Stowe Travel Guide

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Skiing in Stowe

Overview: Stowe was developed in the 1930s, and as the 'granddaddy' of Vermont ski resorts, it has managed to retain a genteel atmosphere and traditional New England flavour. Situated about 15 minutes north of the charming town of Stowe, the resort is split over two mountains, Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak. Mount Mansfield is Vermont's highest peak at 4,393 feet (1,339m), and has most of the resort's runs. Spruce Peak (connected by a shuttle and gondola to Mt Mansfield) is a perfect spot for intermediate and beginner skiers, with only one black run and plenty of gentle blues. Stowe has a total of 48 runs and 485 acres (196 hectares) of skiable terrain and is a down-to-earth resort, getting far less crowded than the likes of Killington. There is only one slope-side accommodation option. The nearby town of Stowe is full of character, offering picture-perfect views of churches, clapboard houses and covered bridges, and is close enough to several principal eastern US cities to attract local and international clientele.
Skiing: Stowe has gathered a loyal group of die-hard fans and although not a huge resort, it offers a range of skiing opportunities for experts, intermediates and beginners. The double-black diamond Front Four trails (Starr, Liftline, National and Goat) on Mt Mansfield offer a real challenge for experts, being some of the most difficult runs there are, while the Toll Road is a more gentle long run and the top section of the Nose Dive offers good glade skiing. Spruce Peak is better suited to beginners and intermediates, with plenty of green runs, cruisers and some great night skiing. Skiers can also choose to ride Snuffy's trail to the neighbouring Smuggler's Notch resort. The snowboarding at Stowe is also some of the best around, with three terrain parks and plenty of freeriding.
Shopping: There are over 100 shops and lots of art galleries for browsing, mostly in town. The town's first ski shop, the 100-year-old Shaw's General Store, is well worth a visit. Vermont speciality foods (including maple syrup) can be found and there are also plenty of handcrafted items and local goods.
Restaurants: There are over 50 restaurants in town to choose from, including the popular Cliff House restaurant on top of Mount Mansfield, and the Fireside Tavern. Jose's Cantina has tasty Mexican food and decent pub grub, while McCarthy's is always a solid bet for good, honest fare and a great cup of coffee. For something a little more upmarket, try the Blue Moon Café, or Norma's at Topnotch.
Nightlife: There is not a huge range of choice when it comes to nightlife, but The Matterhorn Bar and Restaurant is the favourite. The restaurant specialises in sushi and basic dinner foods, while after dinner, the nightclub phase begins, with loud music, pool tables, dancing and drinking the norm. The Fireside Tavern is a more laid-back après-ski option, situated at the Inn at the Mountain, Stowe's only mountainside accommodation, while Mr Pickwick's (at the Ye Olde England Inne) offers a range of over 150 beers to choose from. The Rusty Nail is another Stowe institution and has a restaurant, as well as live music. There are several other places that offer evening entertainment such as Piecasso, the Shed and Rimrocks.
Activities: There are several options for the non-skier, or for those days when the legs need a rest. The town of Stowe offers two world-class spas, indoor tennis, ice-skating, an indoor pool, snow-mobiling, horseriding, the Vermont Ski museum, as well as plenty of shops and art galleries. The resort is also open in summer, providing a spectacular mountain getaway with bungy trampolining, hiking, the Alpine waterslide, the Gondola skyride and more.
Negatives: The skiing at Stowe takes place at a relatively low altitude, so variable snow cover can be an issue, although the resort does have snow-making equipment. The resort is some distance from town and doesn't have much of its own après-ski atmosphere.