Places to Go and Things to Do in Stowe, Vermont
By Marina Knight, FrontDoor.com | Published: 6/18/2010
Whether you prefer gentle slopes or steep runs, Stowe offers some of the best alpine skiing in the east. (Photo courtesy of Stowe Area Association)
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Outdoor Essentials
BEST OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN WINTER
Alpine Skiing
802-253-7321
Stowe has some of the best alpine skiing in the east, and the majority of people who live in Stowe take full advantage of the state's highest peak in their backyard. The lift opens at 7:30 a.m. mid-week, making it easy to get a few runs in before work.
Stowe is divided into two distinct areas by the recent, multimillion-dollar expansion of Spruce Peak. The Spruce side features gentler, more-maintained terrain, a deluxe base lodge, and many other mountain village amenities -- including the spa at Stowe Mountain Lodge, a great place to relax after a tough day on the slopes.
The Mansfield side features some of the steepest runs and best tree skiing in the east. The famous front four -- Goat, National, Starr and Liftline -- cascade down the face of the mountain, flanked by glades off both sides. Runs under the gondola are typically great for carving fast turns, and the halfpipe and terrain park can be found on Mansfield's less intense western side. Passes to Stowe are the most expensive in the state, but there's good reason for it.
Cross Country Skiing at the Trapp Family Lodge
700 Trapp Hill Rd.
802-253-8511
More than 100 kilometers of the state's best cross-country skiing await at the Trapp Ski Center. Trails are impeccably maintained, and the terrain is suitable for all levels of skiing. The Cabin, a good climb from the main lodge, is a popular destination where skiers and snowshoers trek for warm soup, tea and fresh-baked brownies.
BEST OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES IN SUMMER
Hiking, cycling and the outdoors in Stowe
Stowe is a hiker's and cyclist's paradise. Many surrounding peaks, such as Stowe Pinnacle, Hunger Mountain and Mount Mansfield, are an easy day or afternoon trip from Stowe. Road and mountain bikers enjoy a bevy of rides from gnarly, rooted single-track trails to wide dirt roads of varying length and difficulty. It's also a terrific place for anglers and kayakers with many mountain streams, ponds and large rivers such as the Lamoille and Winooski nearby.
The Long Trail, a hiking trail that runs the length of Vermont, passes through Stowe, as does The Catamount Trail, used by cross-country skiers and snowshoers in winter. Among the resources for taking advantage of Stowe's natural beauty are The Green Mountain Club, The Catamount Trail Association, Stowe Mountain Bike Club, and Stowe Nordic and Bike Club. Local hiking and cycling maps can also be found at most all area outfitters.
BEST PLACES TO TAKE YOUR DOG
The Stowe Quiet Path
Parking for the Quiet Path is at the intersection of Weeks Hill Road and Mayo Farm Road, and off Cemetery Road.
The Quiet Path is an unpaved offshoot of the Stowe Recreation Path. Although it's not maintained in winter, plenty of foot traffic keeps the way clear. The path hugs the West Branch River, so there are plenty of places for dogs to swim, and several meadows make great places to play fetch.
BEST VIEWS OF THE CITY
Stowe Pinnacle
Location: Trailhead off Upper Hollow Road at intersection of Pinnacle Road
A short, steep 1.4-mile hike leads to the sweetest view of Stowe. From the open summit, you look across the valley to Mt. Mansfield and down at Stowe Village. The Pinnacle also has great views of Camel's Hump, the Worcester Range, the Sterling Range, the Bolton Range and Hogback Mountain.
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