Skiing remains one of the most popular things to do in Vermont and Stowe Mountain Resort is one of Vermont’s oldest ski areas. It opened in the 1930s on the side of Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest mountain (4,395 feet). Though competition from other Vermont ski stations, such as Killington ski area, has challenged its title of "Ski Capital of the East," Stowe Mountain remains a popular resort, characterized by its long winding trails and beautiful vistas.
At 2,360 feet, Stowe Mountain resort has one of the longest vertical drops in New England. The long trails from the top of Stowe Mountain range from easy to advanced. The longest run goes for over three and one half miles. Advanced and expert skiers enjoy the legendary "Front Trails" (Goat, Lift Line, National, and Starr). Beginners can find novice terrain on Spruce Peak, across the road from the main Stowe Mountain Lodge.
The trails are serviced by several long, fast lifts, including two high-speed gondolas. Lodges at the bottom of Stowe Mountain have restaurants, bars, and ski school and rental facilities. Stowe Mountain is famous for its excellent ski school and lessons here are especially recommended for intermediate and advanced skiers.
Stowe Mountain resort also offers sleigh rides and dog sled rides, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and ice-skating. Stowe Mountain also has some of the best cross-country skiing in Vermont. There are over 100 miles of groomed and backcountry trails around Stowe.
Slope-side lodging at the Stowe Mountain Lodge fills up quickly, but it is well worth booking early. Other excellent Stowe hotels include the Green Mountain Inn, a handsome historic structure in the town of Stowe Vermont and Edson Hill Manor, a 1940s lodge two miles from the road to the mountain. Stowe has more hotels and restaurants than you would expect from a town its size, so you are likely to find a room even in peak season. Regular shuttles run from town of Stowe to the resort, so you don’t need to stay at the Stowe Mountain Lodge to get to the slopes early.
Stowe Mountain resort is generally open from November to April, from 8 am to 4 pm weekdays and 7:30 am to 4 pm on weekends. Limited night skiing goes from 5 to 9 pm on Saturdays from late December until mid-March. About 75% of the terrain is covered by snowmaking, so snow is reliable even in dry winters.
Stowe is easily accessible from Route 100, off I-89. The nearest airport is Burlington International Airport, about 45 minutes away. Many major airlines offer flights to Burlington and regular private shuttles run to Stowe. Drivers should expect heavy weekend traffic.
Stowe Mountain resort has been called the most beautiful ski area in the East Coast. This natural beauty, combined with the varied terrain, and long, challenging trails, continues to attract serious skiers interested in the mountain more than the après ski.
