Nissan Versa and the Scion (I believe you mean the xB?)are very different vehicles. The Scion is a very reliable, ultra-utilitarian box and is extremely popular in my area (near the mountains) with campers, mountain bikers, etc. It has a lot of inside room, and you can store several bike upright in it. In this respect it is similar to the Honda Element, also a very popular machine with the outdoors set.
The Versa gets high compliments for easy handling, versatile cargo space, and styling. However, it is a new and unproven vehicle, and Nissans have not been as reliable as in the past.
If I lived in Vermont, I would buy an AWD mid size vehicle, such as the Honda CRV, Toyota RAV 4, or Subaru Forester. Having spent some winters in this area, I would always be sure of getting to my favorite ski hill with one of these. I would avoid the Versa, since it is an unknown quantitiy at this time. The Scion is a great vehicle, especially if you need all that interior space, as is the Honda Element. If you don’t need 4 wheel drive, chose between these two!