Stowe (Winter)

Once the ski capital of New England with America’s first chairlift, Stowe still provides one of the best overall ski experiences in the state. But skiing isn’t all this winter haven offers. The Stowe Recreational Path leads from the village center toward the mountain, used by walkers, cross-country skiers and snowshoers. A museum of skiing in a former church in the center of the village gives a fascinating look at the history of the sport in Vermont. Art galleries and studios line the main street, and two highly rated spas are on the road that leads to the ski area. Until snow closes it for the winter, this road leads over the rocky summit ...

Once the ski capital of New England with America’s first chairlift, Stowe still provides one of the best overall ski experiences in the state. But skiing isn’t all this winter haven offers. The Stowe Recreational Path leads from the village center toward the mountain, used by walkers, cross-country skiers and snowshoers. A museum of skiing in a former church in the center of the village gives a fascinating look at the history of the sport in Vermont. Art galleries and studios line the main street, and two highly rated spas are on the road that leads to the ski area. Until snow closes it for the winter, this road leads over the rocky summit of Smugglers Notch. In winter, skiers bound for the other side of the pass, and Smugglers Notch Resort, must drive around the mountains to Jeffersonville. It’s worth the trip, however, to ski at the winter retreat that has been named the top family vacation resort in America. Recreation facilities include state-of-the-art grooming on ski trails, cross-country skiing, winter hiking, ice skating and swimming.

About the Expert

Lura Seavey is the author of Fun with the Family in Vermont and New Hampshire and she has contributed to several Thomas Cook guidebooks, including Drive Around Catalonia, Travellers Mallorca, and Travellers Barcelona.