Ski Resort Guide
Stowe
Stowe Ski Resort Guide
Introduction
One of the world's most famous ski destinations, Stowe ski resort is a beautiful destination packed full of great accommodation, dining and shopping options.
In recent years Stowe has spent hundreds of millions of dollars in a huge renaissance programme, which has left it with a state-of-the art, 21st century ski area equipped with 100% high-speed lift access.
These improvements are based on top of Stowe's natural assets, which include Vermont's highest mountain, some of the steepest and longest runs in New England, as well as plenty of great beginner and intermediate terrain.
In recent years Stowe has spent hundreds of millions of dollars in a huge renaissance programme, which has left it with a state-of-the art, 21st century ski area equipped with 100% high-speed lift access.
These improvements are based on top of Stowe's natural assets, which include Vermont's highest mountain, some of the steepest and longest runs in New England, as well as plenty of great beginner and intermediate terrain.
Mountain facts
Resort elevation: 475m (1,559ft).
Top elevation: 1,133m (3,719ft).
Base elevation: 240m (787ft).
Number of lifts: 13.
Number of runs: 116.
Average annual snowfall: 8.3m (27.7ft).
Where in the world?
Stowe is located in the Green Mountains of Vermont, within the New England region of the USA.
Hit the slopes
Stowe's famous ski area is located on two mountains, Vermont's highest, Mount Mackenzie and Spruce Peak, and has a season which lasts from mid-November to late April.
The recent investment in new lifts and a host of other infrastructure improvements means that getting around the slopes quickly and comfortably has never been easier.
There is also better beginner and intermediate terrain, but where Stowe excels is with the length of its classic New England trails, with more runs than any other ski area in the region, as well as the longest, Toll Road. Advanced skiers should make a beeline for the famed ‘Front Four trails': Starr, National, Goat and Liftline.
To get to know the resort upon arrival it's well worth joining a free guided mountain tour. These meet at on weekends and in holiday periods outside the Stowe Toys Demo Center, which is located at the base of the Four Runner quad chairlift in front of the giant trail map.
Freestylers of all ability levels will enjoy the choice of beginner, advanced and intermediate terrain parks and there's also a halfpipe.
The recent investment in new lifts and a host of other infrastructure improvements means that getting around the slopes quickly and comfortably has never been easier.
There is also better beginner and intermediate terrain, but where Stowe excels is with the length of its classic New England trails, with more runs than any other ski area in the region, as well as the longest, Toll Road. Advanced skiers should make a beeline for the famed ‘Front Four trails': Starr, National, Goat and Liftline.
To get to know the resort upon arrival it's well worth joining a free guided mountain tour. These meet at on weekends and in holiday periods outside the Stowe Toys Demo Center, which is located at the base of the Four Runner quad chairlift in front of the giant trail map.
Freestylers of all ability levels will enjoy the choice of beginner, advanced and intermediate terrain parks and there's also a halfpipe.
Beyond the slopes
Stowe is a year round resort and there's a lot to do on the mountain, in the base resort and in the village besides simply sliding down on skis or a snowboard. Cross country skiing, tobogganing, snowmobiling, snowshoeing and dog sledding tours are all offered on the snow.
If you like your water pleasure in liquid as well as frozen form, then you'll be spoilt for choice by the numerous heated pools and spas in the area, particularly in individual hotels such as the Stoweflake Mountain Resort, 1746 Mountain Road, and Stowe Mountain Lodge, 7412 Mountain Road.
If you like your water pleasure in liquid as well as frozen form, then you'll be spoilt for choice by the numerous heated pools and spas in the area, particularly in individual hotels such as the Stoweflake Mountain Resort, 1746 Mountain Road, and Stowe Mountain Lodge, 7412 Mountain Road.
Family fun
There's everything a family needs at Stowe, with children from a very early age of only six-weeks cared for in Cubs Daycare at the Spruce base area, and children aged from 3 to 12 years able to ski with the resort's Children's Adventure Program.
There are dozens of family-friendly places to stay and to eat. In the village make sure you take a look in The Depot Street Malt Shoppe, Depot Street, a fifties-style ice cream café serving up sundaes and cones.
There are dozens of family-friendly places to stay and to eat. In the village make sure you take a look in The Depot Street Malt Shoppe, Depot Street, a fifties-style ice cream café serving up sundaes and cones.
Retail therapy
Stowe is something of a shoppers' paradise and many visitors come here to do little more than spend their days wandering around the 70 or so unique and boutique shops and art galleries. Chain stores are practically non-existent here. An unusual, possibly unique bonus of shopping at Stowe is that in many participating shops in the village you will receive vouchers for a free chocolate at Laughing Moon Chocolates, or a free coffee, and spending US$75 or more even entitles you to a discount on lift tickets. These offers are all available to holders of the freely available Stowe Points Card.
Après ski
Stowe's new pedestrian plaza at Spruce Peak is a lively après ski hub with shopping, dining, interactive ice-carving and igloo building as well as live music and camp fires with outdoor seating.
The Hourglass Bar in Stowe Mountain Lodge, 7412 Mountain Road, serves regional microbrew beers, designer cocktails and rare wines by the glass.
Longer established watering holes include The Shed Brewery, 1859 Mountain Road, famed for its happy hour specials and a beer sampler served in a wooden ski. The Rusty Nail Bar & Grille, 1190 Mountain Road, is another lively nightspot but there are plenty of quiet lounges and sophisticated venues too.
The Hourglass Bar in Stowe Mountain Lodge, 7412 Mountain Road, serves regional microbrew beers, designer cocktails and rare wines by the glass.
Longer established watering holes include The Shed Brewery, 1859 Mountain Road, famed for its happy hour specials and a beer sampler served in a wooden ski. The Rusty Nail Bar & Grille, 1190 Mountain Road, is another lively nightspot but there are plenty of quiet lounges and sophisticated venues too.
Eating out
With more than 60 places to eat around Stowe and tough competition between them all, you'll find a great range of options and normally high standards of service and cuisine at most. Italian, Indian, Japanese and French Savoyard options sit along side the usual expansive American meal providers.
The gourmet standard Solstice Restaurant in Stowe Mountain Lodge, 7412 Mountain Road, offers seasonal and sustainable cuisine, with food sourced from local farmers, cheese makers and other ‘food artisans', as well as boutique wineries, whenever possible.
The gourmet standard Solstice Restaurant in Stowe Mountain Lodge, 7412 Mountain Road, offers seasonal and sustainable cuisine, with food sourced from local farmers, cheese makers and other ‘food artisans', as well as boutique wineries, whenever possible.
Getting around
Stowe's ski slopes and hotels, restaurants and other amenities are located around 10km (6 miles) from the historic village itself. Many of the area's hotels have their own shuttle bus service, and many visitors will arrive in rental cars, but there is a public shuttle bus service operating, with most frequent services when the lifts open and close for the day, as well as several taxi firms available.
Splashing out
Peace Pups Dog-Sledding (www.peacepupsdogsledding.com) offers evening dogsled tours at the ski area where you tour the area pulled by an enthusiastic team of Siberian Huskies. Discounts are offered to guests staying in Stowe Resort accommodation (rather than at one of the village properties).
Accommodation
Luxury
Stowe Mountain LodgeStunning slope side lodge of rustic Vermont-Alpine architecture with exceptional facilities, including luxury spa, and a wonderful concierge service that takes care of you before as well as during your visit.
7412 Mountain Road
Tel: (802) 253 3560.
Website: www.stowe.com
Moderate
Trapp Family LodgeA resort in its own right, open to guests since 1950 and established by the famous family depicted in the ‘Sound of Music' after they left Europe.
700 Trapp Hill Road
Tel: (802) 253 8011.
Website: www.trappfamily.com
Budget
Mountaineer InnA traditional New England style inn, well located for the slopes, with excellent amenities including a huge hot tub and sauna.
3343 Mountain Road
Tel: (802) 253 7525.
Website: www.stowemountaineerinn.com
Getting there
Nearest airports: Burlington International (BTV); Montreal Trudeau International (YUL).
Distances to resort: 41km (26 miles); 220km (138 miles).
Driving times: 45 minutes; 3 hours.
Distances to resort: 41km (26 miles); 220km (138 miles).
Driving times: 45 minutes; 3 hours.
Website
This resort is good for...
Experts, Après ski, Families, Intermediates, Snowboarders, Beginners
Need some holiday inspiration?
Tired of the same holiday destination?
Fresh ideas are just one click away...
Fresh ideas are just one click away...
Sign up for our newsletter
Be the first to hear about the coolest destinations and the latest travel trends. Plus, competitions, holiday inspiration and amusing facts, delivered directly to your inbox.
Advertisement
Travel Deals
Advertising features
-
Finland Family holidays There is something about the snow in Finland that makes you wonder if the locals sneak out at night and spray it with a coat of brilliant white paint – it
-
Finland Activity & adventure holidays Finnish Lapland has enormous areas of untouched wilderness and mile upon mile of wild rolling fells. This vast open countryside, sparkling in the winter sunshine, just begs to be explored by
-
Orlando Adrenaline Whether you’re enjoying the hair-raising delights of the world’s only flying rollercoaster called Manta at SeaWorld or racing through the Everglades on an airboat in search of alligators, one thing’s for
-
Cambodia Luxury holidays Today Cambodia is symbolised by awesome Angkor Wat, the largest man-made religious structure in the world. However, Cambodia is also home to some of the finest boutique hotels in the world
-
Laos Inspire Me When the French colonised Indochina they had a saying: "The Vietnamese grow the rice, the Cambodians watch the rice grow, and the Lao people listen to the rice grow." This is
-
Vietnam Cultural breaks Vietnam is a country with a rich and varied history that is now firmly focused on her bright future. This is why it has become one of the hottest destinations for
Travel Partners
Advertisement
Advertisement
Advertisement
