Stowe, nestled in the lush Green Mountains of Vermont, receives over 300 inches of snowfall annually, giving the village its reputation as the ski capital of the East. Its renowned Stowe Mountain Resort, operated by Vail Resorts, provides state-of-the-art amenities through the Epic Pass, which grants access to over 40 resorts worldwide and offers discounts on lodging, dining, and rentals. But there’s plenty to tempt the non-snow bunnies, too: rustic and rugged New England charm is everywhere you look in this family-friendly destination where phones get put in pockets and actually stay there. Read on for some of our favorite attractions to help you enjoy the (truly) great outdoors in Stowe.
Where to Stay
Tälta Lodge
Where mountain aesthetics meet Swedish minimalism, you’ll find Tälta Lodge, a Bluebird by Lark hotel, bringing Scandinavian flair to Vermont. Designed with year-round activities in mind, from skiing to mountain biking, fly fishing, and hiking, it’s the perfect boutique hotel base camp for any of the adventures Stowe has to offer. The property has spacious gear storage, a heated indoor pool, a sauna, an outdoor hot tub, and a beautiful sunroom perfect for practicing yoga. In the early evenings, the hotel’s cocktail lounge, FjällBar, lures crowds with its menu of chic small plates and inventive cocktails.
Field Guide Lodge
For a different take on the classic ski house, check out Field Guide Lodge, where whimsical design touches nod to Vermont’s flora and fauna. Mountain bikers can ride straight out the hotel’s back door onto the trails, while skiers can catch a free shuttle to the slopes. With so many activities, it’s only fitting that the lodge provides guests with a printed field guide to navigate it all. Hotel amenities include a seasonally heated pool and spacious lounge complete with, you guessed it, a collection of vintage field guides.
Where to Eat & Drink
Michael’s on the Hill
For a special meal in Stowe, you can’t beat the romantic Michael’s in a farmhouse dating back to 1820. Incredible sunset views of the Green Mountains, surrounded by acres of rolling lawns, forest, and perennial gardens, make it a popular choice for photographers as well as foodies. The restaurant puts an emphasis on local ingredients; don’t miss the heavenly apple-cheddar crostata with cider cream for dessert.
Cork Restaurant and Natural Wine Shop
Vermont’s first and only all-natural wine shop and restaurant would look right at home in New York or L.A. Let their experts guide you towards your new favorite sparkling red or funky orange, and the menu highlights: servers say the Smashburger here is the finest in the state.
Where to Visit
Downtown Stowe
Few things are cuter than strolling around Stowe. Start at Lake Champlain Chocolates, an iconic confectionery known for the Welcome to Stowe mural outside, making it a perfect first photo op. Stop by Shaw’s General Store for souvenirs to bring home—it’s a local gem over 120 years old. And when it’s time to get pampered, the Spa at Spruce Peak is a must-visit for massages and other signature treatments.
Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center
Boasting pristine acoustics and state-of-the-art tech, the Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center brings world-class cultural events to Stowe, from dance to theater and music, boasting pristine acoustics and state-of-the-art tech. Epic Pass holders get free access to concerts during the ski season, while summer brings a variety of themed camp experiences for kids.
Ski and après-ski
Mount Mansfield is Vermont’s highest peak, and Nose Dive is its most famous run, completed in 1935 as Stowe’s first modern trail. Enjoy stunning views on the gondola ride up, and brace yourself for its iconic steep plunge. At the base, a picturesque après-ski scene with twinkling lights and an ice-skating rink awaits, surrounded by cabanas with fire pits and a DJ entertaining a diverse crowd. Close your eyes, and you might think you’re in Colorado or Utah. But a hot waffle dripping with local maple syrup serves as a delicious reminder: where else could this be but Vermont?
Morning Hikes and Post-Culinary Delights
Fuel up after a morning hike or snowshoe along the Stowe Pinnacle via Pinnacle Meadow Trail (or go for the more challenging route by scaling The Chin via Long and Profanity Trail) at the bustling Alpine Hall restaurant, where the cassoulet with crispy duck leg and heirloom beans is a menu standout. Or have a well-deserved beer and take a farm tour at Vermont’s largest brewery, von Trapp Brewing Bierhall. For dessert, if you’re up for a quick drive and want to make the kids (or perhaps just your inner child) extremely happy, head to nearby Waterbury for a tour of the Ben & Jerry’s Factory.
