The Best Things to Do in Stowe, Vermont—for Skiers and Après People Alike

16.02.2024 - 21:55 / cntraveler.com

Vermont—home of the Green Mountains, fantastic cheese, and Noah Kahan. The state is a haven for artisans, makers, and bona fide New England yankees looking for a quieter pace of life, and a rich tapestry of well-known scenery and hidden gems to explore. Ask ten visitors which part of Vermont they love most and you’re likely to get ten different answers—but pretty much everyone can agree that in the winter, it’s all roads lead to Stowe.

Nestled in the northern part of the state halfway between the capital at Montpelier and the lakeside city of Burlington, this tiny town has flourished since the pandemic. It’s been a resort community since the mid-nineteenth century, providing a reprieve of fresh air from Industrial Age cities for visitors, and serving as a place for year-rounders to lay low and build their own American Dream (the Von Trapp family who inspired The Sound of Music settled there after escaping World War II). At various times Stowe was an agricultural and then a dairy hub, but today it has transformed into a world-class ski destination that competes with anything you’ll find at the larger, buzzier ski towns out west.

The best part? Stowe has managed to maintain its authenticity. Yes, there is a thriving food scene, there are luxury hotels, and an entire economy catering to visitors—but Stowe still very much feels like an idyllic northern New England escape.

Skiers, non-skiers, multigenerational groups, those looking to spend a week or those looking to escape for just a weekend—everyone can find plenty to do here. And as flights continue to become more expensive and the western resorts become more and more packed, Stowe makes more and more sense for visitors arriving by car. If you’re interested in experiencing Vermont’s favorite ski town, here’s how to do it.

Cross-country skiing at Edson Hill Manor's trails

A gondola at Stowe Mountain

Don’t make the mistake of assuming Stowe is exclusively for skiers in the winter months—this town has evolved into a fully-developed destination that caters to skiers and non-skiers alike. It’s possible to come here and break a sweat on the numerous cross-country ski or snowshoeing trails (rent your gear from the Trapp Family Lodge or over a stay at Edson Hill), or simply unwind and explore the microbrew scene (Alchemist and Idyltime are musts). In town, you’ll find a number of charming shops to explore, including: handmade chocolate bars from Lake Champlain Chocolates; personalized book and gift recommendations from Bear Pond Books; and maple products and gifts from local makers at Shaw’s General Store.

Up at Stowe Mountain Resort, the focus is on skiing—but the property also caters to non-skiers with a slew of wintertime activities, from taking scenic