Stowe

About Stowe

Lauded as “the ski capital of the East,” by SKI Magazine readers, Stowe has transformed beautifully over the years from its first Winter Carnival in 1921 to its present-day modern chairlifts and amenities. So, if you’re in search of a luxurious, well-reputed New England ski vacation, then Vermont’s Stowe Mountain Resort should be top-of-mind. Stowe Mountain Resort also hosts Vermont’s highest mountain, Mount Mansfield, at 4,393 feet. Expert skiers can even enjoy backcountry skiing on Mount Mansfield.

Stowe is one of the best options for East Coast powder hounds with 333 inches of snow annually. But just in case Mother Nature isn’t cooperating, the resort has enough snowmaking to cover 90 percent of the mountain. Its modern lift system includes one of the world’s fastest eight-passenger gondolas and 100 percent of its terrain is accessible by high-speed lifts. The Vermont Ski Museum, founded in 1988, found its home in Stowe in 2000. Dive into the rich history of skiing and snowboarding in Vermont with fascinating artifacts and stories that celebrate the state's legendary winter sports heritage.

Stowe, nestled in southern Lamoille County, is surrounded by the stunning peaks of Mount Mansfield and the Green Mountains to the west, and the Worcester Range to the east. This charming town is bordered by Chittenden County to the west and Washington County to the south and east. The village of Stowe is centrally located, where the Little River meets its West Branch. Covering 72.8 square miles, Stowe is Vermont's second-largest town by area, right after Chittenden in Rutland County.

How to get to Stowe

Getting to Stowe, Vermont, is a breeze by plane, no pun intended! Fly into Burlington International Airport, just 40 minutes away, or drive from major cities like Boston (3.5 hours) and New York (6.5 hours). Train and bus services are available to nearby Waterbury, with complimentary shuttles to Stowe during winter.

Enjoy local taxis, car services, and the free Mountain Road Shuttle for easy access to skiing, dining, and shopping. Walk or bike the scenic Stowe Recreation Path and sidewalks throughout the historic village. For airport transfers, shuttles to Burlington International Airport are available. Getting around Stowe, Vermont, couldn’t be simpler!

Skiing in Stowe

Families will especially love a Stowe ski vacation, since the entire Spruce Peak base area was designed with them in mind. The Spruce Camp base lodge houses a children’s adventures center and a learn to ski or ride center, making it a great epicenter for beginner skiers or boarders. The area features a magic carpet, and two lifts that access only green runs. Spruce Peak is a great place for families of varying abilities, as the more advanced skiers and boarders can find several intermediate runs, as well as a couple black diamonds at the top of the mountain.

Beginner Skiing in Stowe, VermontStowe, Vermont, offers an array of beginner ski slopes perfect for first-time skiers and snowboarders. The dedicated beginner area, Spruce Peak, features gentle, open slopes ideal for learning and building confidence. With 80 years of teaching experience, Stowe’s instructors provide expert guidance, ensuring a fun and safe learning environment. Spruce Peak is a great place for families of varying abilities, as the more advanced skiers and boarders can find several intermediate runs, as well as a couple black diamonds at the top of the mountain.

Intermediates will have an absolute blast skiing off of Mount Mansfield, with sustained groomers like Gondolier or Perry Merrill. All the chairlifts from the Mansfield Base Lodge area access plenty more blue runs for intermediates looking to explore. Experts have a great gladded area called Waterfall just off the top of the Gondola. Experts in search of challenging, bumped-out steeps should head up Fourrunner Quad.

Family vacations in Stowe

Families will delight in the wide, welcoming slopes of Spruce Peak, an ideal setting for novice skiers and snowboarders to discover their rhythm. For a laid-back vibe, hop on the Over Easy Transfer Gondola to cruise between two mountains and discover the mellow, tree-lined trails in the Adventure Zones. But the fun doesn’t stop at skiing—Stowe is also famous for its top-notch cross-country ski trails, stunning winter hikes, and a charming downtown full of unique shops and eateries.

Après-ski is where Stowe really shines, with activities like ice skating, snowshoeing, and sampling craft brews at local breweries for adult fun. For something truly magical, take a horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snow-covered woods. Set between Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak, Stowe is a dream for beginners and families alike, offering breathtaking scenery and some of the most inviting slopes around. And to make your trip extra special, consider hiring a personal mountain guide to help your family master the mountain. Ready for a winter adventure? Book your unforgettable Stowe getaway today!