Stowe isn’t just a ski resort—it’s a legend. Set against the backdrop of Vermont’s highest peak, Mount Mansfield, Stowe blends big-mountain terrain with small-town elegance. It’s a place where old-school ski heritage meets modern luxury, where powder chasers, families, and après enthusiasts all find their stride. The mountain feels alive with tradition, and every run carries a touch of New England grit wrapped in postcard beauty.
Quick Stats
- Location: Stowe, Vermont
- Elevation: 1,559 ft base / 3,719 ft summit
- Vertical Drop: 2,360 ft
- Skiable Terrain: 485 acres
- Annual Snowfall: ~314 inches
- Number of Runs: 116
- Lifts: 12 (including the iconic Mansfield Gondola and FourRunner Quad)
- Vibe Check: Refined, storied, and steeped in tradition
The Vibe
Stowe is as close to an alpine dream as the East Coast gets. The town itself—lined with steeples, local shops, and artisan cafés—feels more like Switzerland than Vermont. On the hill, the terrain is perfectly balanced: beginner-friendly at Spruce Peak, technical and wild on Mount Mansfield. It’s a skier’s mountain at heart, with challenging steeps, legendary glades, and a mountain culture that still honors its roots. Off the slopes, it’s all about cozy fires, fine dining, and that quintessential New England après charm.
Must-Ride Runs
🟢 Greens
- Toll Road – a winding, scenic green that’s a perfect warm-up lap.
- Easy Mile – gentle slope at Spruce Peak for families and first-timers.
🟦 Blues
- Rimrock – long, rolling cruiser with consistent pitch and stunning views.
- Lord – classic intermediate run that defines Stowe’s rhythm.
- Perry Merrill – smooth groomer that’s pure fun top to bottom.
♦︎ Blacks
- National – steep, narrow, and an East Coast rite of passage.
- Goat – iconic, technical trail with bumps, roots, and true Vermont flavor.
- Starr – one of the steepest and most respected runs in the East.
Après + Town Stays
Après in Stowe is equal parts sophistication and warmth—where cocktails meet cocoa and mountain energy lingers late.
- The Den – lively spot at Spruce Peak for cocktails and elevated pub fare.
- Matterhorn Bar – the stuff of legend—ski boots, live music, and a rowdy crowd.
- Doc Ponds – creative comfort food and one of the best beer lists in Vermont.
- Idletyme Brewing Co. – family-friendly brewery with hearty plates and local pours.
- Harrison’s Restaurant – cozy fine dining tucked right in downtown Stowe.
- The Lodge at Spruce Peak – ski-in luxury with mountain views and on-site spa.
- Green Mountain Inn – historic downtown stay with charm and wood-burning fireplaces.
Travel Tips
Fly into Burlington International Airport (BTV)—a scenic 45-minute drive from Stowe. The resort offers free shuttles between the town and the mountain. For the best experience, ski early and hit Spruce Peak first for morning sun before moving to Mansfield. Peak season runs from late December through mid-March, but April brings long days and spring skiing perfection. Don’t skip Stowe’s cross-country trails—some of the best in the East.
Fun Facts
- Stowe opened its first lift in 1937, making it one of America’s oldest ski resorts.
- Mount Mansfield is Vermont’s highest peak at 4,395 ft.
- The resort is known as the “Ski Capital of the East.”
- Stowe was one of the first mountains to combine alpine and cross-country centers.
- Its famous Front Four (Goat, Starr, National, Liftline) are among the most challenging runs in the East.
Why It Made Our Top 50 List
Stowe made the list because it’s where East Coast skiing found its identity—elegant, demanding, and deeply rooted in tradition. From the charm of its historic village to the thrill of its legendary terrain, Stowe is the mountain that defines skiing in New England.