STOWE IN WINTER | THE COMPLETE GUIDE TO WHERE TO STAY, SKI, EAT + APRÈS
Stowe was my very first home in Vermont, and it's still the place I recommend most when someone asks me where to go for a winter weekend. It really is the Ski Capital of the East, but even if you never click into a pair of skis, there is SO much to do here: dog sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, sleigh rides, ice skating, cozy restaurants and some of the best après in New England.
I've written about Stowe a lot over the years, so I wanted to pull everything into one place. Here is my complete guide to Stowe in winter, including where to stay, what to do, where to eat and a 3-day weekend itinerary you can steal.
WHERE TO STAY IN STOWE
Where you stay in Stowe really sets the tone for your trip. Here are my three favorites, depending on the kind of weekend you want.
The Lodge at Spruce Peak: Best for Skiers
If you want to walk out the door and be on the mountain, The Lodge at Spruce Peak is the spot. The lobby has floor-to-ceiling views of Spruce Peak Village and the slopes, and you're steps from the gondola, the ice rink, shops and restaurants. Our Alpine Studio had views of Mount Mansfield, a stone fireplace, a kitchen and the most beautiful marble tub. It's also pet-friendly, which is always a win for us!
Read my full review: Where to Stay | The Lodge at Spruce Peak
The Stowehof: Best for a Cozy, Charming Escape
The Stowehof sits on 26 acres with panoramic views of Mount Mansfield and feels like an old-school country lodge, with retro decor, fireplaces and hidden nooks everywhere you look (there are even trees INSIDE the lobby!). It's just a short drive to the mountain and it's pet-friendly too. This is my pick if you want charm over ski-in, ski-out.
Read my full review: Where to Stay | The Stowehof
Trapp Family Lodge: Best for History, Cross-Country Skiing + Views
Yes, THAT von Trapp family! The family settled in Stowe in the 1940s because the mountains reminded them of Austria, and the lodge still feels like an Austrian chalet. Johannes von Trapp opened the Cross Country Ski Center here in 1968, the first of its kind in the U.S., so it's perfect if you'd rather glide than go downhill. Don't skip the soft pretzels and baked cheese!
Read my full review: Where to Stay | Trapp Family Lodge and our romantic staycation at Trapp Family Lodge
THINGS TO DO IN STOWE IN WINTER
Ice Skate at Spruce Peak at Sunset
This is my favorite winter activity in Stowe. Book a skating time right around sunset and watch the sky turn pink and blue while you skate under the twinkling lights. Reserve one of the WhistlePig Pergolas rinkside for apple cider donuts and hot chocolate between laps.
Dine in an Igloo
The private igloos on the Mansfield Terrace at Spruce Peak have views of Mount Mansfield and a sushi menu (my favorite meal!). It was hands-down the highlight of our stay, and it's such a fun way to do après.
Sip Whiskey at the WhistlePig Pavilion
Warm up after a day on the mountain with a whiskey tasting at the WhistlePig Pavilion, with views of the slopes and the rink.
Get Outside (Even if You Don't Ski)
Ski or ride Stowe Mountain Resort, right from Spruce Peak Village.
Cross-country ski or snowshoe at Trapp Family Lodge.
Take a sleigh ride, go dog sledding or try snowmobiling, all just a short drive from town.
Shop the village, then grab a drink by a fire.
See all of my favorites in Top 5 Activities to Do at Spruce Peak.
WHERE TO EAT IN STOWE
Idletyme Brewing Company was the very first restaurant I ever went to in Stowe, and it's still one of my favorites. The inside is rustic and cozy (perfect in winter), and I always order the Tuna Poké Bowl. Read more in my Idletyme Brewing guide.
Other easy wins: the igloos at Spruce Peak, the WhistlePig Pergolas for a sweet treat, and pretzels and baked cheese at Trapp Family Lodge.
MY 3-DAY STOWE WEEKEND ITINERARY
Day 1: Arrive + Skate
Check in and settle in by the fire.
Ice skate at Spruce Peak at sunset, with hot chocolate at a WhistlePig Pergola.
Dinner in an igloo on the Mansfield Terrace.
Day 2: Mountain Day
Ski or ride Stowe in the morning (or book a sleigh ride or dog sledding tour).
Après with a whiskey tasting at the WhistlePig Pavilion.
Dinner and drinks in the village.
Day 3: Trapp Family Lodge + Lunch
Cross-country ski or snowshoe at Trapp Family Lodge, then warm up with pretzels and baked cheese.
Lunch at Idletyme Brewing before heading home.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Book early for holiday weeks and February weekends. The best rooms, igloos and skating times go fast.
Pack warm layers. Stowe gets COLD (I'm talking burst-pipe cold!). Bring a real winter coat, waterproof boots, a hat and hand warmers.
Bring the dog! Both The Lodge at Spruce Peak and The Stowehof are pet-friendly.
Check hours before you go. Restaurants and activities can change from season to season.
Looking for more winter trips? Check out The Best New England Winter Weekend Getaways.
Want help planning your Stowe weekend? I'd love to put together the perfect trip for you.
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