Vacation Planning
First Timer's Guide
Welcome to Stowe! If you’ve never been here before, you have anabundance of pleasant options before you – like which of the 50+restaurants in town you should visit. We know that taking askiing/snowboarding vacation with friends or family can take someplanning, 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 mountainsMt. Mansfield is Vermont’s highest peak (4395') and offers a wide rangeof terrain for every ability level. It’s well-known for thedouble-black diamond (most difficult) “Front Four” trails, but alsooffers some of the longest intermediate cruisers in the East, and alovely group of beginner trails in the Toll House area. Spruce Peak isgeared toward beginner and intermediate skiers and riders. Lower Spruce– the area nearest the Spruce Base Are Complex – is a great place tolearn, 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. Trip the night fantastic, and carve down the slopes of Mt. Mansfield under a canopy of stars. 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), Stowedelivers. It’s a multi-dimensional community with many interestingpersonalities and things to do. Learn about the “Triple A’s” at Stowe Mountain Resort. Stowe has a dynamic freestyle scene. StoweInsideLine.comoffers weekly updates of what is happening on the mountain and aroundthe Stowe Community. And you can sign up on the site to have the weeklynewsletter 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 Condominiumsis the place for you. If you’d like to explore other options aroundtown – 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 Stowe Trolley is FREEin winter and runs regularly between Stowe village and the resort, withabundant stops along the way. Looking for a ride all your own? CallPeg’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 listmany seasonal deals are regularly updated at Stowe.com. If you plan toski 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 demosat the mountain means you won’t have to lug your gear around. Leave itat the ski check (free for multi-day rentals) and grab it the nextmorning right next to the lift!
Lessons
Regardless of your ability level, a lessonis likely to advance your skills to the next level. Even World Cupskiers seek the advice of coaches – why not you? Stowe has programs forevery age and ability, and the perfect classroom (Mt. Mansfield andSpruce Peak) for your lesson. The Stowe Ski and Snowboard School is oneof the country's oldest and most-respected winter sports instructionorganizations.
Child care
If your little ones aren’t quite ready for the slopes, consider the Cubs Childcare Center,a state licensed program for children 6 weeks to 6 years. We arededicated to providing a warm, safe and fun environment that isdevelopmentally appropriate. Our facility is located in a cozy skichalet nestled at the base of Lower Spruce, just below the MountainCabins, 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 to the cozy environs of the Fireside Tavern. Around town, there are scores of other options, whether you’re into sushi, authentic Italian fare or just a good old burger.
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!
Go ahead: indulge yourself with a spa treatment at one of Stowe’s many spas. 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. Ready to shop until you drop? An eclectic mix of independently-owned shopsare 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, Stoweactually sees more visitors in the summer and fall. Whether it’s golfat the Stowe Country Club, the Mt. Mansfield Toll Road or the Gondola Skyride, there’s adventures galore. And don't forget the Bungee Trampolines or 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!
