Julia Harpe's Guide to Stowe
A fellow New Englander, Julia Harpe has been a friend of Alps & Meters for a while now. We love her eye behind the camera, her love for vintage aesthetics, and her passion for exploring new places - especially those in the alpine.
Deep in the woods, tucked away in northern-most Vermont, is a little slice of the Austrian Alps. The small ski resort town of Stowe, Vermont welcomes ski lovers with winter wonderland experiences, and enticing smells of cheese fondue and raclette. This is the winter playground of New England.
The town is very much inspired by the alpine villages of Europe, from the impressive Trapp Family Lodge, to the cabins and vintage motels on every corner. It’s a quaint blending of New England countryside architecture and European chalets. It’s a great escape for winter lovers, and the endless activities ensures there is something there for everyone!
Stowe is the place to vacation in the winter, and whether you stay a weekend, or a week, there is lots to do and see throughout this little corner of Vermont. By the end of it you will find yourself longing for more time, and already planning your next trip back…it’s just that special.
WHERE TO STAY
Edson Hill - This historic 1930s manor house, turned inn, is like escaping to a cozy, relaxing spa. There are rooms in both the manor house, and in the cottages across the property, many with their own wood burning fireplaces; a delight to return to after a long day of cold-weather adventures. The inn also boasts cross country ski and snowshoe trails across the whole property, and you can rent all the equipment you need at their nordic center.
The Trapp Family Lodge - For those of you who may not know, the Trapp Family Lodge is the lodge built by the Von Trapp family after they left Austria and came to the US. The famous movie “The Sound of Music” is based loosely off of the family’s life in Austria. The Lodge was designed to look straight out of an Austrian fairytale, with all the chalet vibes, and the views across the Vermont countryside are to-die-for.
The Lodge at Spruce Peak - Right in the heart of Stowe Mountain Village is the Lodge at Spruce Peak. This is the main resort lodge at the foot of the ski mountain. You can step right out the door and onto the gondola, which makes the location unbeatable for ski lovers!
WHERE TO EAT
The WhistlePig Pavilion - If you are looking for an experience, this is the spot for you. The WhistlePig Pavilion is right at the base of the mountain, and overlooks the village ice skating rink. When you walk in you are immediately hit with the strong scent of melting cheese, and that’s when you know you are about to have an incredible meal. In the center of the room is a huge stone fireplace, and it is here they hold the large wheels of raclette cheese up against the flame, softening it to the point where it can be poured over your meal of pretzels, meats, or veggies. It’s the closest place to feeling like you are in Switzerland here in the US.
Swiss Fondue by Heinz - If you are looking for fondue…as one does in Stowe, surprisingly there is only one place to find it, and that is at Swiss Fondue by Heinz. This little fondue restaurant sits in the heart of the town of Stowe, and their cheese fondue will hit the spot! After a long day skiing, gather around the bubbling fondue pot with your friends, and enjoy!
Edson Hill Dining Room & Tavern - If you need a departure from the hearty alpine food and cheeses, you will find the perfect fine dining options at the dining room and tavern at Edson Hill. The atmosphere is as relaxing as the food is delicious, and you won’t want to leave, ever!
Dedalus Market - This little market on the outskirts of the town is a bustling place…and for good reason! It’s a wine shop, market, flower shop, and coffee shop, all rolled into one, and the quality and complexity of the food is astounding! You will go in curious, and leave with an armful of baked goods, because you couldn’t pass up any of them, they all sound so incredible! It’s a great snack spot for a group of ski buddies looking for a hot chocolate and cookie after an afternoon on the slopes…and it sure beats anything you will find at the ski lodge!
Black Cap Coffee - Another spot for the perfect baked goods and coffee is Black Cap Coffee, a small little shop in the heart of town. It’s always a busy place, so you know it’s good! It’s the perfect stop for a quick morning coffee and pastry before you start your day of adventure.
What to do
Skiing and Snowboarding - The reason people flock to Stowe is for the skiing, so make sure you don’t leave without hitting the slopes at least once! The resort is huge for New England standards, and offers 40 miles of trails across 3 different peaks.
X-Country Skiing - There are lots of trails all over Stowe, and a great place to hit if you bring your own gear is Weissner Woods. The trails wind throughout the woods, and it’s the perfect place to go if you have your dog along with you. Another spot is Edson Hill, where you can rent gear, and have access to the trails all across their property. More trails, still, can be found at the Trapp Family Lodge, so there are endless opportunities in Stowe for a little nordic skiing!
Ice Skating - At the bottom of the ski mountain is the Stowe Mountain Village, and at the heart of the village is the ice skating rink. It is free to enter, and they also have skates for you can rent in the building next door. The location is beautiful, and you have views of the mountains rising up over the Lodge as you skate.
Sleigh Rides - The Trapp Family Lodge offers sleigh rides across the fields in front of the Lodge. The sleigh is a beautiful multi-seat sleigh, pulled by gorgeous, strong horses. The views for miles make the whole experience so magical!
If this doesn’t put Stowe, Vermont on your list, I don’t know what will. It’s a magical place, full of history, adventure, and fun, and there is something there for everyone to enjoy. Strap on your skis and gather all your friends for a good time in this special slice of Vermont.
- Julia Harpe (@julia.harpe)