Stow ski resort guide & reviews Ski area, apres-ski, things to see & do in Stowe Mountain Resort
Overview
The picture-postcard village of Stowe in Vermont county, New England, is about a 3 hour drive north of the historic city of Boston. Like most places in New England, time moves slowly here and everything is done at a relaxed pace.
The ski area and Mountain Resort are a 5 mile drive up the mountain. There is a free shuttle operating throughout the day to and from the village and the journey takes about 15 minutes.
Stowe Après-ski
Many people head to The Den at the base station of Mountsfield for their first apres-ski drink. Its been a lively place for over 50 years and has live music at the weekends.
Apart from a few other bars, the Mountain Resort area is fairly limited and most of the action is in Stowe Village where there are around 50 bars and restaurants to choose from.
For children, the Cubs Childcare is a licensed childcare center. It offers fun-filled, full-day programmes for children aged between 6 months and 3 years old.
| Key information (whole area) | |
|---|---|
| Altitude | 475m |
| Top lift | 1104m |
| Family | |
| Beginner | |
| Intermediate | |
| Expert | |
| Piste (km) | 68 |
| Ski area (acre) | 485 |
| Longest run | 3 km |
| Off piste | |
| Cross country | 75 km |
| Season | Nov - April |
| Snowboard parks | 6 |
| Heli Skiing | ✘ |
| Summer skiing | ✘ |
| Glacier skiing | ✘ |
| Babysitting | ✘ |
| Creche | ✔ |
| Apres ski | Relaxed |
Stowe Mountain ski area guide
What makes this part of America different for skiing is the relatively low altitude of the resorts - Stowe Mountain Resort is just 475m above sea level - about 2000m lower than say Mammoth Lakes in California! However, it does get seriously cold which helps preserve the snow down to resort level. Plus, the significant investment in snowmaking machines means the home runs are always open.
The ski area is split between Mansfield Mountain and Spruce Peak which is more suited to beginners and early intermediates. There are 6 zones designed for the different levels of skier and boarder with Toll House and Lower Spruce Peak reserved for beginner ski and snowboard lessons. Upper Spruce Peak is best for families and Mansfield Gondola is best for long cruising intermediate trails whereas Middle Mansfield is home to Stowe's most difficult runs.
Beginners
Toll House zone on the southernmost flank of Mount Mansfield is where ski lessons are held for beginners. Once the basics have been mastered, the next step is Spruce Peak with itswell connected long and broad easy intermediate trails.
Intermediate
Most of your time will be spent on Mansfield Mountain where there is
Advanced
Mansfield Mountain provide some exceptional terrain for expert skiers with a good selection of steeps, gullies and deep powder stashes. The famed Front Four trails called Starr, Goat, National and Lift Line are a test for most advanced skiers!
Snowboard
Unlike some resorts, snowboarding is permitted across the entire mountain. The most popular zone is Mansfield Triple with multiple freestyle terrain parks.
Featured Stowe lodges & condos
The Mountain Resort has plenty of rental accommodation with many ski chalets, lodges and condominiums either on or next to the slopes - practically ski-in, ski-out which is perfect for families who don't want the hassle of the ski bus. More options are available in the village which has the advantage of the shops, bars and restaurants being on your doorstep.
See all rentalsThings to see & do in Stowe
One of the most popular tjings to do after a day on the mountain is to retreat to the spa. Stowe Mountain Lodge has a state of the art spa and wellness centre which offers therapeutic massages, full body scrubs, body wraps, infared sauna and hot whirlpool spas. If you want to try some other mountain activities, there are plenty of options:
- Snowmobile tours
- Snowcat tours
- Tobogganing
- Guided snowshoeing
- Dog sledding
Our view on Stowe ski resort
Combining 200 years of history in the Village with the modern Mountain Resort means there is something for everyone to enjoy on and off the slopes. In a nutshell, its great fun, family friendly and offers superb skiing for all abilities.
