
Stowe Mountain Resort
Vermont's premier ski resort offering challenging slopes, stunning fall foliage, and a charming mountain town experience.

Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Catch peak foliage, fewer crowds

Stowe Mountain Resort
Best Time
Catch peak foliage, fewer crowds

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Vermont's premier ski resort offering challenging slopes, stunning fall foliage, and a charming mountain town experience.
"Stowe offers a quintessential New England experience with breathtaking fall colors and world-class skiing."

🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Stowe gets busy, especially on weekends during fall. Get there before 9 AM for easier parking .
🎟️ Book Lift Tickets Ahead
Window ticket prices are high. Consider an Epic Pass for savings if you plan multiple ski days .

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Stowe Gondola SkyRide
Stowe Mountain Resort
Soar to the summit of Mount Mansfield for breathtaking panoramic views of Vermont's highest peak and surrounding fall foliage.

Von Trapp Family Lodge
Stowe, VT
Experience the legacy of the von Trapp family from 'The Sound of Music' and meet their charming Highland cows.

Downtown Stowe
Stowe, VT
Wander through charming streets, explore unique shops, and enjoy cozy cafes in this picturesque New England town.

Smugglers' Notch Scenic Drive
Route 108
A stunning drive through a mountain pass, especially beautiful during the fall foliage season.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Fall Foliage
Ski Season & Pass Options
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Stowe gets busy, especially on weekends during fall. Get there before 9 AM for easier parking.
🎟️ Book Lift Tickets Ahead
Window ticket prices are high. Consider an Epic Pass for savings if you plan multiple ski days.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Vermont weather can change quickly. Layers are key for comfort, whether hiking or skiing.
🐄 Meet the Highland Cows
A highlight for many visitors at the Von Trapp Family Lodge!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Arrive Early for Parking
Stowe gets busy, especially on weekends during fall. Get there before 9 AM for easier parking.
🎟️ Book Lift Tickets Ahead
Window ticket prices are high. Consider an Epic Pass for savings if you plan multiple ski days.
🧥 Dress in Layers
Vermont weather can change quickly. Layers are key for comfort, whether hiking or skiing.
🐄 Meet the Highland Cows
A highlight for many visitors at the Von Trapp Family Lodge!
📱 Use the Epic Pass App
Get real-time updates on operations and conditions during ski season.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Stowe Mountain Resort is highly praised for its stunning mountain scenery, excellent skiing conditions, and the breathtaking beauty of its fall foliage. Visitors love the variety of trails, the charming town, and unique attractions like the Von Trapp Family Lodge. However, the high cost of lift tickets and potential weekend crowds are noted drawbacks.
"First, you should know that The Sound of Music is my all-time favorite movie. I cry every time. The Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, VT was our very last stop on our 2-week long roadtrip through the northeast. I had no idea it existed until I started researching places for us to stay in Stowe and just happened to stumble upon it. I started crying and sent it to my husband and told him we were going! LOL! This mountaintop is where the von Trapp family finally settled after fleeing from Austria. We participated in a history tour and learned even more about the von Trapp family and we also got to meet their Scottish Highlander cows. I fell even more in love with their story. It's definitely more than what we would normally spend on a hotel per night, but it was worth every penny. The resort was soooo very nice! We went the first few days of November and it was a little tooooo cold for us, so we would want to go either during the fall or springtime! It has just snowed right before we got there. I don't do the cold! LOL! We ate at their restaurant TWICE because it was soooo tasty. YUM! My mouth is watering just thinking about it. We got to see Maria's gravesite and that was emotional, too. I would recommend watching the movie first if you're not familiar with this story because you will have an even greater appreciate for it whenever you get there! You should do the history tour, too! I bought two different books and read one of them on the way home. Gosh, it was just the best and my heart was very full."
Kristin Koonce Burroughs
"I've been skiing at Stowe since the late 90s and I just love this mountain. There is plenty to ski for every level. Stunning views. Like every mountain, conditions are weather dependent, so you either plan ahead or roll the dice. I rolled the dice and got lucky. The previous week saw about a foot of fresh snow, there was not a cloud in the sky and it was cold enough to keep the crowds away the whole morning. The grooming team did a great job of refreshing the mountain. There were plenty of powder stashes in the woods and the sides of trails. My husband no longer skis, so he set himself up in The Den at the Mansfield Lodge and said that the staff kept coming over to make sure he was comfortable or if he needed anything. The food prices are high, but with the epic pass discount, comparable to most resorts.
I really dislike how expensive the window prices of lift tickets have become. It's shameful. Skiing should be more inclusive. I bought a 4-pack epic pass the previous year, which came in a the top-end of what I'm willing to spend for a day of skiing and offers a good variety of destinations. If it weren't for that, Stowe would be off my list of places to ski."
Timothy Forry
"Very good hotel with plenty of amenities Came in summer but I’m sure it’s great in every season specially winter to ski. Very convenient. It has a gondola on site."
Yuli O.
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Stowe Mountain Resort is accessible by car. From Burlington International Airport (BTV), it's about a 40-mile drive.
Major routes like I-89 and VT-100 lead to Stowe. Parking can be challenging, especially during peak seasons, so arriving early is recommended.While direct public transport to the resort itself is limited, local bus services may connect to the town of Stowe. For most visitors, driving or using ride-sharing services from nearby airports or towns is the most common method.
Having a car is beneficial for exploring the wider Stowe area. Within the resort, a gondola connects the Mansfield and Spruce Peak sides.
During ski season, resort shuttles may be available.Stowe is approximately 3-4 hours from Boston, MA, and about 5-6 hours from New York City, NY, making it a popular weekend getaway destination for many on the East Coast.
There is no airport directly in Stowe. The closest major airport is Burlington International Airport (BTV), which is about an hour's drive away.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Window lift ticket prices at Stowe can be very expensive. Purchasing an Epic Pass in advance is highly recommended for significant savings if you plan to ski or snowboard multiple days.
Check the Vail Resorts website for current pricing.Yes, the Epic Pass offers various tiers and discounts. Look for multi-day passes or season passes if you plan to visit frequently. Some local lodging may also offer package deals.
Operating hours vary by season. During the ski season, lifts typically run from early morning to mid-afternoon. The Gondola SkyRide has specific operating dates, usually running through mid-October for fall foliage.
While not always mandatory, it's advisable to check the Stowe Mountain Resort website for any reservation requirements, especially during peak fall foliage season. Purchasing tickets in advance can save time.
Parking at Stowe Mountain Resort is generally free on weekdays. On weekends and during peak times, parking can fill up quickly, and some areas might have fees or require shuttle use. Arriving early is key.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Stowe offers a variety of trails for all levels. The Mansfield side is known for its challenging terrain and steeps like 'The Front Four,' while Spruce Peak is better suited for beginners and intermediates.
Exploring different areas is recommended for a full experience.Beyond skiing and snowboarding, you can enjoy the Gondola SkyRide for scenic views, explore the shops and dining at Spruce Peak, go snowshoeing, or enjoy après-ski activities. In the summer and fall, hiking and scenic drives are popular.
Yes, Spruce Peak at Stowe Mountain Resort is specifically designed for beginners with dedicated learning areas and gentler slopes. Ski schools are also available for lessons.
The views from Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak, are spectacular. You'll see panoramic vistas of the surrounding Green Mountains, forests, and valleys, especially stunning during the fall foliage season.
Yes, there are numerous hiking trails around Stowe Mountain Resort and on Mount Mansfield, offering beautiful scenery throughout the year. During the fall, these trails are excellent for leaf-peeping.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Stowe offers a range of dining, from casual cafes and pubs to upscale restaurants. Spruce Peak has many options, including coffee shops and fine dining. The Cliff House Restaurant at the summit of Mansfield requires reservations.
The Von Trapp Family Lodge also has a highly-rated restaurant.Absolutely! Downtown Stowe is filled with charming eateries, from cozy cafes to gastropubs and fine dining establishments. Many offer farm-to-table experiences showcasing local Vermont ingredients.
The Lodge at Spruce Peak offers several dining venues, often featuring contemporary American cuisine with a focus on local ingredients. Expect quality dining experiences suitable for resort guests.
Many visitors enjoy the local cafes in downtown Stowe for breakfast. Look for places that offer Vermont specialties like maple syrup pancakes or local baked goods.
Food prices at resort-level establishments can be high, but discounts may be available with passes like the Epic Pass.
Exploring dining options in the town of Stowe might offer more budget-friendly choices.📸 📸 Photography
Iconic photo spots include the view from the Gondola SkyRide,
the charming streets of downtown Stowe, the Von Trapp Family Lodge with its Highland cows, and scenic overlooks along Smugglers' Notch. Fall foliage provides a stunning backdrop everywhere.Golden hour, shortly after sunrise and before sunset, offers the most beautiful light for photography, especially for capturing the fall foliage. Mid-day can be harsh, but the views from the gondola are impressive anytime.
A versatile lens like a 24-70mm is great for landscapes and general shots. A wide-angle lens can capture the expansive mountain views. Don't forget a tripod for low-light conditions or long exposures, and a polarizing filter for vibrant foliage shots.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or drone usage may require permits. Always be respectful of other visitors and private property.
Peak foliage typically occurs in early to mid-October. For the best colors, aim for sunny days with clear skies. The vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows are most striking during this period.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
💰 Budget Travelers
💑 Couples & Romantic Getaways
🍂 Fall Foliage Enthusiasts
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing Fall Foliage in Stowe
To make the most of your fall foliage trip, timing and planning are crucial. Weekends can become extremely crowded, with parking being a significant challenge in the popular one-road town. To avoid the throngs, consider visiting on a weekday and arriving early in the morning, ideally before 9 AM. While the foliage is breathtaking, some years may see less vibrant colors due to dry conditions. Always check local foliage trackers for the most up-to-date information on peak viewing times.
Skiing and Snowboarding at Stowe Mountain Resort
Lift tickets can be quite expensive when purchased at the window. For those planning multiple ski days, investing in an Epic Pass is highly recommended, as it can offer significant cost savings and access to other Vail Resorts properties. It's advisable to purchase passes in advance. During the ski season, parking is generally free on weekdays, but can fill up quickly on weekends. Utilizing the resort's app can provide real-time updates on lift status and conditions. The resort is known for its stunning mountain scenery, which adds to the overall skiing experience.
Beyond the Slopes: Stowe's Charm and Attractions
For those seeking relaxation, resorts like Top Notch offer spa services, providing a perfect way to unwind after a day of outdoor activities. The Lodge at Spruce Peak is another highly-rated hotel known for its amenities and convenient location. Whether you're visiting in the vibrant fall, the snowy winter, or the green summer, Stowe offers a quintessential New England experience with a blend of outdoor adventure and small-town charm.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit