’s part of a rugged and adventurous way of life that makes our winters worthwhile.
“I hope Vermonters remember the Vice President is here on a family trip with his young children and, while we may not always agree, we should be respectful. Please join me in welcoming them to Vermont, and hoping they have an opportunity to experience what makes our state, and Vermonters, so special.”
Original post below
Valley Reporter: VP Vance expected to visit Vermont for a ski weekend at Sugarbush
February 25, 2025 | By Lisa ScagliottiOn Monday morning, the Valley Reporter was the first to report that U.S. Vice President J.D. Vance and his family are headed to Vermont this weekend for a ski vacation at Sugarbush and that they will be staying at the Pitcher Inn in Warren.
Vice President J.D. Vance. White House photo
By Monday afternoon, Gov. Phil Scott’s office confirmed the news to Vermont media and said the governor does not have plans to meet with Vance.
Vermont State Police spokesman Adam Silverman told VTDigger that state police will work with federal and local officials on logistics for the high-profile visit.
“Members of the public should expect an increased law-enforcement presence in areas near the vice president’s location and may encounter related delays,” Silverman wrote in an email. “VSP encourages the public to plan for delays and be patient if traveling in the area this weekend.”
The news garnered much attention and discussion on social media with commenters divided on whether to welcome the vice president’s attention to the region.
One local progressive political group has already announced plans for a peaceful demonstration on Saturday morning in Waitsfield in opposition to the Trump-Vance administration’s policies.
Previously, the state was a favorite spot for former Vice President Mike Pence to visit when he was in office from 2017-2021. Pence spent time at Lake Hortonia in Hubbardton over Labor Day weekends in 2018, 2019 and 2020. In those instances, the vice president used Rutland airport and state police provided escorts for his travels in state.
So far, one indicator of whether Vance’s visit is on remains unclear. On Monday afternoon at 4:45 p.m., the Federal Aviation Administration issued an email alert to pilots about Temporary Flight Restrictions labeled “VIP Movement Notification – Burlington/Warren, VT” for Feb. 28 through March 3.
The restriction is standard procedure so that: “No person may operate an aircraft over or in the vicinity of any area to be visited or traveled by the President, the Vice President, or other public figures contrary to the restrictions established by the [FAA] Administrator and published in a Notice to Air Missions (NOTAM).”
As of Tuesday morning, however, that notice was not posted on the FAA website.
The Valley Reporter filed this update Tuesday. Watch for more on valleyreporter.com and on the paper’s social media.