Are you looking for a beautiful mountain getaway? Stowe Mountain Resort in Vermont’s Green Mountains is perfect. It’s a top ski resort and a great place to visit all year. Here, you can enjoy exciting winter sports or peaceful summer hikes.
Key Takeaways
- Stowe Mountain Resort is a premier year-round destination in the Green Mountains of Vermont
- The resort offers a wide range of activities, from skiing and snowboarding to hiking and scenic gondola rides
- Visitors can explore historic Stowe Village, indulge in local cuisine and craft beverages, and immerse themselves in the region’s natural beauty
- The resort boasts over 100 ski trails, a scenic gondola ride to the summit of Mount Mansfield, and numerous hiking trails for all skill levels
- Stowe is known for its spectacular autumn foliage, making it an ideal destination for a fall getaway
Overview of Stowe Mountain Resort and Location
Stowe Mountain Resort is in the heart of northern Vermont. It’s a top spot for outdoor fun and nature lovers. With a 4,393-foot peak at Mt. Mansfield, it’s perfect for winter and summer activities.
It has 485 skiable acres and a 2,360-foot vertical drop. This makes it great for all snowboarders and skiers. It’s more personal than big resorts.
Best Time to Visit Stowe
The best time to visit Stowe varies by activity. For autumn colors, early October is best. Winter sports fans will love the 314 inches of snow from November to April.
Summer brings hiking, biking, and more outdoor fun from June to October.
Getting There and Transportation Options
Stowe Mountain Resort is easy to get to. It’s 45 minutes from Burlington International Airport and 3 hours from Boston Logan International Airport. Free shuttle service is available during ski season.
Resort Facilities and Amenities
Stowe Mountain Resort has amazing skiing and snowboarding. It also has the Cliff House Restaurant, scenic gondola rides, and lodging at Spruce Peak Village. You can ski right to your door.
There’s also dining, shopping, and entertainment for everyone. It’s a complete vacation spot.
| Facility | Details |
|---|---|
| The Lodge at Spruce Peak | Offers over 250 rooms, suites, and residences with ski-in, ski-out access |
| Trapp Family Lodge | 96 rooms on 2,600 acres with activities like horse-drawn carriage rides and snowshoeing |
| Outbound Stowe Hotel | Provides direct access to the 5.3-mile Stowe Recreation Path for walking, running, and biking |
| Innsbruck Inn at Stowe | Offers amenities such as indoor sauna, outdoor hot tubs, a pool, and a game room |
| Topnotch Resort | Includes indoor and outdoor pools, a full-service spa, and a tennis academy |
| Edson Hill Bed & Breakfast | Provides 22 rooms across 38 acres, with activities like cross-country skiing and fat biking |
“Stowe Mountain Resort offers a sense of freedom and community, like a snow day as a child, with diverse terrain and scenic vistas to explore.”
Skiing and Winter Sports at Stowe Mountain
Stowe Mountain Resort is known as the “Ski Capital of the East.” It has over 100 trails for all skill levels. The ski season is from November to mid-April. Visitors need to pack warm clothes because it can get very cold.
The resort is great for everyone, with ski rentals and lessons. It also has terrain parks for freestyle fans. There are over 25 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails and 18 miles of backcountry trails for a peaceful experience.
| Ski Terrain | Lift System | Trail Difficulty |
|---|---|---|
| 116 trails | 12 lifts |
|
Whether you’re an expert or new to skiing, Stowe Mountain Resort is the place to be. It has a vast trail network, excellent facilities, and beautiful scenery. It’s the top choice for skiing Stowe Mountain in Vermont.
“Stowe was chartered in 1763, but its first settlers arrived 30 years later when the population totaled 316 people and 8,000 grazing sheep, indicating a strong dominance of the farming industry in the early years.”
In 1921, Stowe hosted its first Winter Carnival. This event marked its rise as a winter hotspot. Ski tracks were made, trails were added, and tourists flooded in, making it the ‘Ski Capital of the East.’
Scenic Gondola SkyRide Experience
Stowe Mountain Resort in scenic Vermont offers a memorable trip to Mount Mansfield’s summit. The 11-minute Gondola SkyRide gives you stunning views of the Green Mountains. It’s a top activity to do when you visit.
The Cliff House Restaurant
At the gondola’s top, you’ll find the famous Cliff House Restaurant. It’s known for its great food and views. With huge windows, it’s the best place to enjoy a meal and see the mountains. Booking ahead is smart, as it’s loved by both locals and visitors.
Summit Views and Photo Opportunities
The Gondola SkyRide is not just a scenic ride. It also leads to hiking trails and great photo spots at the summit. You can take amazing pictures of Stowe’s beautiful mountains. Whether you want a wide view or a close-up of the foliage, the summit has lots of photo chances.
Seasonal Operating Hours
- The Gondola SkyRide runs from mid-June to mid-October. It’s a great time to see the resort’s beauty when it’s warm.
- Check the resort’s website or talk to staff to find out when it’s open. This helps plan your Stowe gondola ride.
Experience the beauty of Stowe Mountain Resort with the Gondola SkyRide. This scenic trip is a key part of any Vermont vacation.
Hiking Trails and Outdoor Adventures
Stowe, Vermont, is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts. It boasts a wide range of hiking trails for all skill levels. Whether you prefer a casual walk or a tough hike, the Green Mountains around Stowe have it all.
Family-Friendly Hikes
The Moss Glen Falls trail is a great choice for a calm outing. It’s a 20-30 minute walk to a beautiful waterfall. Another favorite is the Bingham Falls trail, a 1.3-mile path with stunning waterfall views.
Scenic Summits
For the bold, Mount Mansfield is a must-try. It’s Vermont’s highest peak at 4,939 feet. The Auto Toll Road offers a scenic drive to the top. There, you can picnic and enjoy amazing views.
Diverse Outdoor Activities
- Biking fans will love the Cady Hill Forest. The Four Points Mountain Bike School and Guide Service offers guided rides.
- Water sports lovers can kayak on the Green River Reservoir, paddleboard on Lake Elmore, or canoe on the Waterbury Reservoir.
- For a thrill, try tree-top ziplining with ArborTrek Canopy Adventures.
Stowe is a top spot for outdoor fun. It offers a wide range of activities for nature lovers and adventure seekers.
Stowe Village Attractions and Shopping
The town of Stowe in Vermont is a mix of old charm and new attractions. Its Main Street is the heart of the village. It’s filled with local shops, art galleries, and places to eat.
Historic Main Street Highlights
Walking down Main Street, you’ll see old buildings that catch your eye. The Stowe Mercantile is a favorite spot for Vermont-made goods. It has everything from cheeses to handmade gifts.
Next to it, Shaw’s General Store has been around since 1895. It gives a peek into Stowe’s history.
Local Boutiques and Galleries
Main Street is also home to many unique shops and galleries. The Bear Pond Bookstore is a cozy place for book lovers. The Stowe Memorial Gallery showcases beautiful art by local artists.
Dining and Entertainment Options
After shopping and seeing sights, try the tasty food in Stowe. Black Cap Coffee & Beer has great coffee and beer. Butler’s Pantry serves meals made with fresh, local ingredients.
Main Street is also lively with events and live music. It’s a place where visitors and locals enjoy together.
Stowe Village is perfect for finding unique Vermont products, exploring Main Street, or learning about the town’s history. It’s a memorable place for everyone who visits.
Autumn Foliage and Seasonal Activities
Stowe, Vermont is famous for its stunning autumn foliage. The Stowe fall foliage peaks in early October. Then, the area turns into a colorful display of reds, oranges, and golds. Visitors can enjoy many autumn activities in this Vermont leaf peeping paradise.
The Gondola SkyRide at Stowe Mountain Resort offers amazing views of the changing colors. The resort also has many hiking trails. These trails let you see the autumn beauty up close.
- Stowe has over 45 hiking trails for all skill levels.
- The Long Trail, Vermont’s oldest trail, runs through Stowe. It offers beautiful views and a true wilderness experience.
- Moss Glen Falls, Vermont’s tallest waterfall, is a short drive from Stowe. It’s a favorite spot for leaf peepers.
For adventure, try Percy’s Corn Maze in Stowe. It’s a big agricultural maze that’s a fall tradition. The maze also has a small animal farm, making it great for families.
“Stowe is truly a gem in the crown of Vermont’s autumn splendor. The vibrant foliage, coupled with the area’s abundant outdoor activities, make it an absolute must-visit for anyone seeking the quintessential New England fall experience.” – Vermont Travel Magazine
Local Food and Beverage Experiences
Stowe, Vermont, is a top spot for food and drinks. It has everything from craft beers to farm-to-table meals. The town loves to celebrate Vermont’s unique products.
Craft Breweries and Cideries
Beer lovers will enjoy Stowe’s craft brewery scene. Prohibition Pig Brewery is a hit, with its small-batch beers and fun vibe. The von Trapp Bierhall, run by the von Trapp family, has amazing views and Bavarian beers.
For a taste of Vermont’s cider, check out Cold Hollow Cider Mill. They serve great apple cider and cider donuts.
Farm-to-Table Dining
Stowe is all about local food. Plate Restaurant uses the freshest Vermont ingredients in its menu. The Depot Street Grill and Butler’s Pantry also focus on local produce and cheeses.
Vermont Specialty Products
Don’t miss out on Stowe’s specialty items. Cabot Cheese is a must-try, with its famous cheddar. Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream is another favorite, offering tours and unique flavors.
Stowe’s food scene is all about supporting local farmers and makers. You’ll find amazing beer, fresh food, and Vermont treats. It’s a true taste of Vermont.
Spruce Peak Village Entertainment
The Spruce Peak Village sits at Mount Mansfield’s base in Stowe, Vermont. It’s a lively spot for entertainment all year round. With its beautiful views and mountain-themed fun, it’s a top spot for a great Stowe visit.
The WhistlePig Pavilion is a big highlight here. It’s an outdoor spot for live music all year. It’s perfect for enjoying a drink after skiing or relaxing in the summer.
The village also has cozy fire pits and comfy Adirondack chairs. You can relax and see the mountains. There are many shops and places to eat, too, for all kinds of tastes.
Looking for exciting Spruce Peak activities or a chill day in the Stowe resort village? The Spruce Peak Village is the place to be for a memorable Stowe trip.
“The Spruce Peak Village is a true gem in the heart of Stowe, offering an unparalleled blend of mountain charm, entertainment, and outdoor adventure.”
Family-Friendly Activities and Attractions
Stowe, Vermont, is a top choice for families looking for a great mountain resort experience. It has lots of activities and attractions for kids and adults alike. You can explore easy hiking trails, ride the scenic gondola, or visit Percy’s Corn Maze and Stowe Village.
The Stowe Recreation Path is great for family walks, bike rides, and strolls. It lets you enjoy the area’s natural beauty. In winter, kids can learn to ski and go snow tubing, showing off the resort’s beauty all year.
Stowe offers outdoor fun, cultural spots, and time together for families. Its natural beauty, family-friendly features, and many activities make it perfect for your next family trip.
