Stowe, Vermont

Winter Activities in Stowe

Stowe abounds with entertaining winter activities for romantics, adventurers, foodies, and artists alike – with or without snow! 

Yankee Magazine ranked Stowe, Vermont as the Best Winter Town in New England!

Skiing & Boarding

While initially chartered in 1763, Stowe’s reputation as the best skiing in New England began with its first ski trail in 1933-34, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Lift-serviced skiing at present-day Stowe started when Sepp Ruschp and the Mt. Mansfield Ski Club opened a rope tow on the Toll House slope on February 2, 1937. Today at Stowe Mountain:

• Epic Pass

• Miles of skiing: 40

• Trails: 116

• Total lifts: 13 (more mile-long lifts than anywhere in New England)

• Hourly lift capacity: 15,516 passengers

• Snowmaking coverage: 80%

• Average annual snowfall: 333 inches.

Save 20% on Epic Mountain Rentals for skiing and riding (skis and snowboards) using our link or scan the barcode on this coupon for an in-store discount.

Nordic Skiing / Cross Country Skiing

When combined with over 3000 acres of conserved land, Stowe boasts one of the largest, most diverse trail systems in the United States – all difficulty levels. Nordic areas:

• Trapp Family Lodge (two miles away)

• Stowe Mountain Resort (four miles away)

• The recreation path (across the street)

• Weissner Woods (less than a mile away)

• The 300-mile Catamount Trail (less than a mile away – well, not all 300 miles of it!!)

Snowshoeing

Snowshoe at any of the cross-country ski locations. We also have free snowshoes at the inn. If you prefer a moonlight cabin, fondue dinner, snowshoe, or tubing trek, Umiak is our local provider.

Fat Biking

Try a new adventure.; fat biking is like Mountain Biking but on bikes with thick tires, so you can ride on snow, too! Learn more about rentals and trails for winter fat biking in Stowe.

The Swimming Hole Indoor Pool

A mile away – 802-253-9229

Arbortrek –Canopy Adventures

Ziplining, even in the winter.

Gondola SkyRide

When the Stowe ski resort is open, the gondola is also open!

Sleigh rides

Yes! Horse-drawn — just for two – blankets are provided to keep you warm. Rides are about 30 minutes. We recommend starting just as the sun sets so you see the loveliness of the surroundings, but finish in the dark. We can make reservations for you.

Dogsledding

The scenery is even more lovely in the snow than in the summer! Rides are longer since the dogs don’t overheat as quickly. We’ll call for reservations for you.

Snowmobiling

Choose one sled or two. Guides will take you out and bring you back. Views are…. well, they create a camera frenzy!

Scenic Walks

Enjoy scenic views on the Stowe Rec Path, a 5.3-mile paved trail from Stowe Village to Top Notch Resort on the Mountain Road. The path boasts breathtaking mountain views and access to restaurants, lodges, and local businesses.

Ice Skating

An outdoor ice skating rink is available at the Spruce Peak Village Center and is open daily from 12 – 6 p.m. Skating is complimentary, and skates are available for rent. Waterbury also has ice skating at the Ice Center of Washington West.

Sugaring

March is the official beginning of the sugaring season (i.e., maple syrup); however, you can always travel to any of the local sites to see how the process works, learn about the grades of syrup, and of course, taste a variety of samples and by-products!

Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center

Spruce Peak Arts curates engaging experiences for all ages that connect audiences to the performing arts in deep, meaningful, and delightful ways.  A year-round presenter of performing arts and educational and family programs, Spruce Peak Arts’ home base is the Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center in Stowe, VT.  Our 420-seat multi-use modern performance center boasts pristine acoustics and state-of-the-art technical systems. Event Calendar

Teddy Bears

A cozy addition to a cold day – visit the Vermont Teddy Bear factory in Shelburne, VT. 800-829-BEAR (2327).

Shopping

For amazing shopping, we recommend Stowe Living, Remarkable Things, Body Lounge, The Mercantile, Shaw’s General Store, Bear Pond Books, Country Store on Main, Neon Wave, Pinnacle Sporting Goods, and AJ’s Sports.

Art Galleries

Visit one of Stowe’s many art galleries: Northwood Gallery, Remarkable Things Craft Gallery, Front Four Gallery, The Bryan Fine Art Gallery or The Current. Many offer fun classes daily.

Stowe Tasting & Brewery Tours

Taste the region’s best beers, hard ciders, wines, spirits, and foods with tours by Savor Vermont or 4 Points VT.

Explore on your own:

Visit Ben & Jerry’s for a factory tour, then head over to Lake Champlain Chocolates, Cold Hollow Cider, Danforth Pewter, and Cabot Cheese Store, all within walking distance of each other.

Love coffee?

Stowe is home to tons of coffee shops and roasteries. Black Cap Coffee, Woodlands Coffee, Girakofi, Stowe Bee Bakery, Trapp kaffehaus, Artisan Coffee, and Movement Coffee Roasters.