SOMETHING FOR EVERYONE
Stowe Mountain Resort is a ski resort in the northeastern United States, near the town of Stowe in northern Vermont, comprising two separate mountains: Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak. The lift-served vertical drop of Mount Mansfield is 2,360 feet (719 m), the fifth largest in New England and the fourth largest in Vermont.
The average annual snowfall at the resort summit is approximately 314 inches (800 cm).
The ski area is composed of Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak. Some 116 trails on Spruce Peak and Mount Mansfield provide 40 miles (64 km) (485 acres (1.96 km2) of skiable terrain.
Ahead of the 2011–2012 season, Stowe replaced the FourRunner high-speed quad with a new high-speed quad, constructed by Doppelmayr USA.
Stowe Mountain Resort is an internationally renowned four-season destination. Surrounded by majestic Mount Mansfield—the highest peak in Vermont—and Spruce Peak, Stowe is filled with activities and adventures for every season and every guest: skiing, snowboarding, ZipTour and TreeTop Adventures, Stowe Rocks Climbing Center, Gondola SkyRide, the historic Auto Toll Road, Summer Adventure Camp, shopping, dining and more. Stowe’s historical village combined with Vermont’s most spectacular landscape creates the quintessential New England getaway.
What you need to know:
Mount Mansfield Summit Elevation: | 4,395 feet |
Highest Skiing Elevation: | 3,625 feet |
Vertical Drop: | 2,360 feet |
Average Annual Snowfall: | 314 inches |
Total Number of Trails: | 116 |
Skiable Acres: | 485 |
Total Miles: | 40 |
Percentages: | Beginner 16%, Intermediate 55%, Expert 29% Snowmaking Coverage: 83% |
Total Lifts: | 12—More mile long lifts than any other resort in the East 1 intermountain transfer gondola, 1 high-speed summit gondola, 4 quads, 2 triples, 2 doubles and 2 surface lifts |
Total Hourly Lift Capacity: | 15,516 passengers |
The Green Mountains are calling and Stowe is the perfect place for a summer getaway. Stowe Mountain Resort offers a premium resort experience to enjoy all season long. Stay at any of our comfortable lodging locations, from fully equipped condominiums to luxurious slope side resorts.
Frugal The Grey Fox Inn (990 Mountain Road, 802-253-8921) is close to both the mountain and the village and has been offering Stowe’s skiers comfortable rooms at reasonable rates for 25 years. In winter, rates range from $89 to $487 a night.
Not So Frugal At the Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa (746 Mountain Road, 800-253-2232) the rooms are spacious and comfortably decorated and the on-site restaurants serve exceptional food. But the best feature, after a day of demanding runs, is the luxury of slipping down to the spa for a massage or just a quiet moment in the aqua solarium. Mountain Man’s Mud Massage ($185) or Vermont Maple Sugar Body Polish ($180) are 80 minutes of much-needed pampering after those hours spent challenging the Front Four. Winter season, non-holiday rates are $279 for a luxury guest room to $978 for three-bedroom town house.
For information regarding Resort Lodging click HERE
What’s the weather in Stowe Mountain Resort today? See an overview of the current Stowe Mountain Resort weather, including high and low temperatures for the day and wind mph at the base and summit of the mountain. Scroll to the right to see Stowe Mountain Resort weather forecasts and wind for the next seven days. Tab over to Hour by Hour for an hourly Stowe Mountain Resort weather forecast breakdown or to Long Range Weather Forecast for a detailed Stowe Mountain Resort weather forecast for the next seven days.
OnTheSnow is a great resource for Stowe Mountain weather, check it out HERE
Skiing and Snowboarding. Stowe Mountain Resort offers quality skiing and snowboarding from the novice to the most experienced sports people in any family. The resort’s lift system incorporates a gondola which is able to shuttle people between Vermont’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield, and Spruce Peak, its neighboring mountain.
There is a recommended progression if you plan to tackle the Front Four, which are some of the toughest trails anywhere. Start with one of Stowe’s black diamond trails, like Hayride . If that goes well, head to the National . Next would be Liftline and Starr . If you are still feeling good about yourself, then maybe it’s time for Goat , which in places is no more than four or five bumps wide. It is steep, rutted, winding and has a double fall line. There are no pretenders happily smiling at the bottom of Goat, only happy survivors.
In the Winter season all guests at Stowe resort can explore the woods on one of the cross country ski and snowshoe trails. There are 28 miles (45km) of specially groomed trails and nearly 19 miles (30km) of backcountry terrain.
The rental shop offers the full range of Nordic snow sport kit including snowshoes, performance skating, skiing and classic ski packages, touring gear, telemark and backcountry gear. There is also a selection of children’s kits appropriate for three years and older. This selection includes small snowshoes and sleds that can be used on the sledding hill. Parents with young children can obtain a pulk sled there as well.
The Spruce Camp base lodge houses a children’s adventure center as well as a center where kids can learn to ski or snowboard.
As well as skiing and boarding there are many other ways to have fun at Stowe Mountain:
Just a few steps from Spruce Camp’s Base Lodge is a-new ice rink where with lights and music the whole family can enjoy with lots of fun and laughter.
During the Winter season there are Guided Snowshoe Tours where people of all ages can discover Stowe Mountain Resort’s outdoors in the safe hands of specialist Snowshoe Guides who are well acquainted with the area’s woodland trails, open meadows and frozen waterfalls. The twilight tour is particularly inspiring.
For those in need of a break from the outdoors but still keen to stay active Stowe offers Stowe Rocks, an indoor climbing centre at Stowe Adventure Center. For the children there is the Kid Zone, which includes a 30ft Program Wall along with the 40ft Elephant Head Rock tower.
Other nearby attractions include the Ben and Jerry’s Factory and the Green Mountain Coffee Roasters.
Whether you’re interested in fine-dining high above the slopes or getting a casual meal in between runs, Stowe has plenty of options for you. During the season, try these choice spots:
Cliff House Restaurant:
At Cliff House Restaurant, experience fine-dining with fresh seasonal and artisan ingredients, a hand-picked wine list, and floor-to-ceiling windows with spectacular views on the shoulder of Mount Mansfield in an Austrian chalet. Enjoy special “Summit Series Dinners” on select dates throughout the season, including a “Winter Themed Wine Dinner”, “Vermont Beer Dinners”, and an “Artisan Cheese Dinner.” Because the Cliff House is only reachable by gondola, meals and events are weather-dependent.
Solstice Restaurant:
For another fine-dining option with local, fresh, and mostly organic ingredients, visit Solstice Restaurant at The Lodge at Spruce Peak.
Skinny Pancake:
Crepes are the specialty at Skinny Pancake, but you can also find other locally inspired and sourced cuisine at this quick stop at Spruce Peak Village Center, near the Over Easy Gondola.
The Great Room Grill and Spruce Camp Bar:
Fuel up on breakfast at one of the four exhibition cooking stations at this bistro before heading out into the cold. Lunch is also served. Later on in the day, you can find cappuccino and espresso at the bar plus local beers, signature drinks, and entertainment.
Mansfield Cafe:
Find soups, made-to-order deli sandwiches, and grilled food at this casual stop in the Mansfield Base Lodge.
Octagon Cafe:
For stunning views, coffee, beer, snacks, and a touch of culture, visit the Octagon Cafe at the top of the FourRunner Quad Lift.
The Den:
This full bar at Mansfield Base Lodge with live entertainment on the weekends and holidays is the perfect spot to warm up after skiing for the 21+ crowd.
The Roost:
We named The Roost, the lobby bar and restaurant at Topnotch Resort one of the best après ski spots in Vermont for its outdoor “patio living room”, shuffleboard tables, craft beer, and inventive cocktails.
Rusty Nail Stage:
One of Stowe’s most popular spots is this live music venue, which is located inside Tres Amigos with a Mexican menu, tequila, and cocktails.
The first thing you should do is to reserve a spot for child care at Spruce Peak, the center of Stowe’s education center (800-253-4754, ext. 3685). Child care is available for those as young as three months (8 a.m. to 4:30 p. m., $117/weekend day). Child care with group lessons is offered for children ages 3 to 14 (9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., $145/weekend day for lessons, lunch, snacks, lift ticket — equipment is extra).
Please include a section that has tips and information regarding child care in the area, particularly what, if anything, is available at the mountain resort itself as often times parents like to ski for a bit on their own while someone watches the kids.
Please note that young children often do find transition difficult, especially in a new environment. Please allow time to get your little one settled in at Cubs. We encourage you to bring one special item, like a blanket or stuffed animal, to help with the transition. The staff at Cubs is experienced, patient and understanding about separation problems, and everything possible will be done to make your child feel comfortable. Parents are always allowed at the child care and phone calls are welcome.
Drop off is 8 a.m.-10 a.m. If you have not arrived at Cubs by 10 a.m., you will be charged for the full day and your reserved spot will be made available to other families.
Stowe Mountain Resort’s Early Riser Options
Whether you are an intermediate skier/rider, nothing beats fresh tracks and an early start. Our Early Riser programs allow you to get on the mountain early to get a jump start to your day. If you or your child are new to skiing or snowboarding, the Kids Super Start and Adult Early Bird programs are a great opportunity to ease into skiing or snowboarding with a private instructor. If you are already skiing blue/black terrain and are looking to make the most out of the mountain right from lift opening, First Tracks is a great opportunity to explore the mountain with a Private Mountain Guide.
Kids Super Start Alpine or Snowboard
Introducing your child to a new sliding sport?
While we always recommend our full-day programs for kids, you might want a very gentle introduction for your beginner skier or rider. Reserve a Kids Super Start for the extra focus of one-on-one instruction.
This one-hour lesson is offered at 8:30 a.m. on weekends and holidays.
Lesson Details
Who: Skiers or Riders, age 3-12.
What: Private ski or snowboard lesson for one person. Lift access required.
Where: Spruce Peak Private Lesson Sign
When: 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Weekends and Holidays.
2018/19 Prices: $135 – $185
Early Bird Alpine or Snowboard
Just starting out and you prefer one-on-one instruction?
If you are a beginner skier or rider who likes to start your day early, there is great value in reserving our Early Bird private lesson. It’s just you and your instructor who will show you the fundamentals and set you up to practice your new skills.
This one-hour lesson is offered at 8:30 a.m. weekends and holidays.
Lesson Details
Who: Skiers or Riders, ages 13 and up.
What: Private ski or snowboard lesson for one person. Lift access required.
Where: Spruce Peak Private Lesson Sign
When: 8:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Weekends and Holidays.
2018/19 Prices: $135 – $158
First Tracks Alpine or Snowboard
Good morning Skiers and Riders!
Experience of a lifetime? You betcha. Meet your private mountain guide at the portal to the legendary Front Four at Stowe. See why our locals crowd the lift for first tracks on a powder day. Your choice of blue or black terrain, guide or instructor. This is your time.
This two-hour lesson for one person or up to 6 people is offered at 7:30 a.m. weekends and holidays.
Lesson Details
Who: Skiers or Riders, ages 6 and up. (intermediate and advanced).
What: Private ski or snowboard lesson for one person or up to 6 people. Lift access required.
Where: Base of the ForeRunner Quad
When: 7:30 a.m.-9:30 a.m. Weekends and Holidays.
2018/19 Prices: One Person: $250 – $300; Up to 6 People: $355 – $405
Adaptive Skiing & Riding
We offer adaptive lessons in the following categories:
Two Track Skiing—Suitable for any skier who stands on two skis and can maintain balance while in motion. Two tracking is best suited for students with developmental and cognitive disabilities, visual impairment and hearing impairment.
Three/Four Track Skiing—Appropriate for the skier who can stand on one or two skis, but who requires additional support to remain balanced. Outriggers help compensate for weakness in the lower extremities. Three/four tracking is best suited for students with cerebral palsy, arthritis, spina bifida, a leg amputation or a traumatic brain injury.
Snowboarding—Offers an alternative for the guest who has difficulty standing in ski boots or is simply interested in the sport. Equipment, including outriggers, is available to assist the student. Snowboarding is suitable for anyone who can stand and maintain balance while in motion.
Bi-Skiing—Designed for any skier who has significant lower extremity and/or trunk weakness and difficulty standing and balancing while in motion. The sit-down ski offers a way for guests with severe balance impairment, including students with spinal cord injuries and cerebral palsy, to experience the thrill of skiing. There is a 200 pound maximum weight limit for sit-down skis and some specialized equipment.
Mono-skiing—Similar to bi-skiing, but better suited for students who have full use of their upper body and the ability to balance.
An initial assessment by one of Stowe’s trained instructors will help determine what equipment is best suited for each student’s abilities.
Adaptive Lesson Rates 2018/19
Rates include private coaching with a qualified adaptive instructor, an all-mountain lift ticket and all specialized adaptive equipment. Students are expected to provide their own skis, boots, poles, snowboards and helmets as necessary.
1 person, 2 hours (a.m./p.m.): $200 – $220
1 person, 1/2 day (3 hours, a.m./p.m.): $258 – $305
1 person, full day (6 hours): $430 – $450
Additional coach per hour*: $25
*Some lesson arrangements require that a second instructor assist.
New students meet their instructor for a 15-minute consultation at the start of the lesson.
Children ages 3-14 registered in the Adaptive Full-Day Lesson may enjoy inclusion into an appropriate peer group lesson (with the aid of their private coach) that includes lunch and snack breaks in the Adventure Center. Ask a vacation planner for more information.
Traveling by Plane
Vermonters are used to dealing with snow, so our major airport has an outstanding open ratio of over 99:1 in the winter. Burlington International Airport (BTV) offers plenty of nonstop flights from major cities like Philadelphia, New York, Chicago, Detroit, Atlanta and Washington DC. Major carriers at Burlington International Airport include American Airlines, Delta Airlines, JetBlue and United Airlines.
From BTV, it’s just a 40-minute, mostly interstate drive to Stowe. Taxi services and car rentals are available at the airport, and some lodges provide special transportation for groups.
BLADE offers nonstop service between Westchester, NY and Morrisville-Stowe State Airport (KMVL), located approximately 20 minutes from Stowe Mountain Resort.
Traveling by Train
Whether you’re coming from Washington, DC, New York City or just about anywhere, you can take Amtrak to the Waterbury Station.
Traveling by Car
From Burlington, Vermont
Take Interstate 89 South. Follow I-89 South until you get to Exit 10 (Stowe/Waterbury exit). Make a left at the end of the exit ramp; this is Route 100 North. Follow this for 11 miles until you reach your first stop sign. This is the center of Stowe Village. Make a left at the stop sign onto Route 108 North, and follow this for approximately 6 miles until you reach the resort.
Parking at Stowe Mountain Resort
Mount Mansfield
Parking: Free; largest availability in Lot C
Terrain: Advanced and intermediate
Amenities: Mansfield Lodge, the FourRunner Quad, Front Four Demo Center and Rentals
Iconic trails: The Front Four- National, Goat, Starr and Liftline
Directions: 360 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672
Gondola/Midway
Parking: Free; Lots A, B, and D
Terrain: Intermediate and advanced
Amenities: Midway Lodge and Mansfield Gondola
Iconic trails: Beautiful blue cruisers Perry Merrill and Gondolier
Directions: 7231 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672
Spruce Peak
Parking: Paid; limited availability; free 5-minute drop off for Adventure Center Children’s Programs
Special Tip: Park at the Free parking lots at Mount Mansfield or the Gondola and take our complimentary OverEasy Gondola to Spruce Peak!
Terrain: All ability levels including Beginner
Amenities: Spruce Camp Base Lodge, Stowe Mountain Lodge, Stowe Ski & Snowboard School and the Adventure Center, Spruce Rentals, WhistlePig Pavilion, skating rink, Spruce Peak Village, and more
Iconic Trails: Inspiration, Easy Street, and Main Street
Directions: 7416 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672
Toll House
Parking: Free
Terrain: Beginner
Amenities: Toll House Double; lots of history but no base lodge, restaurants, or rentals
Iconic Trails: The Easy Mile; Toll Road
Directions: 4441 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672