Stowe Travel Guide

Skiing in Stowe

Overview The Stowe holiday resort 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 holiday 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 the town of Stowe. 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 to choose from in Stowe, 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 in Stowe, but The Matterhorn Bar and Restaurant are long standing favourites. 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. Other popular venues that offer evening entertainment include Piecasso, the Shed and Rimrocks.

Activities There are several options for the non-skier on holiday in Stowe, 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, horse riding and the Vermont Ski museum, as well as plenty of shops and art galleries. The resort is also open in summer, providing a spectacular mountain holiday venue 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.

Add Tips for Stowe

Shopping Tip:

Restaurant Tip:

Nightlife Tip:

Activity Tip:

Name:

Email:

Please enter the characters in the image into the box below.

if you can't read the image text click here to load another one.

Feedback

Travel Guide powered by Word Travels, copyright © 2012 Globe Media Ltd. All rights reserved. By its very nature much of the information in this guide is subject to change at short notice and travellers are urged to verify information on which they're relying with the relevant authorities. Neither Globe Media nor The Global Travel Group can accept any responsibility for any loss or inconvenience to any person as a result of information contained above.