Experience Stowe’s Outdoor Winter Adventure
December 27, 2018 by GO STOWE
With the winter season upon us, Stowe is ready to celebrate Vermont’s coldest months. Whether you’re a returning visitor, or new to Stowe, there are activities for all ages and abilities. Not a skier or snowboarder? Stowe offers many outdoor activities for non-skiers and was recently named one of the “New England ski towns that even a non-skier can love” by the Boston Globe. Get outside and explore Stowe this winter:
Activities for the Adventure Seeker
Stowe is home to miles of trails ready for exploration by ski, snowshoe, hiking, fat biking or snowmobile. If you’re looking to incorporate a little more adventure into your visit, cruise through the winter landscape on a snowmobile excursion. Snowmobile Vermont offers a two-hour, 25-mile, guided back-country tour perfect for those looking to escape to the outdoors.
Looking to take your adventure to a whole new level? Local and experienced guides from Sunrise Mountain Guides will teach you the basics of ice climbing, with level one beginning with waterfall climbing at Bingham Falls and the last level for more experienced climbers at Smugglers’ Notch.
While hiking in Stowe is a spring-to-fall, all-ages activity, hiking in the winter months adds a layer of difficulty for adventurous hikers. Trek up Mt. Mansfield via the Sunset Ridge Trail. This round-trip, eight-mile hike requires some planning and additional equipment, but will be well worth the wintry views from the summit of Vermont’s highest mountain.
Insider tip: Need equipment rentals? Stowe’s local sporting goods shops feature extensive lines of Nordic, Alpine and backcountry equipment for all your winter adventures. You can also rent or purchase equipment for your winter hiking adventures, such as spikes, poles and snowshoes.
Family-Friendly Outdoor Activities
Stowe was recently named one of five “Flat-Out Ideal Cross-Country Ski Getaways” by The Wall Street Journal and it certainly lives up to that accolade. The Stowe Recreation Path features more than five miles of family-friendly trails that are maintained by Stowe Nordic, Stowe’s cross-country ski club. Trapp Family Lodge is home to the first cross-country ski center in the country, as well as 37 miles of groomed trails and 62 miles of backcountry trails. Perfect for all ages and abilities, a day spent on these world-class trails will be one to remember.
If you’re hoping to hone your Alpine skiing or snowboarding skills, Stowe Mountain Resort offers several lesson options available for both locals and visitors. After a few hours on the slopes, warm up with some hot chocolate at the Spruce Camp Base Lodge. Sit back, relax and view winter a whole new way on a dog sledding tour with Peace Pups Dogsledding. You can also learn how to maintain your own team of Huskies with a knowledgeable guide who will show you how to set up the sled, harness the team and guide them.
Fly through snowy treetops and experience winter in a whole new way on a zip tour adventure with ArborTrek Canopy Adventures. The trip to ArborTrek is about an hour and makes the perfect local day trip, while visiting Stowe. Each tour is 2 – 3 hours long and will be an exciting adventure for the whole family.
Insider tip: Located near ArborTrek Canopy Adventures is Stowe Winery, a Sommelier owned and operated, 77-acre farm featuring their own high-quality wines available for tasting.
Favorite Winter Activities
Favorite non-snow sport activities include outdoor ice skating at The Lodge at Spruce Peak. Bring your own skates, or you can rent them onsite. Stowe also offers an indoor state-of-the-art ice skating rink, Stowe Arena, which holds regular public skate times and skate events. While the Stowe Recreation Path is a popular cross-country ski trail, it’s also available to those looking to walk or snowshoe through Stowe’s winter landscapes. The Rec Path begins behind the Stowe Community Church in the village and winds through snow covered fields and over bridges along Stowe’s Mountain Road, making it a great way to view the town.
Insider tip: Refuel and stock up along the Rec Path from one of the many local dining and shopping options that are easily accessible along the 5.5 mile path.
Run out of time to experience all that Stowe has to offer? Extend your weekend and explore a little longer. No matter your activity of choice – from fat biking and dog sledding to ice fishing and more, your trip to Stowe is sure to be an adventure for all.