Over a hundred protesters lined the snowy roads of Vermont’s Sugarbush Resort last weekend as Vice President JD Vance arrived for a family ski trip, just a day after a tense Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. What was supposed to be a relaxing getaway quickly turned into a heated political moment, drawing national attention. The protests weren’t just about Vance himself, but rather his administration’s shifting stance on Ukraine aid and military support.

For many, the sight of protesters greeting a sitting vice president at a ski resort felt surprising, yet it wasn’t entirely unexpected. With tensions running high over U.S. involvement in Ukraine, and Vance at the center of recent diplomatic friction, Vermont became an unlikely stage for a broader political debate. The scene was widely shared on social media, sparking conversations about public engagement, political accountability, and how political figures are viewed even during personal time.

So what exactly happened during Vance’s Vermont ski trip? Why did so many people show up to protest? And what does this say about the current political climate in America? Let’s break it all down.

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Table of Contents

• Who is JD Vance?
• What Happened During the Vermont Protests?
• Why Did the Protests Happen During a Ski Trip?
• Reactions From Both Sides of the Political Aisle
• JD Vance Vermont Ski Trip Protests – Frequently Asked Questions

Who is JD Vance?

JD Vance, born James David Vance in 1984, is a U.S. Senator from Ohio and the current Vice President of the United States. He rose to national prominence after writing the bestselling memoir *Hillbilly Elegy*, which explores his upbringing in the Rust Belt and broader socioeconomic issues affecting working-class Americans.

Before entering politics, Vance served in the U.S. Marine Corps and worked as a lawyer in Silicon Valley. His political career took off after he won a Senate seat in 2022, and he was later chosen as the running mate to former President Donald Trump in the 2024 election. Vance is known for his conservative views on economic policy, immigration, and foreign affairs.

What Happened During the Vermont Protests?

On Saturday morning, just a day after a heated Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy, JD Vance arrived in Vermont for a planned weekend ski trip with his family at the Sugarbush Resort in the Mad River Valley. However, instead of a peaceful escape, the vice president was met by a crowd of over a thousand protesters lining Route 100 near Waitsfield.

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The protests focused on Vance’s recent diplomatic clash with Zelenskyy, which reportedly revolved around U.S. aid to Ukraine amid Russia’s ongoing invasion. Signs reading “Support Ukraine, Not Silence” and “JD, Go Ski in Russia” were spotted, with some protesters chanting slogans calling for continued U.S. support for Ukraine. The atmosphere was tense but largely peaceful, with law enforcement maintaining a strong presence to ensure safety.

Photos and videos shared online showed protesters holding signs and waving flags as motorcades passed through. The event disrupted traffic and led to delays in the area, though no major incidents were reported. Vance and his family reportedly cut their trip short and left the resort on Sunday, according to media reports.

“It was pretty intense,” one local resident said. “You don’t expect to see that kind of thing in a small town like this. But people here really care about what’s happening in Ukraine.”

Why Did the Protests Happen During a Ski Trip?

At first glance, staging protests at a ski resort might seem unusual. However, the timing and location were not random. Sugarbush Resort is a popular destination in Vermont, and the Mad River Valley has a strong tradition of civic engagement and activism. The protests were organized quickly after news broke about Vance’s travel plans and the fallout from his meeting with Zelenskyy.

“We felt it was important to make our voices heard,” said one protest organizer. “This administration’s policies affect people around the world, not just here in the U.S.”

The decision to protest at Vance’s vacation spot highlights a growing trend in American politics: public officials being held accountable even in personal settings. It’s not uncommon for political figures to face demonstrations during public appearances, but protests at private vacations are relatively rare. That said, the proximity of Sugarbush to major roads and the public nature of the resort made it a feasible location for such an event.

Reactions From Both Sides of the Political Aisle

As expected, the protests drew sharply divided reactions across the political spectrum. Supporters of Vance and the current administration criticized the protests, calling them disruptive and inappropriate. Some argued that public officials deserve privacy during personal time, and that protesting at a vacation spot crosses a line.

“He’s a public servant, not a public punching bag,” one conservative commentator said. “People need to let him enjoy some time with his family without being harassed.”

On the other side, many praised the protesters for standing up for what they believe in, even in an unconventional setting. Pro-Ukraine activists argued that U.S. policy decisions have real-world consequences and that elected leaders must be held accountable at every opportunity.

“This isn’t about politics — it’s about people’s lives,” one protest attendee said. “What happens in Ukraine affects millions of people. We can’t stay silent.”

Vermont Governor Phil Scott did not publicly comment on the protests, though state police confirmed they were coordinating with local authorities to ensure public safety.

JD Vance Vermont Ski Trip Protests – Frequently Asked Questions

Why did protesters target JD Vance in Vermont?

The protests were a response to Vance’s recent Oval Office meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, where tensions reportedly flared over U.S. aid to Ukraine. Many protesters expressed concern over the administration’s stance on supporting Ukraine against Russian aggression.

Were the protests peaceful?

Yes, the protests were largely peaceful. There were no major incidents reported, and law enforcement maintained a visible presence throughout the event. However, the protests did cause some traffic disruptions in the area.

Did JD Vance respond to the protests?

As of this writing, JD Vance has not made a public statement specifically addressing the protests in Vermont. His office has focused on emphasizing his role in national leadership and policy decisions.

How did local Vermont residents feel about the protests?

Local opinions were mixed. Some residents supported the protests, saying it’s important to voice opinions on issues like Ukraine aid. Others felt it disrupted the peace of a normally quiet area and questioned whether a ski resort was the appropriate venue for such demonstrations.

“It was intense,” said one local shop owner. “But at the same time, Vermont has a history of activism. People here believe in standing up for what they think is right.”

Final Thoughts

JD Vance’s Vermont ski trip turned into a national talking point thanks to the protests that followed him into the snow-covered hills. While the vice president may have been looking for a weekend of relaxation, the events in Waitsfield showed that political accountability can follow public figures even into personal moments.

Whether you see the protests as a bold statement of civic duty or an overreach into personal space, one thing is clear: public opinion on U.S. involvement in Ukraine remains deeply divided. And with political figures like Vance at the center of the debate, the spotlight isn’t going away anytime soon.

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