Total Solar Eclipse

On April 8, 2024, a rare total solar eclipse will cross the U.S., plunging a 124-mile-wide path stretching from Mexico to Canada into night-like darkness. A total solar eclipse happens when the moon passes between the sun and earth, completely blocking the face of the sun. Totality is the maximum phase of a total solar eclipse, during which the Moon’s disk completely covers the Sun’s face. Stowe, Vermont will be part of the state to experience the rare marvel of “totality” of the eclipse, causing day to turn to night. Vermont is estimating anywhere between 50,000 and 100,000 people flocking to the northern part of the state to view this astronomical event.  

Timing of the Solar Eclipse in Stowe:

• Partial eclipse begins at 2:14 p.m.
• Totality is from 3:27 to 3:29 p.m.
• Eclipse concludes at 4:37 p.m.

Solar Eclipse Events

There will be a variety of different events happening in town for the eclipse. View the current lineup of events here. Celebrate the solar eclipse with the Stowe community with live music, festive viewing parties and a multitude of engaging activities. Specialty guided tours are available for the eclipse, including the Solar Eclipse Trek with Umiak Outdoor Outfitters or the Eclipse Tasting Tour with Savor Vermont. Please note that some events are ticketed with limited availability so be sure to plan ahead and secure tickets in advance. More events will be added leading up to the eclipse so check back for more. Stick around for events following the eclipse, such as the “There Goes the Sun” concert at Stowe Community Church. Click here for our full events calendar. 

Eclipse Viewing Spots

Depending on the weather leading up to the solar eclipse, there may be more or fewer viable viewing options if the ground is soft and muddy. Here are a few options for viewing: 

• The Alchemist Brewery – 100 Cottage Club Road – Free event 12-6 p.m.
• American Flatbread & Stowe Cider – 17 Town Farm Lane – Free event 12-9 p.m.
• Lamoille Valley Rail Trail – Closest trailhead to Stowe is Oxbow Park located at 257 Portland Street, Morrisville, VT 05661.
• Ranch Camp – 311 Mountain Road – Free event 11 a.m. – 8 p.m.
• Round Hearth Cafe – 39 Edson Hill Road – Ticketed event 1:30-4:30 p.m.
• Spruce Peak – 7412 Mountain Road (Route 108) – Free event 1-6 p.m.
• Stowe Arena Parking Lot – 350 Park Street
• Stowe Mountain Resort – 7416 Mountain Road (Route 108) – Various free and ticketed event offerings, parking is free.
• Stowe Recreation Path – Begins behind the Stowe Community Church on Main St. and ends off of Brook Road along Mountain Road (Route 108). Parking areas along the Rec Path include: Thompson Park (Route 108) and Chase Park (Luce Hill Road).

Eclipse Safety Tips

• It is not safe to look directly at the Sun without specialized eye protection specifically for solar viewing. Special eclipse glasses need to be purchased and worn while solar viewing.
• Viewing any part of the bright sun through a camera lens, binoculars or a telescope without a special-purpose solar filter secured over the front of the optics will instantly cause severe eye injury.
• April in Vermont can welcome all types of weather. Come prepared with all types of warm layers, waterproof footwear, etc. Remember, temperatures drop and weather conditions can change quicker and more frequently at higher elevations so plan accordingly.
• Most trail and land areas are not open this time of year. Please follow all trail closures and conditions. If areas are wet or muddy, help us preserve the land by viewing the eclipse on paved or hard surfaces.
• With higher volumes of guests expected during this time, those visiting Stowe should anticipate an increase in traffic and plan accordingly. Please be safe and respectful as everyone is navigating this busy time.

Parking

Please do not park on roadways or private property. The Town of Stowe is encouraging people to utilize the following parking areas:

• Stowe High School
• Stowe Elementary School 
• Town Recreation Path Parking Areas -Thompson Park, Chase Park, Village Behind Church
• Mayo and Polo Events parking areas
• Village Area – Public Parking

Mountain Road Shuttle

The complimentary Mountain Road Shuttle, operated by Green Mountain Transit, will run from 6:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. with one bus operating the route on April 8, 2024. 

The Mountain Road Shuttle loops throughout town from Commodores Inn on South Main Street to the downtown village and up Mountain Road (Route 108) to Stowe Mountain Resort and Spruce Peak. All GMT buses are equipped with wheelchair lifts/ramps and two or more spaces to accommodate wheelchairs up to the weight capacity of the lift/ramp.

Plan your trek: view the schedule & map and track bus status in real-time. The bus stops near the Stowe Town Hall offer access to other GMT routes.

Tips for Sustainable Travel

• The 2024 Total Solar Eclipse falls during the time of year where winter is coming to an end and we begin the transition to spring. Often referred to as “mud season,” the ground becomes soft from thawing temperatures and runoff snowmelt. Help us protect more delicate landscapes by sticking to paved or hard surfaces. Check trail conditions and closures before heading out.
• Leave no trace. Help us look after our destination by picking up after yourself and disposing of waste properly during your visit.
• Walk and utilize public transit when available. If traveling in groups, carpool as much as possible.
• Help cut down on single use plastics by using refillable water bottles and other reusable items such as snack bags and shopping bags.
• Frequent local shops and restaurants while you’re in town to help maintain our local economy.