Vacation Planning
First Timers Guide to Stowe
Welcome to Stowe! If you’ve never been here before, you have an abundance of pleasant options before you – like which of the 50+ restaurants in town you should visit. We know that taking a skiing/snowboarding vacation with friends or family can take some planning, and this guide should help you get organized.
Index
- The Mountains
- Stowe Culture
- Lodging
- Getting Here and Getting Around
- Lift Tickets
- Gear
- Child Care
- Dining
- Entertainment
- Relax!
- Bring a Piece of Stowe Home
- Visit Any Time!
- Questions?
The mountains Mt. Mansfield is Vermont’s highest peak (4395') and offers a wide range of terrain for every ability level. It’s well-known for the double-black diamond (most difficult) “Front Four” trails, but also offers some of the longest intermediate cruisers in the East, and a lovely group of beginner trails in the Toll House area. Spruce Peak is geared toward beginner and intermediate skiers and riders. Lower Spruce – the area nearest the Spruce Base Are Complex – is a great place to learn, while Upper Spruce is the next step up. Check out the interactive trail guide and think about where you’d like to explore. Check out the different Mountain Zones to get a feel for the places that suit your style and ability. Interested in cross-country skiing or snowshoeing? See this week’s photos , or check out the Video Gallery for a sense of what’s happening on and around the mountains.
Stowe culture
Whether you’re interested in fine wine or big air (or both), Stowe delivers. It’s a multi-dimensional community with many interesting personalities and things to do. Learn about the “Triple A’s” at Stowe Mountain Resort. Stowe has a dynamic freestyle scene. StoweInsideLine.com offers weekly updates of what is happening on the mountain and around the Stowe Community. And you can sign up on the site to have the weekly newsletter sent directly to you via email.
Lodging
Finding your home away from home is pretty easy with just a little bit of web surfing. If you’d like to stay slopeside, The Inn at the Mountain and Condominiums or the new Stowe Mountain Lodge are two great options. If you’d like to explore other options around town – from cozy B&Bs to full-service hotels with spas – check out the Stowe Area Association lodging guide.
Getting here and getting around
Getting to Stowe is easy, and you’ll enjoy an extraordinary landscape on the way. This way to directions. Once here, a car is convenient but not entirely necessary. The Mountain Road Shuttle is FREE in winter and runs regularly between Stowe village and the resort, with abundant stops along the way. Looking for a ride all your own? Call Peg’s Pick Up at 802-253-9490.
Lift tickets
Going beyond our lift ticket rate sheet, a number of special packages are available to suit various needs: the Winter Special Page list many seasonal deals are regularly updated at Stowe.com. If you plan to ski or ride at the resort regularly (or just need an excuse), then a Seasons Pass or the New Stowe Points Card might just be the things for you.
Gear
If you need ski or snowboard equipment, getting your rentals or performance demos at the mountain means you won’t have to lug your gear around. Leave it at the ski check (free for multi-day rentals) and grab it the next morning right next to the lift!
Lessons
Regardless of your ability level, a lesson is likely to advance your skills to the next level. Even World Cup skiers seek the advice of coaches – why not you? Stowe has programs for every age and ability, and the perfect classroom (Mt. Mansfield and Spruce Peak) for your lesson. The Stowe Ski and Snowboard School is one of the country's oldest and most-respected winter sports instruction organizations.
Child care
If your little ones aren’t quite ready for the slopes, consider the Cubs Childcare Center, a state licensed program accepting children one to three years in age. We are dedicated to providing a warm, safe and fun environment that is developmentally appropriate. Our facility is located in a cozy ski chalet nestled at the base of Lower Spruce, just below the Mountain Cabins, providing easy access to the slopes.
Dining
It’s something we all have in common: ya' gotta eat. So you might as well enjoy that part of being human. Stowe delivers, with dining options from the Cliff House Restaurant atop Mt. Mansfield, the Cottage at the base of Spruce Peak and the Great Room Grill located inside the new Spruce Camp Base Lodge. Don't forget about the cozy environs of the Fireside Tavern open on weekends for apres ski cocktails and entertainment. Around town, there are scores of other options, whether you’re into sushi, authentic Italian fare or just a good old burger. For a complete Stowe Mountain Resort dining guide click here.
Entertainment
During the winter, the resort is always hopping with special events, from slopestyles to live music and more. Around town is just as lively. If you prefer some action with your activities, options like dog sledding, tennis and more are endless.
Relax
Inspired by the natural surroundings of Vermont and the rustic elegance of the Green Mountains, The Spa at Stowe Mountain Lodge will create an unsurpassed environment for relaxation, renewal and rejuvenation.
Or indulge yourself with a spa treatment at one of Stowe’s many spas in town. Kick back and enjoy a cold one at a local pub. All work and no relaxation makes Jack and Jill pretty dull!
Bring a piece of Stowe home
The resort’s retail shops offer an even wider selection. Also don't forget to visit Shackleton Thomas, Atmosphere and POLO Ralph Lauren located in the Stowe Mountain Lodge. Ready to shop until you drop? An eclectic mix of independently-owned shops are sprinkled throughout town. Not a national franchise can be found, and you’re likely to meet the shop owner. “Anywhere, USA” this is not!
Visit any time
While best known as a skiing and snowboarding destination, Stowe actually sees more visitors in the summer and fall. Whether it’s golf at the Stowe Country Club, the Mt. Mansfield Toll Road or the Gondola Skyride, there’s adventures galore. And don't forget the Bungee Trampolines, Climbing Wall and Alpine Slide! Kids enjoy the day camp at Mt. Mansfield, and there are a number of lodging packages available at the mountain.
Questions?
Give us a call toll-free at 800-253-4754 or send a message to info@stowe.com. We will do our best to help you plan a vacation to remember!
