STOWE RESORT GUIDE
Images courtesy of Stowe Mountain Resort
Stowe Resort Overview
Rich in history and renowned for its soaring slopes (Mt. Mansfield, at 4,395 feet, is the highest peak in Vermont), Stowe never fails to stun. It is home to the first Ski Patrol in the United States, a happy coincidence given the intense challenge of its alpine environment. Offering some of the steepest terrain in the East, thrill seekers will struggle to find a better destination without boarding a plane. From glades, to unrelenting mogul trails, anyone can test their skills here. With the recent addition of amenities to Spruce Peak, where easier terrain is available, even families and beginners can enjoy a ski vacation.
The town has a charming Main Street with plenty to do and see if you need a break from the slopes. With so much to explore in the surrounding area, consider having a car on site to make the most of your getaway. Couple the unbeatable natural environment with world class facilities, including a state-of-the-art children’s center (complete with indoor climbing wall), and one could argue that Stowe is the top winter destination in New England.
The Epic Pass provides unlimited access to Stowe. The Epic Local pass also has unlimited access with holiday restrictions. The Epic Northeast Value Pass offers 10 days at Stowe, with holiday restrictions.
>For a list of our favorite places to buy and rent gear in Stowe, see here.
Snow Reliability
Snow-Making & Grooming
Ski School
Travel Convenience
Accommodations
Terrain Variety
On Mountain Dining
Extreme / Off-Piste Terrain
Quick Take
Let's Go
Some of the best, most consistently steep terrain in the East, including the "Front Four" trails: National, Goat, Starr and Liftline
Beautiful, new and well-maintained facilities throughout make Stowe a cut above neighboring resorts
Luxurious ski-in ski-out options abound including the stunning Spruce Peak
A variety of accommodations that will delight at all price ranges such as the quirky Stowehof, the historic Trapp Family Lodge and the affordable Commodores Inn
Excellent dinning options both at the resort and in neighboring towns if you're willing to venture (e.g., Edson Hill Dining)
Hesitations
Parking and traveling on the main access road can be very challenging on a busy day
With higher-end facilities and services come steeper price tags, relative to other Eastern resorts
Conditions on the Front Four are highly weather dependent as grooming and snow-making are not possible
While dinning options abound, be mindful of travel times (e.g. it can take 15 - 20 minutes to navigate 5-6 miles on Mountain Road)
Insider Tips
Like many Eastern destinations, a car is helpful to experience all the area has to offer
Making a day trip or staying off-resort? Arrive early for the best parking availability. Cars are turned away when parking is full
Play in the trees! There are so many glades to explore, it's easy to get off of the beaten path. Consider Nosedive Glades for some open and friendly forest adventure
Whether or not you fancy yourself a beer lover, take a detour to sample some award winning brews at The Alchemist
As part of the Epic family, Stowe season passes provide unlimited access to all 37 Vail resorts and limited access to 50 partner resorts
Trail Map
For an in-depth breakdown of Stowe's terrain, head to our Mountain Guide. Top trails and mountain stats included.
Getting To & Around
The free Stowe Mountain Road Shuttle runs continuously between the resort and the town. The shuttle is particularly helpful in stormy weather. However, we highly recommend a car if you want to experience all the area has to offer.
Getting To
Closest Major City: Boston, MA
Distance: ~200 miles South East
Travel Time: ~ 3 hours 15 minutes drive
Burlington, VT: ~36 miles, ~40 minute drive
New York City: 330 miles, ~5.5-6 hours drive
Neighboring Resorts
Stowe is part of the Green Mountains and has many neighbors that make a good day trip.
Closet Neighbor on the Epic Pass
Okemo (~95 miles, ~2 hrs)
Other Nearby Vermont Resorts (Less than 1.5 hrs)
Bolton Valley (21 miles, ~30 mins)
Mad River Glen (29 miles, 45 minutes)
Sugarbush (30 miles, 45 minutes)
Smugglers' Notch (30 miles, 45 minutes)
Jay Peak (44 miles, ~1 hour)
Killington (75 miles, 1 hour, 25 mins)
Travel by Plane
Closest major commercial airport: BOS (Logan International Airport)
~200 miles South East, ~3 hrs 15 mins
Regional airport: BVT (Burlington International Airport)
~37 miles West, ~45 minutes
Closest Airport: MVL (Morrisville-Stowe State Airport), 10 minutes from Stowe
Stowe Aviation offers small flights from Boston, New York City, Washington DC and Philadelphia
Travel By Bus
Stowe partners with Green Mountain Transit to offer a free shuttles on Mountain Road between the resort and the town. View the schdule and full list of destinations here.
Travel by Car
We prefer to have a car here, its an easy drive from Boston and doable from the Greater NYC area. Most places have free parking.
Pros: Free parking at base; access to wider selection of restaurants, breweries, the Ben & Jerry's factory, stores and visits to other nearby resorts
Cons: Driving conditions can be treacherous, snow tires are recommended
Ride shares: (e.g., Uber, Lyft) are available but not dependable here
