Stowe - Introduction
Stowe really captures what we imagine the charm and beauty of New England to be. One the USA's most intriguing ski resorts with over a 200 year history. Skiing is on the two peaks of Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest mountain, and Spruce Peak. The mountain of Spruce Peak is ideal for children and beginners with its gentle gradients, and for the more advanced skiers, the famous “Front Four” beneath the gondola will provide a serious and demanding challenge. The ski area is about 7 miles from the village of Stowe and easily accessible by ski shuttle or rental car. The factory outlet shops at Manchester are a big attraction for genuine designer label shopping at great prices.
Skiing
Easy street trail on Spruce Peak is a great place to learn and also has flattering, well groomed cruising runs with the front face of Mount Mansfield offering steeper challenges. For advanced skiers the famous 'Front Four' double diamond black runs are steep and also the bump runs on National, Goat and Nosedive.
Snowboarding
There’s North Slope half-pipe and the Tyro terrain park. The Midway mini-park near Midway Base Lodge has a sound system and experts teaching basic tricks. Beginners can learn at the Burton Method Centre.
Ski Schools
There are lessons for all levels, There’s a Children’s Adventure Center on Spruce Mountain, and daycarers are flexible.
Eating Out
On the mountain, the Cliff House has table-service and good quality food, but each base lodge has a snack bar. The Fireside Tavern has some decent food and a rustic interior that chronicles New England history.
Bars and clubs
It’s relatively quiet, but there is action if you know where to go. The Fireside Tavern is the place for après-ski beers, but the liveliest bar has to be the Matterhorn on Mountain Road. Open until the early hours, it serves sushi, has dancing, and is the hot spot for singles. The Rusty Nail has live music and The Shed is a huge relaxing rustic pub.
Off the slopes
There is snowmobiling and cross-country skiing, and Stowe has plenty of shops, but for a bigger spend try the Essex Mall or Burlington, with its market and quirky stores alongside Gap and Banana Republic, is worth a day out.