Stowe, VT, Guide and Information

Arguably the most renowned ski resort and town in Vermont, Stowe recently became even more epic. Vail Resorts, the premier mountain resort company in the world, acquired this historic property, making it their first move toward establishing a presence in the northeast.

Stowe Mountain Resort, located just north of the historic village of the same name, has been welcoming skiers since 1933. (The National Ski Patrol was founded here in 1934.) Comprised of two separate mountains, Mount Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont, and Spruce Peak, there’s plenty of skiable terrain and vertical feet to entice skiers and snowboarders of all levels. With Vail Resorts at the helm, Stowe will likely experience all kinds of improvements from the addition of more trails and lifts to better snowmaking and grooming. Not to mention on-mountain dining and shopping! Look out, Stowe’s already reaching new summits as one of the most dynamic ski resorts in North America.

Situated in central Vermont at the intersection of three scenic routes, Waterbury woos visitors and locals alike with its wide variety of shopping, touring and tasting. Plan to come to this crossroad of Vermont along the Winooski River on an empty stomach and allow yourself to graze your way through some of Vermont’s tastiest treats. (Cows aren’t the only ones known for grazing in Vermont.) Plan to stock up, too, on a carload of Vermont-made goodies that will remind you of your trip once back home. (It’s also a great place to shop for gifts galore.)

Downtown Waterbury boasts many favorite food and drink emporiums and stores including Prohibition Pig and Stowe Street Emporium. For more extensive foodie touring, you’ll want to head out along Route 100, often referred to as the Stowe Road. Ben & Jerry’s was one of the first to establish the tour and taste theme of the area and they remain one of the biggest destinations in Waterbury, if not all of Vermont. (Who doesn’t like ice cream?) Enjoy a half-hour factory tour from late May through December, find out how the yummy goods are made and how this progressive company continually strives to bring about change. Indulge in ice cream and gifts year-round and top off your visit to the Flavor Graveyard where you can weep over the de-pinted flavors that have been retired–it’s a hoot!

Country stores embody the rural, old fashioned, we-can-outfit-you-for-any-occasion spirit of Vermont. Some of the best may be found in and around Stowe along with an array of country-like specialized shops that make you feel miles away from the local mall (you are, in fact) or an online shopping experience (heavens to Betsy). If you’re into charm and authenticity, you’ll love visiting Stowe’s many and varied shopping emporiums.

From its stunning natural beauty to its rich history and vibrant community, Stowe has a lot to offer. In this guide, we'll take you on a journey through the town of Stowe, highlighting its attractions, lodging options, and various activities to enjoy.

Attractions