Named one of America’s Top 10 Best Ski Towns by Forbes, Stowe Vermont has a little something for everyone. One of my favorite spots to ski during the long New England winters, Stowe is great for beginners just learning how to ski, those seeking black diamonds, and if your more into Après Ski than actual skiing don’t worry, there is plenty for you to entertain yourself with! Stowe offers 116 trails, 13 lifts, and a gondola connects the two mountains, Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak. Filled with great restaurants, highly rated day spas, a long list of distilleries, breweries, and wineries, and plenty of outdoor activities.
If you’re trying to plan a ski trip this winter here is my breakdown of where it stay in Stowe, what to do during the winter in Stowe, and when to go!
There are so many options when it comes to Stowe accommodations, and a lot of factors to consider. First you need to decide do you want something on mountain – this is ideal for people who want to ski all day. Do you need something bigger for a larger group? Or do you want something quiet and a little further away from the mountain.
The Lodge at Spruce Peak – This is really a one shop stop. If you’re looking to ski all day and plan on being to tired at the end of the day to go out this is the spot for you. There are a few different options here, The Village, offers traditional guest rooms, studios and suites. It is also the only spot with ski-in/ ski out option in Stowe. If you’re planning a trip with a large group The Lodge at Spruce Peak also offers luxury rentals and mountain cabins that can come with up to 5 bed rooms.
There are a number of dinning option located at The Lodge which is really convenient if your worn out from a day on the slopes. from the casual Great Room Grill to the more upscale Solstice Restaurant you will have a hard time finding a reason to leave Spruce Peak.
If you’re all skied out there is also Ice Skating, snowshoeing, ice climbing, horseback riding, and dog sledding! For my Après Ski warriors there are local brewery tastings, checking The Whistlepig Pavilion for fire baked cheese and whiskey cocktails!
Trapp Family Lodge – Want to feel like you went skiing in the Austrian Alpes? Check out Trapp Family Lodge, and yes that is in the Von Trapp Family. From traditional guest rooms in the lodge to 3 bed room villas, there is even pet friendly lodging if you want to bring your furry friends!
The Trapp Family Lodge has cross-country skiing, backcountry skiing, and snowshoeing. There is downhill skiing just a few miles from the Trapp Family Lodge.
For those looking for an Après Ski experience Trapp Family Lodge offers Farm-To-Table Dining, on site brewery, and enjoy mountain side hot chocolate at the Slayton Pasture Cabin. While you’re there take advantage of the Trapp Family Wine Cellar, you can do tastings and guided tours. Book a massages and then go for an afternoon carriage ride, truly a magical experience in the snow covered mountains, end the day in the outdoor hot tub, don’t worry its surrounded by heated slate!
Stowe Meadows – Valentine’s Ski Getaway? Yes please! If you’re looking for a romantic couple’s weekend Stow Meadows if the perfect spot for you. With only 4 suites, Stowe Meadows can easily feel like your own private mountain lodge.
Onsite there is cross-country skiing, snowshoeing. Downhill skiing is just a short drive away, Stow Mountain is 20 minutes up the road. You can also take advantage of the shopping and dining options in Stowe Village just 5 miles away.
Stowe Meadows if for those looking for a relaxing mountain vacation. If this sounds great but you were really hoping for more skiing, consider visiting in the summer to take advantage of their gardens, hiking trails, and swimming.
The Field Guide – This charming boutique hotel is part of the Lark Hotel collection, one of my personal favorite brands to stay with. Every room is uniquely decorated, with rooms starting at low as $87 a night. Stay in the main Lodge or in one of the Trail House suites, you can’t go wrong!
There is homemade breakfast every morning, they event partner with the BHAV Spa near by to offer Field Guide guest exclusive spa packages. Right in the heart of Stowe Village you are walking distance to tons of shopping, restaurants, and still just a short drive to Stowe Mountain.
General Tips for Visiting Stowe Vermont this Winter:
-Book your lift tickets ahead of time!
-Book equipment rentals ahead of time, super important if you’re not bringing your own equipment, rentals will sell out during peak season so book ahead.
-Take a lesson! If you’ve never skied or are a little rusty Stowe is a great place to learn.
-Take a tour of the Ben and Jerry’s Factory Tour, its great trust me.
– Avoid school vacation weeks and holiday weekends, the mountains will be super crowded.
-If you want to ski all season long at a bunch of different locations look into the Epic Pass.
Looking for more recommendations on where to ski in New England? Check out my post on some of my favorite skication spots!
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Great post 🙂
Great post and fantastic photos. It reminds me that the last time I was on skis was such a long long time ago, I wish we had more snow in Ireland. Thanks for sharing and have a good day. Aiva