Stowe Vermont has long been a destination for Vermont skiing and other winter sports. Today the town retains its prominence as a winter sports center, but Stowe Vermont is now a four-season destination, with excellent options for year-round recreation and a natural beauty that will keep visitors coming year after year.
Stowe Ski Area
was one of Vermont’s first when it opened in the
1930s. Stow Ski Area is situated on Mount Mansfield, which
at 4,393 feet is the state’s highest mountain. The
2,360-foot vertical drop is one of Vermont’s largest.
Stowe skiing is characterized by long trails: the average
trail length is longer than at any other ski resort in
the state. The winding, narrow trails are challenging
and fun for intermediate and advanced skiers. Beginners
should head to Spruce Peak for some easier Stowe skiing.
Experts will enjoy the legendary "Front Trails"
(Goat, Lift Line, National, and Starr). Enjoy the views
from the high-speed lifts (including a 10-person gondola)
that take you all the way to the top of the mountain:
Stowe Ski Area is one of the most beautiful of all New
England resorts.
In Stowe skiing isn’t the only thing to do. The miles of cross-country trails that attract visitors in winter serve a dual purpose as Vermont hiking paths and mountain bike trails in the warmer months. Thousands of hikers climb Mount Mansfield every year. Some choose an easier route, driving a toll road or taking the Stowe Ski Resort gondola to near the peak. The 5-mile Stowe Recreation Path from the town center to the top of the mountain is a more rewarding route.
Considering its proximity to a major ski area, Stowe Vermont is a compact, attractive town, with a distinctly New England character. Stowe also has a lively arts community and there are numerous galleries and music venues in the town. The Green Mountain Fine Arts Gallery, open daily 10 am to 6 pm except Tuesdays, is worth a visit. Also of interest is the Vermont Ski Museum, which houses permanent and temporary exhibits on Vermont skiing.
Stowe Vermont is located near route 100, not far from Interstate 89, so it is easily accessible by car. In winter, the town is infamous for its traffic: roads are invariably backed up near Stowe Ski Resort. It is a good idea to reach the ski area early and have a meal or drink at the end of the day until the traffic has died down, or better yet stay the night in one of Stowe’s many hotels. There are many quality inns and motels in and around Stowe and a regular shuttle runs between the town and Stowe Ski resort. Burlington Airport is about a 40-minute drive from Stowe Vermont. Amtrak trains and buses go to Waterbury, 10 miles south of Stowe.
The most famous hotel in Stowe Vermont is the Trapp Family Lodge, run by the descendents of Maria and Baron von Trapp. The Trapp family of Sound of Music fame bought this old farm after fleeing the Nazi occupation of Austria. The alpine beauty of Stowe Vermont continues to attract visitors from around the world.
