Spread in the shadow of Vermont’s highest peak, 4,395-foot Mount Mansfield, Stowe has a well-deserved reputation as a winter sports destination. Founded in 1794, the historic hamlet cradled by the Green Mountains emerged as a hub for downhill and cross-country skiers beginning in the 1930s — and is home to the Vermont Skit and Snowboard Museum. But there’s much more than just skiing. The town is an alluring year-round destination, a portal to the Green Mountains with a bustling après adventure scene and a wide array of accommodation options.
Here’s our complete Stowe travel guide.
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While Stowe’s ski slopes are renowned, the town has plenty to offer outdoor lovers all year, from hiking and cycling trails and beyond.
Vermont Canoe & Kayak
For a summer excursion, Vermont Canoe & Kayak offers canoe, kayak, and paddleboard rentals, along with guided trips and an array of unique tours on the Lamoille River just outside Stowe. Trip options include a full-day Rock Climb and Paddle excursion, a half-day Hike and Paddle combination, and a two-and-a-half-hour outing to the Vermont Maple Outlet.
Sunset Rock
Sunset Rock offers a charming, easy hike just a few minutes from the bustling Main Street. You can begin your adventure right in town or drive to the small parking area near the trailhead. The hike is short and accessible, suitable for all skill levels, yet rewards you with beautiful views of Stowe and the surrounding mountains.
Lamoille Valley E-Bike Tour
For a taste of the region’s extensive trail networks, try a Lamoille Valley E-Bike Tour. Rides take place year-round on the Lamoille Valley Rail Trail, the longest in New England, and utilize electric bikes that make cycling a cinch. Specialty tours include the Fireside Fat Tire E-bike Adventure, a winter excursion that ends with toasted marshmallows, hot chocolate, and a cheese tasting, or the Vermont Bike and Brew Tour, a leisurely half-day excursion featuring stops at three local breweries.
Gondola SkyRide
Hop on the Gondola SkyRide and head to the summit of Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s tallest peak. Along the way, you’ll enjoy gorgeous views and access to hiking trails. At the top, you can stop at The Waffle, a cozy spot offering tasty treats. This attraction is typically open from mid-July to mid-October and is a fantastic way to experience the beauty of Vermont without a strenuous hike.
Eat and drink
No Stowe travel guide is complete without food and beverages. The state of Vermont has a thriving brewing culture, and Stowe has no shortage of local craft beers. But, the historic town offers much more than just microbrews. Stowe’s charming downtown is brimming with enticing eateries, from coffeehouses perfect for a quick, pre-adventure dose of caffeine to lounge-worthy cafés dishing up locally sourced, farm-to-table cuisine.
- “$”= budget-friendly
- “$$”=average
- “$$$”= expensive
The Alchemist
Get a sampling of the town’s craft beer scene at The Alchemist. Renowned for hazy, full-bodied New England-style IPAs, the family-run brewery offers daily tours, curbside beer pick-up, along with a seasonal beer garden. The beer selection includes offerings like the Heady Topper, an American Double IPA (8% ABV) designed to be consumed from a can, or the Knuckle Dragger (8.4% ABV), a full-bodied imperial-style milk stout.
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Idletyme Brewing Company
For drinks and dinner, Idletyme Brewing Company pours robust ales, stouts, and lagers, while serving up elevated pub fare like specialty burgers and sandwiches, along with pasta dishes and hearty salads. Brews include staples like the classic Idletyme (8% ABV), crisp American-style Double IPA, the easy-sipping Bohemia Pilsner (4.8% ABV), and the robust Oatmeal Stout (5.8% ABV), flavored with notes of coffee and chocolate. And during warmer months, the brewery’s dog-friendly patio is easily accessible from the Stowe Recreation Path.
- Best for lunch, dinner, drinks
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Doc Ponds
Craft beer connoisseurs will also love the selection at Doc Ponds. The homey eatery serves locally inspired New American plates, and features an ever-evolving rotation of beers on tap, an extensive selection of bottles and cans, and ambiance provided courtesy of the joint’s extensive vinyl collection, including more than 1,000 records spun on in-house turntables.
- Best for dinner, drinks
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Cork Restaurant and Natural Wine Shop
Rather sip locally sourced wine instead? Cork Restaurant and Natural Wine Shop specializes in sourcing wines from regional vineyards relying on earth-friendly, biodynamic growing techniques. The stylish eatery also offers a seasonally inspired dinner menu that includes a diverse selection of small plates, with offerings like short-rib meatballs, steamed mussels, and seasonal squash salad.
- Best for lunch, dinner, drinks
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Cliff House Restaurant
And, for a unique dining experience worth the trip, there’s the Cliff House Restaurant. Perched at 3,625 feet, the gondola-served restaurant is nestled into the flanks of Mount Mansfield, treating visitors to an alpine dining experience – enhanced with floor-to-ceiling windows. The high-elevation eatery specializes in classic American cuisine made with regionally sourced ingredients, and serves local microbrews, along with wine and craft cocktails.
- Best for lunch, drinks
- $$
Stay
Stowe is renowned for harboring some of New England’s most storied mountain hideaways, offering everything from quaint bed and breakfasts to chic lodges that provide easy access to the region’s natural assets. The outdoorsy town is also loaded with options for group getaways, including trailside chalets and family-friendly villas with plenty of space for stashing gear.
Trapp Family Lodge
Among the town’s most celebrated accommodations is the Trapp Family Lodge, operated by the von Trapp family memorialized The Sound of Music. After relocating to Vermont, the family began hosting guests at their Stowe-based chalet in 1950 — and today, the Trapp Family Lodge features a range of accommodations, including villas, guest houses, and rooms at the main lodge.
The 2,500-acre resort is also a playground for outdoor lovers, with more than 60 miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. Post-adventure, the resort also offers plenty of places to grab a beer and a bite, including a formal dining room, and trail-accessible Bierhall Restaurant serving lunch and dinner, and pouring Austrian and German-style beers crafted at the resort’s von Trapp Brewery.
Tälta Lodge
For visitors planning a vacation-inspired by Stowe’s outdoor adventure scene, the stylish Tälta Lodge is a strategic basecamp. Situated beside the West Branch Little River, the lodge offers everything from standard king rooms to bunks perfect for groups, along with plenty of thoughtful touches for outdoor lovers hauling gear, including bike storage, ski lockers, and boot drying rooms. And, post-adventure, there’s a sauna and indoor pool, perfect for relaxing after a day on the slopes.
Field Guide Lodge
Outdoorsy souls will also appreciate the amenities at the chic Field Guide Lodge. A modern take on the classic ski haus, the boutique lodge features a décor inspired by Vermont’s biodiversity, and offers a variety of accommodations, from rooms in the cozy main lodge to spacious suites in the separate Trail House. And, the grounds include a cozy, fireplace-bedecked guest lounge, along with a hot tub and seasonal outdoor pool.
The Lodge at Spruce Peak
The Lodge at Spruce Peak offers a wide range of accommodations, from cozy and elegant guest rooms to expansive private residences that cater to every style. As the only slopeside hotel at Stowe Mountain Resort, it provides convenient ski-in and ski-out access. Guests can enjoy an outdoor pool, a fitness center, and seasonal kids’ programming, along with an all-natural spa and wellness center. The lodge also features an on-site restaurant and a golf course, making it a perfect year-round destination.
