Vermont Candles That Bring the Scent of a Vintage Ski Lodge Into Your Home

I first met Christina, the owner of Hayden Rowe Candle Co., over coffee at our local bookstore in Manchester, Vermont. Just days later, we crossed paths again at the Dorset Fall Fair, where she was displaying her beautiful collection of Vermont-made candles. And, of course, Ella came along for a visit, too!

We quickly discovered how much we had in common. We both love Vermont, skiing, and Bernese Mountain Dogs. As it turns out, even our previous Berners came from the same breeder, born just months apart to the very same parents. What are the chances?

Christina had been following Dabbling & Decorating and loved my vintage ski lodge decor. When she suggested pairing her ski-inspired candles with my vintage winter finds, I couldn’t have agreed more. With their simple white jars, gold lids, and names like Slopeside, Vermont, and First Tracks, they seemed right at home.

Made right here in Manchester, these Vermont candles bring something new to my collection of antique skis, snowshoes, vintage quilts, and old-fashioned winter finds: the scent of the ski lodge.

Today, I’m sharing how I’ve been styling these locally made candles throughout our Vermont home, from early morning coffee to a little après-ski entertaining.

Hayden Rowe Candle Co. kindly gifted these candles. All styling, photographs, and opinions are my own. This post may contain affiliate links, which won’t change your price but will earn us commission.

The Scent of a Vintage Vermont Ski Lodge

There’s something about winter in Vermont that I never tire of. Waking up to fresh snow, hearing the plow make its early morning rounds, and knowing it’s going to be a beautiful day on the mountain. The coffee’s brewing, the skis are ready, and there’s nothing quite like the anticipation of those first tracks.

And then there’s coming home. Ski boots by the door, mittens tossed on the bench, and a fire waiting after a day in the cold. It’s everything I love about vintage ski lodge living, from the old wooden skis and snowshoes to the colorful quilts, worn leather, and winter traditions that make a Vermont home feel so inviting.

That’s what I love about Hayden Rowe’s Vermont candles. With ski-inspired names like Off Piste, Powder Day, and Après-Ski, they capture the spirit of mountain living in a simple white jar. Their understated labels and gold lids fit right in among my vintage finds, while their fragrances bring another layer to the winter atmosphere I’m always trying to create.

Après-Ski Candlelight on My Vintage Parisian Bar Cart

Après-ski is one of my favorite Vermont winter traditions, whether it’s gathering with friends after a day on the mountain or settling in at home as the sun goes down. For this little corner of our living room, I’ve paired Hayden Rowe’s Après-Ski candle with my vintage green bar cart, a favorite antique find from Paris.

Styled with my blue-and-white Jeannette cocktail glass collection, fresh evergreens, and a small glowing lamp, it’s ready for a little après-ski entertaining. The candle adds that finishing touch, bringing the scent of a Vermont ski lodge right into our living room. And if you love a good après-ski gathering, explore more of my après-ski party ideas and vintage bar cart styling, both indoors and out, for a little mountain-inspired entertaining at home.

Looking for more après-ski decorating ideas? You may enjoy some of these reader favorites:

First Tracks: A Vermont Candle for the Guest Bedroom

There’s a certain peacefulness to waking up in Vermont after a fresh snowfall. Sometimes you can hear the snowplows making their rounds long before daylight, and you just know there’s going to be fresh powder on the mountain. Around here, we call those fresh, untouched runs freshies, and it’s not unusual to hear someone ask, “You guys up for some freshies tomorrow?” Those are the mornings when you want to get an early start, beat the crowds, and make those first tracks in the snow.

That’s the feeling Hayden Rowe’s First Tracks candle brings to mind. I’ve tucked it into one of our Vermont guest bedrooms, where my mother’s handmade quilt, thrifted pillows and shams, and a pair of vintage blue ice skates give the room the charm of an old Vermont country inn. The floral wallpaper is another favorite detail, inspired by the traditional New England inns I love visiting.

If you love that old-fashioned inn style, explore my New England bedroom wallpaper ideas for more inspiration on bringing that same character into your own home.

Vermont Candles and Morning Coffee: Going Off Piste

There’s something wonderful about an early winter morning in Vermont, especially when a day of skiing is ahead. The coffee is brewing, the mountains are calling, and there’s just enough time for a second cup and a blueberry muffin before heading out into the cold.

That’s exactly the feeling I wanted to capture with Hayden Rowe’s Off Piste candle at our kitchen coffee station. And if you’re wondering what off piste means, I had to look it up myself, despite skiing most of my life! It’s the term for skiing away from marked, groomed trails. A little mountain adventure to look forward to while enjoying those first quiet moments of the morning.

Beyond the Ski Lodge: Vermont Candles for Every Season

Hayden Rowe’s Vermont candles go well beyond ski season, with seasonal fragrances for the holidays and everyday living. For a little Sunday Home Vibe, I’ve tucked the Sleigh Ride candle into my antique cupboard, surrounded by favorite pieces of blue and brown transferware. The flickering candlelight against the old wood and vintage dishes feels just right for a rainy Vermont afternoon. With scents inspired by Christmas, autumn, and everything in between, there’s plenty more to discover beyond the ski slopes.

Maine Woods: A Late Fall Afternoon by the Fire

After falling in love with Hayden Rowe’s ski-inspired candles, Christina mentioned that she had created a Maine Woods candle, too. As it turns out, we share a love for both Vermont and Maine, so when she gave me one to bring to our coastal home, I was already imagining it burning beside the fireplace.

On my next trip to Maine, I arrived on a chilly late-fall afternoon. As I often do when I first get here, I lit a fire in the living room, settled in, and puttered around with a few of my favorite antiques. Then I lit Maine Woods. Oh, I loved it! Between the crackling fire and the beautiful fragrance, it was one of those afternoons when I was perfectly happy to stay right where I was.

The First Hayden Rowe Candle I Lit: Covered Bridge

The very first Hayden Rowe candle I lit was actually Covered Bridge, during a beautiful fall foliage weekend here in Vermont. I had a girlfriend staying with me, and a few other friends had stopped by to visit.

We were sitting out on our Vermont fall porch, enjoying the foliage, when my girlfriend commented, “Boy, that candle smells so good.”

“I know,” I told her. “I’m really liking it, too.”

That started a whole conversation about scented candles and how some fragrances can be so strong they make you sneeze or even give you a headache.

That’s what I appreciated most about Covered Bridge. The fragrance was noticeable enough for someone to comment on, but gentle enough that we could all enjoy it while sitting on the porch, catching up, and watching the Vermont foliage.

Meet the Hayden Rowe Ski-Inspired Candle Collection

Now, back to the ski lodge! Seeing these six Hayden Rowe candles gathered among my vintage snowshoes, an old red ski, pinecones, and winter evergreens makes me look forward to the snowy days ahead.

From First Tracks and Powder Day to Off Piste, Stick Season, Ski the East, and Slopeside, each candle has a little connection to life here in Vermont. I especially love how their simple white jars and gold lids fit right in with the vintage ski lodge pieces I’ve collected over the years.

Whether you’re shopping for a Vermont-inspired gift, a favorite winter fragrance, or a candle to enjoy alongside your own vintage finds, you can explore the full collection at Hayden Rowe Candle Co.

Looking for more Vermont-inspired decorating ideas? Browse some of these favorites:

Pin it for later!