Vermont Stowe

Stowe Travel Guide: Discover Vermont Skiing & Hiking

Vermont's highest peak fills the horizon here, snow-capped for half the year and green the rest. In winter, white smoke curls from chimneys across the village, and the crunch of boots on packed snow echoes down Main Street. In fall, the maples change first, scarlet against dark evergreens, and the air carries the sweet smell of leaves raked into piles. By evening, the warmth of a fire and sounds of dinner cooking nearby pull you indoors.

This has been ski country since the 1930s, but the village never became a resort town—white steepled churches, a covered bridge over the river, a general store where locals still gather for coffee. This is Vermont as you imagined it, with world-class skiing to match.

Mountain ridges and dense green forest under a bright sky near Stowe, VT

Frosty autumn landscape with river and white church steeple in Stowe, VT

A snowboarder teaches a child on a snowy slope in Stowe, VT

Skier carving through deep powder on a snowy mountain slope in Stowe, VT

Family skiing through a forest during the day

Quick Facts

Getting Here	Burlington International Airport (BTV), 45-minute drive
Getting Around	Car recommended; free trolley in village
Best Time	December–March for skiing; July–October for hiking and foliage
Lark Properties	4 properties: AWOL Stowe, Field Guide Lodge, Bluebird Cady Hill Lodge, Bluebird Tälta Lodge

Things to Do in Stowe

Stowe Mountain Resort spreads across Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak, offering more than 100 trails that range from gentle groomers to double-black-diamond steeps. When the snow melts, the same terrain becomes hiking and mountain biking country fit for any level. The Long Trail, America's oldest long-distance hiking path, crosses the summit ridge with views that stretch into four states on clear days.

After a day on the mountain, the après scene calls. Après Only at Field Guide Lodge is part bar, part live music venue, with local drinks, nostalgic bites, and concerts that bring national acts to an intimate stage all winter long. In the village, Hen of the Wood has earned national acclaim for farm-to-table cooking. Doc Ponds keeps things casual with burgers and local beer. And at Von Trapp Brewing, run by the family who inspired The Sound of Music, you can down a pour of Austrian-style lager in a bierhall with mountain views.

For a slower pace, stop at Cold Hollow Cider Mill for cider donuts warm from the fryer. They've been a Vermont tradition for decades. The Stowe Recreation Path, paved and flat, winds 5.3 miles along the West Branch River, connecting the village to the mountain base, creating a perfect morning run, afternoon bike ride, or quiet walk any time of year.

Our Favorites

1

EXPLORE MOUNT MANSFIELD

From skiing and snowboarding to ziplining and hiking, you can do it all at the Stowe Mountain Resort on Mount Mansfield, Vermont's high peak.
2

GRAB AN APRéS BREW

Get yourself a Heady Topper at Alchemist Brewery to experience one of the highest-ranked beers in the world.
3

TOUR THE BEN & JERRY'S FACTORY

The ultimate tour and tasting experience for ice cream afficandos.
4

KICK BACK AT DOC PONDS

Finish off your evening with dinner & drinks at Doc Ponds; a unique spot offering good eats, plenty of beers on tap, and over 1,000 vinyls to put on the record player.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Stowe?
Burlington International Airport is 45 minutes from Stowe via Route 100, one of Vermont's most scenic drives. Boston is about 3.5 hours by car via Interstate 89. In winter, allow extra time for road conditions and consider snow tires.
How far is Stowe from Burlington?
About 45 minutes via Route 100. The road follows the Winooski River valley through farmland and small villages. Some visitors stay in Burlington for its restaurants and nightlife and day-trip to Stowe, though staying in Stowe puts you closer to the slopes.
Is Stowe good for families?
Yes. The ski resort has dedicated learning terrain and ski school programs for children. In summer, the Recreation Path is flat and safe for kids on bikes. Several Lark properties offer family-friendly rooms and pools. Cold Hollow Cider Mill, a short drive from the village, serves cider donuts that kids love. The pace in Stowe is relaxed compared to larger ski destinations.
Is there on-site dining at the Stowe properties?
Yes. Field Guide Lodge has Après Only, a bar and live music venue with local drinks and comfort food. Bluebird Cady Hill Lodge offers bar bites. AWOL Stowe provides a complimentary artisanal toast bar each morning. The village has additional restaurants within walking or short driving distance.
What is there to do in Stowe in summer?
Hiking on Mount Mansfield and the Long Trail, biking the Stowe Recreation Path, swimming in local swimming holes, and visiting breweries and farms. The mountains are as beautiful green as they are white. Stowe Mountain Resort offers gondola rides and mountain biking. Many visitors combine outdoor activities with the village's restaurants and shops.
What is there to do in Stowe, Vermont?
Stowe centers on outdoor activities year-round. In winter, Stowe Mountain Resort offers skiing and snowboarding across Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak, with over 100 trails. Summer brings hiking on the Long Trail, mountain biking, and gondola rides to the summit. The Stowe Recreation Path is a 5.3-mile paved trail along the river for walking and biking. The village has restaurants, shops, and galleries along Main Street. Von Trapp Brewing serves Austrian-style lagers with mountain views. Après Only at Field Guide Lodge hosts live music through the winter season.
What Lark Hotels properties are in Stowe?
Four properties: AWOL Stowe (35 rooms), Field Guide Lodge (33 rooms) with Après Only bar, Bluebird Cady Hill Lodge (55 rooms), and Bluebird Tälta Lodge (52 rooms) along the West Branch River. Three cluster together at Cady Hill with access to forest trails; Tälta Lodge sits between the village and ski resort.
When is the best time to ski in Stowe?
December through March offers the best snow conditions. Stowe Mountain Resort typically opens in late November and closes in mid-April, conditions permitting. January and February have the most reliable snow. Midweek visits mean shorter lift lines and better availability at restaurants. Holiday weeks and February school vacation weeks are the busiest.