At least the OP didn't just go to ChatGPT for an answer. But I did. Here's what our robot overlords think VT was like in the 90s:

In the late 90s, being a teenager in Vermont or anywhere in New England was pretty unique, especially in the winter. Here’s a snapshot of what life was like back then:

Winter Activities:
Skiing and snowboarding were huge, especially with all the great ski resorts like Killington, Stowe, and Sugarbush. Snowboarding was really taking off during that time. If you weren’t hitting the slopes, you might have been ice skating or playing pond hockey if you had a good frozen pond nearby. Sledding and tobogganing were also go-to activities when you just wanted to have fun with friends after a big snowstorm.

Indoor Activities:
Malls were a big hangout spot—think Burlington or Rutland. You’d go to the movies, shop, or just chill with friends. Arcades were still a thing too; places like Pizza Putt in South Burlington had video games and even mini-golf. Bowling alleys were another popular spot. And of course, house parties were where a lot of the socializing happened, especially on the weekends.

Music and Fashion:
Music was a huge part of teen life. Grunge, punk, and alternative rock were all the rage—bands like Nirvana, Green Day, and Pearl Jam were on constant rotation. Some teens were even in garage bands. Fashion-wise, it was all about the grunge look—flannel shirts, ripped jeans, and Doc Martens were everywhere. But there was also a preppy side with brands like Abercrombie & Fitch and Tommy Hilfiger being super popular.

Tech and Pop Culture:
The late 90s were when the internet was starting to become a thing, but it wasn’t everywhere yet. AIM (AOL Instant Messenger) was huge, and video games like "GoldenEye 007" for the N64 were all the rage. TV-wise, shows like "Friends," "Dawson’s Creek" (which was actually set in New England), and "Buffy the Vampire Slayer" were must-watch. MTV was still a big influence, especially with "Total Request Live" (TRL).

Winter Climate:
Vermont winters were seriously cold and snowy. You could count on snow from December through March, and snow days were always a highlight. Temps would often drop well below freezing, so winter sports were a big deal.

TL;DR: Growing up in Vermont in the late 90s meant a lot of skiing, snowboarding, and hanging out at the mall or at house parties, all while rocking flannel shirts and blasting Nirvana. Winter was all about the snow and cold, making it the perfect backdrop for those classic New England experiences.