Stowe

Skiing in Stowe, Vermont

The state of Vermont, in the north east of the USA is dotted with ski resorts but there is none finer than Stowe Mountain Resort. If your idea of a New England ski experience includes a cute traditional village, steeped in history, backed up by a world class ski resort, Stowe is the place to be.

The Stowe ski slopes are spread across Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak, linked by a two minute ride on the Over Easy Gondola lift. Stowe has been welcoming skiers (and more recently boarders) for over 75 years and offers skiing for all ability levels, from easy learning trails to the double black diamond challenges of Mount Mansfield’s legendary ‘ Front Four’.

Stowe doesn’t rest on past laurels and each year sees changes and improvements, both on and off mountain. This season will see a new high speed quad to replace the Four Runner chairlift on Mount Mansfield, which in its time carried more skiers and boarders than any lift in the resort’s history. This development is another step towards completion of Stowe Mountain Resort’s ten year master plan. Other recent developments included the new Stowe Mountain Lodge and Solstice Restaurant at the base of Spruce Peak. Guests at the Lodge enjoy direct access to the slopes, and can unwind after skiing in the 21,000 square foot Spa and Wellness Centre, as well as the heated outdoor pool.

Families who opt for the Stowe Mountain Lodge will be delighted that the Children’s Programmes of the Stowe Ski School are based at Spruce Peak, a superb learning area before progressing onto the tougher challenges of Mount Mansfield. The Stowe Ski School, like the resort, is world class and boasts over 300 ski and snowboard instructors with classes offered for beginners to gnarly powder hounds alike.

Part of any skiers’s day is the anticipation of a lunchtime pitstop to fuel up for the afternoon’s adventures. Stowe scores highly in this area too; in fact you could say that the on mountain dining is a foodie’s dream. Both mountains offer plenty of dining choices, ranging from simple fare to gourmet indulgence so at the first pang of hunger just step out of your bindings and enjoy! Stowe is committed to using locally sourced ingredients where possible, so as you tuck into your juicy lunchtime burger, you can enjoy it all the more in the knowledge that you are helping the local economy (and the planet)! Dining choices include the new Great Room at Spruce Camp and the classic Cliff House at the top of the gondola on Mount Mansfield, and don’t forget The Den for apres ski. Located at the Mount Mansfield base area, The Den has been a Stowe tradition for more than fifty years, and at the weekend the tempo ratches up a notch or two a notch with live music.

Lodging options at the mountain include not only the Stowe Mountain Lodge, but also The Inn at the Mountain and condominiums, as well as a plethora of hotels and condominiums located in the pretty village of Stowe. There is plenty of choice for every budget and taste, and should you choose to stay in the village itself, the slopes are just a few minutes away by the regular, free shuttle bus (which is perfect for bar hopping on the way home after a day of play). The village is also home to many restaurants, bars and great shopping.

It should be mentioned that Stowe Mountain Resort is a ‘four season resort’. When the snow melts and the sun gets to work, Stowe is a superb destination for hiking, golf and tennis plus regular summer festivals. The easy hike to the top of Mount Mansfield, opening up a view over Lake Champlain to New York State, is by itself worth the trip!

Getting to Stowe from the UK is simple; from Boston Airport it’s an easy three hour motorway drive, and on your way home, you will probably find that you have time to spend a day in Boston before catching an evening flight back to the UK. Once visited, you will want to return and why not? Stowe is a one of a kind ski resort, combining the traditional charm of Vermont with a world class ski resort, both on and off mountain. It is rare that history combines with modernity so harmoniously – a unique blend that can only mean one thing – Stowe.

For in-depth coverage of Stowe, please check Ultimate-Ski.com’s full Stowe resort report.

Sponsor: Stowe Mountain Resort

The advertorial feature is sponsored by Stowe Mountain Resort, 5781 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT 05672, USA. Tel: + 1-800-253-4754. Web: www.stowe.com