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Cross-Country Skiing and Snowshoeing in
Stowe, Vermont - Stowe Area Association, Main Street,
Stowe, Vermont 05672
Stowe, Vermont is nestled beside Vermont's highest peak, Mt. Mansfield. It has one of the largest and most diverse xc ski trail networks in the country and the region boasts of 320 things to do. Three xc ski areas interconnect to provide roughly 150 groomed km of trails, and an additional 100 km in the backcountry. Plus there are a slew of trails for snowshoeing. Stowe's historic village offers an extensive choice of shopping and restaurants. The Stowe Recreation Path, which runs 5.3 miles along the river (and over 11 wooden bridges) and Route 108 is a fine place for people that want to take an easy snowshoe jaunt. Don't miss the Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream (most popular attraction in the state) in nearby Waterbury.
For reservations, packages or more information
about the Stowe area including shopping and restaurants, contact the
Stowe Area Association via 877-GO-STOWE (467-8693) or on the Web visit
www.GoStowe.com
The
Trapp Family Lodge (802-253-8511; 800-826-7000, www.trappfamily.com)
organized America’s first commercial xc ski center and has 55 km
groomed and machine-tracked trails that connect to another 100 km in
the Stowe Mountain Resort Cross Country and Nordic Barn networks. Trapp’s
also has 45 km of backcountry trails. The fee is $16 a day for adults,
$14 for seniors and teens, $5 for children, free for those younger than
6. XC ski and snowshoe equipment rentals and instruction are available.
Complete retail store with clothing, equipment and accessories. The
Trapp Family was made famous in the movie The Sound of Music. For a
full page of info about Trapp Family Lodge
click here.
Stowe Mountain Resort Touring Center (802-253-3000, www.stowe.com) has 80 km of trails. There are 35 km groomed for classic and skating and 45 km of backcountry trails. The daily fee is $15 for adults and $8 for children under 13. Lessons and xc ski and snowshoe equipment rentals available. The trails are in the Mount Mansfield State Forest and they offer accessibility to the Alpine ski area trails. With a pass to the xc ski trails, ride the Toll House Chairlift and access trails higher on the mountain. Ski down gentle ski area trails or back to the center on xc ski trails.
The
Nordic Barn (802-253-6433) has 15 km of groomed trails and offers
lessons, rental equipment and a retail shop. The Nordic Barn trails
include the upper reaches of the Stowe Recreation Path, a mostly flat
trail that runs into the town of Stowe, where many people hike and walk
their dogs.
The Edson Hill Touring Center (802-253-7371, www.stowevt.com) has 25 km trails groomed on a 225 acre estate. Elevation varies from 1,400 to 2,100 feet. Lessons and rental equipment are available. The Edson Hill Manor has riding stables, sleigh rides, a restaurant and country inn accommodations. Children 12 and under ski free with a paying adult ($10 trail pass).
Golden Eagle Resort (800-626-1010, 802-253-4811, www.goldeneagleresort.com) has a wide range of accommodations, mountain views, fitness center with an indoor pool and ice skating pond.
Stoweflake Mountain Resort & Spa
(800-253-2232, www.stoweflake.com)
is a full-service luxury resort offering accommodations, a Spa &
Sports Club with salon, fitness classes, indoor heated pool, Jacuzzi,
sauna, and steam room. There are 2 restaurants and 50 wines by the glass.
The Winter Fit program on snowshoes utilizes varied par courses.
Snowshoe rentals and guided tours are available at Umiak Outdoor Outfitters (802-253-2317, www.umiak.com). There is a Fondue Dinner Tour ($49) on Wed and Fri evenings 5:30-8:30 PM and a 4-course Gourmet Dinner Tour ( $79) on Tues and Sun evenings 5:30-9:30 PM served at the Stowehof in Emily's restaurant. Retail equipment and clothing available at the storefront at 849 Main Street in Stowe.
Other things to do include:
Ice skating, dog sledding, snowmobiling, sleigh rides or take a gondola ride to the top of Mt. Mansfield to feed your sweet tooth with waffles covered in maple syrup or chocolate sauce. The Vermont Ski Museum on Main Street has great ski history artifacts.The West Branch Gallery & Sculpture Park is one mile up Mountain Road behind the Rusty Nail. For more info about the many shopping, dining choices and apres ski action in Stowe click www.GoStowe.com
