15 Things To Know About Stowe: Your Winter Guide
December 20, 2019 by GO STOWE
A trip to Stowe is made for spending quality time with friends and family and for experiencing great adventure in the charming snow-covered mountain town. Want to make the most out of you winter getaway to Stowe? Our insider tips are here to help enhance the best parts of your trip. Whether it’s how to get around town, when and how to get the best deal on lift tickets or where to dine out or pick up rentals, you’ll know the ins and outs of Stowe like a local. Here are 15 things you should know about Stowe this winter:
- Plan your activities ahead. Since there are many indoor and outdoor winter activities to enjoy in Stowe, it helps to plan out your days here in advance to have the best experience. Skiing and snowboarding are widely enjoyed along with Nordic skiing, dog sledding, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. Guided tours are also a fun way to explore the area.
- Traveling here. There are several ways to get to Stowe, which is easily reached by car from major northeast cities in the United States. While the highways and main roads are well plowed and maintained, winter tires are strongly encouraged for car travel to and within Stowe. Train and bus services are available into the area, and there are two nearby airports.
- Get lift tickets early. Did you know you can save the most on lift tickets at Stowe Mountain Resort when you purchase them more than 7 days in advance? Buy lift tickets through Stowe Mountain Resort in advance to get the lowest price guaranteed.
- Make dinner plans. Tantalize your taste buds at one of Stowe’s world-class restaurants. There’s a variety for breakfast, lunch, dinner and late-night. Some restaurants accept reservations.
- Find the “essentials” you need. Know in advance other important Stowe information for getting around town, such as public parking and restroom locations and other resources.
- Pick up rentals. Whether you’re headed up to the slopes for the day, embarking on a cross-country skiing exploration or interested in snowshoeing in one of Stowe’s hidden winter gems—Smugglers’ Notch—we have shops to get you outfitted and ready to go. Pick up equipment rentals the night before so you can avoid morning crowds and head straight to the hill. Many sporting goods shops are open later on Friday evenings and offer ski, snowboard, snowshoe and fatbike rentals, as well as ice skates and sleds.
- Plot your route and transportation around town. Plan to take extra time to get to your destinations on a holiday weekend or snow event, especially when the two overlap. Stowe offers a variety of in-town transportation options, including the complimentary Mountain Road Shuttle that provides convenient service from mountain to Main Street and beyond, especially if you’re without winter tires, which are encouraged for getting around town. The shuttle loops throughout town every 30 minutes off-peak and every 15 minutes during peak hours. Download the Transit App by Green Mountain Transit to find your bus in real-time.
- Get a good night’s sleep (or not). In this ski town, we often wake up early to get first chair [which is 7:30 a.m. on weekends!] for first dibs on the trail. If you’re a night owl, Stowe’s late-night options never disappoint. Arriving to the mountain later in the morning or afternoon? Stowe Mountain Resort offers unparalleled snowmaking and grooming so you can enjoy the best conditions around.
- Check trail conditions. Check out Stowe Mountain Resort’s terrain and lift status report for up-to-date info on lift operations. For live updates on weather, operations, terrain and parking information, go to @StoweMtAlerts on Twitter for the daily 6 a.m. report.
- Get to the mountain early. Weekends are considered peak days for skiing and riding. Getting an early start will set you up for an excellent day on Mt. Mansfield. On these days, we suggest getting on Mountain Road by or before 7 a.m. to get first dibs on the trails. Hop on the Mountain Road Shuttle with your ski passes and rentals set. Keep moving at less popular lifts like the Sensation Quad (great intermediate/advanced terrain), Toll House Double (beginner/intermediate) and Mountain Triple (intermediate) lifts.
- Après-ski and craft beverages. It’s tradition to relax and unwind with friends after an exhilarating day on the hill. Along with having award-winning après establishments, there several local craft producers and brew pubs conveniently located in Stowe and surrounding area. Many stops are located along the Mountain Road Shuttle route. With Vermont having the most breweries in the U.S. per capita, Stowe is a destination people travel to just to visit our breweries, cideries and wineries.
- Relax and unwind. There’s no better place to rejuvenate than Stowe. Wrap yourself in a luxurious robe and relax on a heated massage table at a world-class spa. Watch the snow fall outside while lying in a hot tub, or use the sauna after a day on the trails. Find balance in Stowe with tranquil environments, sanctuary lounges and cascading indoor waterfalls all enhanced by Stowe’s natural outdoor beauty.
- Take a piece of Stowe home with you. Stowe has 50 independent boutiques, galleries, sporting goods stores, Vermont food and specialty markets and other shops in Stowe. Stock up on quality products for yourself and find gifts for the fashionistas, foodies and adventurers in your life.
- Extend Your Weekend. Save the anticipated heartache of leaving for another day! Extend Your Weekend and save on midweek lodging in Stowe. Stay at one of our comfortable lodging locations—from fully equipped condominiums to luxurious slope-side resorts.
- Share your Stowe story. Stowe is a true four-season destination that has hosted travelers for more than 200 years. Dream of being back already? If you’ve enjoyed our Vermont hospitality, food and beverages, mountains and more, we’d love to hear about your experience and also share our little slice of heaven with you again!
There are many ways to experience Stowe during your visit. Our winter visitor resource guide has information about getting around Stowe all in one place.