Stowe Mountain Resort 2023 Guide

Resort/Terrain

Stowe Mountain Resort offers up 116 runs over 485 acres of skiable terrain spread out over Mansfield and Spruce peaks. It has a 2,360 foot vertical drop, the 4th largest in Vermont, and the double black runs take full advantage of the steep.

For having a skiable footprint of less than 500 acres, it’s pretty impressive that Stowe has 116 different marked runs totaling over 40 miles of terrain! And it delivers probably the most important factor in skiing—snow.

Stowe lies further north in Vermont than most other VT ski areas. This means that Stowe often receives more snow and keeps it at a colder temperature, saving it from that nasty melt-freeze cycle.

Of course, as with other New England ski areas, conditions are highly variable, and most of the best terrain at Stowe can take some time to come in. Many say the best time to ski in Vermont is March, as historically, it has the most snowfall. Good thing modern snowmaking can get things kicked off earlier.

For expert skiers, making sure you time your visit to coincide with the hard runs being open is a must. Stowe has some classic East Coast runs, the Front Four double-black runs are iconic. National, Liftline, Starr, and Goat (named from a hiker commenting only a mountain goat could get up the trail) offer up steep and bumps. The Goat, the most daunting, has a 36° average slope that drops over 2000 feet of vert with rocked-out ledges and streams weaving throughout–it’s not to be missed!

With 55% of the marked runs rated intermediate, true expert skiers may find Stowe a bit lacking. But it is definitely family friendly and the perfect spot for advanced skiers to bring their newbie friends to learn.

There is a huge amount of manageable terrain to check out. This includes gladed runs in easier off-piste-style terrain. Beginners and intermediates will find a full mountain experience without getting in over their heads!

If cruising groomers isn’t your style, you’ll want to check out Stowe’s terrain parks. For the 22/23 season, Stowe is delivering two terrain parks. Accessible off the Sunrise 6-pack chair, the Gulch and Standard terrain parks have a variety of different freestyle features.

For the uninitiated, the Gulch terrain park is a great place to start. Stowe describes this as a family-friendly park with snow-only features that anyone can enjoy.

The Standard terrain park has a selection of both small and medium boxes, rails, and jumps. This park is ideal for boarders and riders with more experience freestyle skiing.

Getting There

You’ll be glad to hear that getting to Stowe Mountain Resort is a breeze. Stowe is very conveniently located in northern Vermont, just outside the town of Stowe, Vermont. The resort is only 40-minutes from the Burlington International airport. Burlington International is serviced by daily nonstop flights from major surrounding cities like Boston, NYC, Philadelphia, and more!

Stowe Aviation, a flight chartering service also offers private flights to Stowe. This option leaves you a mere 20 minutes from the resort.

Free public transportation is run on a reliable schedule transporting you from downtown Stowe to the resort base area! This short 15 minute journey is one of the best ways to access Stowe Mountain Resort, as traffic can seriously back up on the road into the resort starting early on the weekends, and parking can be a nightmare.

Accommodation

There are numerous places to stay when visiting Stowe.

The first that comes to mind is the glamorous Lodge at Spruce Peak. A centerpiece in Stowe’s mountain village, it has all the bells and whistles of a modern luxury booking while retaining the quaint charm of New England.

The Lodge at Spruce Peak is Stowe’s only ski-in/ski-out lodging, making it a high-demand locale. As such, the Lodge books up quickly and demands a deep wallet! Be sure to book early for this one!

The less financially endowed can still make a trip to Stowe. Staying in the town of Stowe is likely to be a less bank-account-draining affair. A simple google search will provide you with more options for lodging than you know what to do with! Do keep in mind—even when staying in town, it will be far more expensive to book last minute in the peak of the season, planning a couple months out is recommended for Stowe!

Additionally, if you’re looking for high-end digs but couldn’t score a room in The Village, look for lodging on Mountain Road. This road leads you to the resort from the town of Stowe and is littered with quaint lodges, B&Bs, and luxury accommodation!

Facilities

The amenities available to those visiting Stowe are split between two locations: those in the town of Stowe itself and those in the Spruce Peak Village. Though Mansfield Lodge at the Mansfield Base is currently a throwback to the old wooden lodge cafeterias of the old ski resorts. To some, it’s great having a more down-to-earth reminder of the old ski days with the contrast of the newer, fancier offerings at Spruce. Though it may not last long, as many are pushing for a revamp from the new owners, Vail Resorts.

The town of Stowe has a quaint Main Street with loads of charm and everything you’d need. Shops at varying price ranges, restaurants, and stores stocking general necessities, plus spas, a ski and snowboarding museum, etc… The shops, restaurants, and other amenities do stretch out of the small main street up Mountain Road. But sidewalks are cleared and walkable, and the shuttle runs regularly.

The Spruce Peak Village is Stowe Mountain Resort’s mountain village. The Spruce Peak village is outfitted with a variety of shops, restaurants, and even a performing arts center.

The Lodge at Spruce Peak has a more open design, with a larger restaurant and storage facilities, including free lockable lockers. If you want a little extra space for changing and have valuables that need to be locked up, its worth taking the Over Easy Gondola to Spruce Lodge after you park. Or get off the Mountain Road Shuttle at Spruce Peak.

Outside of retail therapy, the Lodge at Spruce Peak is home to an award-winning spa that offers a full range of treatments.

Suffice it to say—Stowe Mountain Resort caters to nearly every whim.

Families and Kids

Stowe is a family favorite for many visitors and locals alike.

As far as the skiing is concerned, a plethora of beginner terrain covers both Spruce and Mansfield peaks. If your children are ready to get off the bunny hill, there’s plenty of accessible riding for them to cut their teeth on without getting in over their heads.

If your children are ready to hit the mountain but lack the requisite know how, fear not—Stowe Mountain Resort operates a ski school for children.

Your kids can take both ski and snowboard lessons in group and private settings with professional instructors. Kids taking group lessons are split into appropriate age groups, ensuring an adequate style of instruction for your children.

And, of course, if your children just aren’t ready for the mountain, Stowe operates a daycare —Cubs Childcare—out of the Adventure Center building.

Do keep in mind that reservations are required for Cubs, so be sure to book ahead of time!

When your kids are done on the slopes, there is a climbing center for kids inside of the Adventure Center and an ice-skating rink in the center of Spruce Village.

For Beginners

First and foremost, as mentioned, the terrain is very manageable overall. Once you’re on your feet and able to slide around a bit, a vast majority of the mountain is open to you. After you master the greens on Spruce Peak, try Lower Toll Road and Easy Mile when the Toll House Double lift is open for long tree-lined runs to perfect those turns and stops in a very tranquil setting.

Another benefit of heading to Stowe as a beginner is the fact that the mountain offers a variety of different lesson styles for youth to adult skiers. No matter who you are, if you’ve got the heart for it, Stowe’s professional instructors can get you cruising around the mountain.

The reason we say that Stowe may not be perfect for beginners is that Stowe is a fairly expensive resort. A day ticket alone, even when purchased in advance, is over $150. When you factor in the cost of gear rental, and a lesson, it quickly becomes a very expensive ordeal.

Making a plan way before the season starts and getting the early Epic pass rates can save you some money.

Adaptive Skiing and Riding

Stowe has a very committed team of adaptive instructors within their ski and ride school to help get people on the snow with any range of cognitive and physical abilities. Trained instructors take the time to assess an individual’s needs and what adaptive equipment is best suited for them. Or are available for mono- or bi-skiers who may need extra assistance.

Since the adaptive program works within the ski and ride school all instructors are qualified ski instructors with the additional adaptive qualifications and experience.  A whole family with an adaptive rider could take a lesson together!

Adaptive lessons can be booked a few weeks in advance and can be booked through the ski school, call 802-253-3000 or email [email protected]

For Snowboarders

Stowe Mountain resort is open to and welcoming of snowboarders! Snowboarders will appreciate the wide and cruise-y runs at Stowe, great for carving big turns! With no ascent runs and cat tracks, snowboarders can cruise down any part of the mountains with ease.

The terrain parks have fun but not too much challenge, they are perfect for beginner and intermediate riders.

Apres Ski

Apres-ski at Stowe is alive and well! Between the mountain base area, the mountain road, and the town of Stowe, there’s something for everyone.

A refreshing aspect of the apres at Stowe is that it’s multifaceted. Some resorts cater to a mellow upscale scene, while others provide more of a party. Stowe has a little bit of everything.

If you’re looking to blow off some steam after a day on the mountain, options like The Backyard, Doc Ponds, and the old Mattherhorn are ready to deliver. The Von Trapp Brewery and Bierhall is not only popular for apres, but a local landmark of where the Von Trapp family, from The Sound of Music, settled. The Trapp Family Lodge sits with beautiful views and lots of fun activities.

On the opposite end of the spectrum, locales like Cork, Idletyme, and WhistlePig Pavilion will suit those looking for a more refined apres.

Cork is Stowe’s locally owned wine bar, offering a mellow but upscale experience for those looking to relax after a day on the mountain. Similarly, WhistlePig Pavilion is Spruce Village’s whisky bar. Located just adjacent to the slopes, you can go from the mountain to sipping craft cocktails in no time.

It’s worth mentioning that this is not an exhaustive list, just honorable mentions. There are a number of other well-loved (or notoriously derided) apres spots dotting the Mountain Road, and throughout the town of Stowe. From classy to divey, there’s no shortage of ways to spend your time after a day at the Stowe Mountain Resort.

The Bottom Line

For East Coast riding, you should go to Stowe.

Stowe provides more than just skiing. The history of skiing in Vermont is long and storied. Visiting Stowe means grabbing some of the best skiing in Vermont and a chance to experience some of the original culture of East Coast skiing. Just check out how the Front Four were cut into the mountain!

In addition to this, Stowe offers everything people look for in a resort. Memorable runs, Spruce Peak Village, great apres, a quaint town, beautiful views—what else do you need?

Well, you need deep pockets. Tickets at Stowe are upwards of $150 a pop—even if you buy online ahead of time! Not to mention, even the inexpensive lodging in Stowe can be fairly pricey.

Now you stand the chance to save yourself some money by purchasing an Epic Pass early in the year, as Stowe is an Epic resort. This can be a cost-effective way to cover your tickets if you plan on skiing for a couple of days or more at Stowe.

However, this comes with its own host of problems. This refers to the Epic Pass crowds. While Stowe’s lift system moves a decent number of skiers per hour, it’s not uncommon to see pretty hefty backups at lifts during peak dates in the season, especially given Stowe’s proximity to many major cities.

All things considered, if you can swing the price tag, Stowe is worth the trip, if for no other reason than to meet locals who love their mountain and see what some of the best New England skiing is all about!