8 Winter Events to Fight the Winter Blues
January 3, 2019 by GO STOWE
If your New Year’s resolutions included spending more time outdoors, learning a new skill or incorporating more performing arts into your life – Stowe has the activities and events to check those off your list. From historic ski races to ice carving competitions and a fat bike festival, there are so many ways to get outside and experience Stowe’s winter season. Below are a few ways to fight the winter doldrums, while also working towards your New Year’s goals:
Überwintern Fatbike Festival
When: Saturday, January 5, 2019
Where: Ranch Camp
Stowe features an extensive fat bike trail system and there’s no better time to explore them than during a winter festival! The Stowe Trails Partnership, von Trapp Brewing and Mountain Bike Vermont present the 7th annual Überwintern Fatbike Festival. This festival features a day of fat bike adventure on powder-packed single-track trails. Also featuring group rides (for all experience levels), demos and local brews around the fire at von Trapp Brewery. Fight the post-holiday lag with a day of snowy adventure!
Stowe Derby
When: January 13, 2019
Where: Mt. Mansfield Toll Road
Dating back to 1945, the Stowe Derby is one of the oldest and most unique ski races in North America and attracts hundreds of competitors each year. The main event features a race from the top of Mt. Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, to the historic Stowe village for a total of 20km of challenging terrain and a vertical drop of almost 2,700 feet. This year’s event will also feature a Fat Bike Race and a Derby Short Course, designed for children ages six and up. Start the new year off with a challenge or come watch this signature Stowe event.
Winter Rendezvous
When: January 23 – 27, 2019
Where: Various Stowe locations
For 35 years, Winter Rendezvous has brought hundreds of LGBTQ skiers, riders and winter enthusiasts to Stowe for a week of indoor and outdoor wintry fun. Schedule of events includes a mixer party at Stowe Bowl, a Barefoot Bonfire Bash, a Downhill Costume Competition and a Blow Out Party.
Stowe Winter Carnival
When: January 25 – 27, 2019
Where: Various Stowe locations
The 45th Stowe Winter Carnival celebrates the 2019 winter season from January 25 – 27. Tour the town, while watching professional ice carvers create elegant ice carvings throughout the village and Mountain Road. Highlights from this festival include the Ice Carving Competition, Snowvolleyball Tourney and Snowgolf Tournament. This is one wintry event you won’t want to miss!
Youth Ice Fishing Derby
When: January 26, 2019
Where: Commodores Inn
Want to learn the basics of ice fishing? Join family owned Commodores Inn on their pond for the Youth Ice Fishing Derby, produced by Stowe Parks & Recreation. Prizes will go to the longest and shortest catch and most fish caught overall. Food, refreshments and equipment will be available.
Swan Lake by the National Ballet Theatre of Odessa
When: January 26, 2019
Where: Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center
Be transported to a new realm at Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center. This classic play, based on Russian folklore and German legend, tells the story of a young prince as he works to free the swan maiden from an evil spell. This play will be brought to life by 55 talented ballet stars from the Legendary National Ballet Theatre of Odessa.
Cooking Classes
When: Saturdays and Sundays, January – February
Where: Stowe Kitchen Bath & Linens
Expand your kitchen knowledge and sharpen your cooking skills with a class at Stowe Kitchen Bath & Linens. Perfect for an indoor winter activity, upcoming classes include Acai Bowl’s, Breakfast Classics, Boozy Brunch and more.
Green Mountain Club Speaker Series: Hiking in Iceland
When: Thursdays
Where: Green Mountain Club Visitor Center
Looking for hiking inspiration or to plan your 2019 hiking adventures? Every winter/spring season, the annual James P. Taylor Outdoor Adventure Series features stories and adventures from around the world. Named after the man who envisioned the Long Trail, each Thursday will feature a different speaker(s) and topic. Topics range from hiking Iceland’s Laugavegur and Fimmvorduhal trails, to The Northville-Placid Trail, the oldest long-distance hiking trail you’ve never heard of. The Green Mountain Club is the founder and maintainer of the Long Trail – the oldest long-distance hiking trail in America.
View all upcoming events in Stowe.