Stowe

It may be small - 4300 inhabitants - but Stowe has a high profile, not only for nestling in the shadow of Mt Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, but also for being one of the East coast’s classiest mountain resorts. It’s a year-round resort, too, with summer hiking and the fabulous fiery forest colours of the fall. Whatever time of year you fancy visiting, our guide to the best places to stay in Stowe will help ensure you get the best out of this charming town.

Come in winter and enjoy more than 200 miles of cross-country ski trails - groomed and backcountry trails - as well as downhill ski and snowboarding runs. Stowe also offers sleigh rides, dog sledding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and ice-skating. Ice-climbing, too, if you’re an adrenaline junkie.

In summer, there’s world-class rock-climbing - particularly on Smuggler’s Notch, a narrow, rock-walled pass through the Green Mountains - plus mountain-biking, go-karting and zip-lining.

The autumn is glorious for hiking through forested slopes that look as though they’re on fire.

You'll also be glad to hear that Vermont has a flush of award-winning restaurants from eclectic bistros to Italian trattorias and micro-brew pubs.

What Not To Miss

• Hike up the Moss Glen Falls and go for a refreshing dip in the natural pool if you are there on a sunny day.
• Prefer something less exhausting? Visit the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum to giggle over the ski equipment and fashion over the last 100 years.
• Stowe has no shortage of galleries and fine craft shops plus, just 10 miles away - and children will love this - there is Ben & Jerry’s legendary ice cream factory. Take a tour, watch a moo-vie and taste the latest flavour.

So, decide which time of year you would like to visit and then use our choice of the best places to stay in Stowe to plan your trip.

For escaping

• Well-served with activities - indoor and outdoor tennis courts, spa, pool, fitness centre, plus fishing, skiing, cycling and horse-riding - The Topnotch Resort & Spa is well-named. The 120 rooms are crisp and modern with terrific mountain views while Flannels Restaurant offers tasty and often organic dishes.
• With just nine rooms, Stone Hill Inn sits in 10 wooded acres, so it guarantees peace. Rooms have private entrances from the garden, two-person baths and elegant furnishings - and it is adults-only.

For families

• With several family suites plus a pool, spa, fitness suite and a central city location - yet with plenty of outdoor activities easily arranged - The Green Mountain Inn makes a good choice for keeping everyone happy.
• The vast Stowe Mountain Lodge offers self-catering suites amongst its 312 rooms. Surrounded by spectacular mountain views and with a host of activities on tap - mountain- biking, trekking, horse-riding, kayaking - there’s plenty to exhaust parents and children. With a spa to recover in, too.

For An Apartment Or Cabin

If you think you'd prefer the privacy of a self-catering option then browse through the wide variety available online with our partner Booking.com.

Travel Information

• Stowe is nicest weather-wise in the summer months, with the average daily temperature rising to 20°C in July. Autumn is also a great choice if you want to spend your days hiking!
• If however you're here to ski then you'll want to come in the winter months. The ski season runs from the end of November to the beginning of April.
• Visitors can fly into Burlington International Airport. Surprisingly enough (given its name), it's only served by domestic destinations, so if you're coming from abroad you'll need to transfer.
• From the airport, it's easiest to take a cab or hire a car and drive yourself to Stowe.
• For car hire prices, we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.

Still Not Sure?

• For more ideas, browse through our entire list of the best places to stay in Stowe.
• Expand your search to include all our Vermont recommendations.
• Or contact one of our friendly gurus for advice.