Stowe is undoubtedly one of Vermont’s most quaint and charming towns to visit, and while it’s one of the most popular fall destinations, too, it’s equally as magical in the winter season. This post shares all my favorite things to do in Stowe, VT in the winter season to help you plan the perfect getaway.
Having been to Stowe during all the seasons, including many visits in the winter, I’m excited to share all my tips and suggestions with you. And don’t worry, even if you’re not a skier, Stowe offers so many other fun ways to enjoy winter (even if that means staying indoors by a fire!). But I have plenty of outdoor suggestions, too 😉
And with that, let’s get started!
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Fun Things To Do In Stowe, VT In The Winter
1. Hit The Slopes, Of Course
Okay, so let’s get this one out of the way because it is why a lot of people travel to Stowe in the winter. The Stowe Mountain Ski Resort is one of the top-rated ski destinations in the northeast, and sometimes even makes lists of the best in the entire country. So, if you are looking for a great New England ski destination, Stowe is one you’ll want to consider.
Stowe’s ski area has two mountain peaks: Mount Mansfield, which is the highest peak in Vermont, and Spruce Peak, which stands at 3,339 feet high. With 116 trails, and 12 lifts, including a gondola that connects the two mountains, it makes for an epic place to hit the slopes in the winter. The resort also makes its own snow, which extends the ski season even further. It typically opens in early to mid November, and can stay open until mid April, depending on the year.
If you’re not into downhill skiing or snowboarding, the resort is also home to over 25 miles of groomed cross-country ski trails, and about 18 miles of backcountry trails if you’re looking for a bit more adventure.
Additionally, there’s a nice aprés ski, and midday ski break scene, too, with over 10 dining places to pick from, both on and off the mountain.
Finally, if you’re looking for a true ski-in, ski-out vacation, there’s a hotel on-site that happens to be one the best places to stay in Stowe, which is the Lodge at Spruce Peak, but more on that later 😉
2. Go Ice Skating At Spruce Peak
Speaking of Spruce Peak, the ski resort and hotel have their own little village, which includes a really nice ice skating rink. The rink serves as the focal point of the village in the winter season, and is surrounded with dining options and shops, as well as some of the ski lifts, so there’s a definite winter vibe here!
The rink is free to skate on, making this an affordable activity if everyone in your party has their own skates. But if they don’t, you can rent them on-site, too.
In the evenings, the rink feels even more magical when it’s aglow with twinkle lights. If you happen to visit on one of their special Friday night theme nights, it’s even more fun 😉 You can find more info about those by clicking here.
Parking At The Rink: It’s good to know that parking at the lot closest to the ice rink is very limited, so you’ll want to take a look at their parking map here to have a back-up plan in case you can’t get a spot. That’s the only frustrating part about visiting the rink. But once you park, it’s lots of fun!
3. Visit During The Town’s Winter Carnival
Stowe’s Winter Carnival festival typically takes place at the end of January each year, and it’s a really fun one to experience!
I will say, Winter Carnival is a bit of a misleading name for this event, which I learned during my first visit during the carnival weekend. This festival mostly centers around ice sculpting competitions, so you won’t find a Hallmark-inspired winter carnival with games, popcorn, and hot cocoa stations. But what you will get to enjoy is watching professional ice carvers create absolute masterpieces out of ice blocks, all throughout the village, which creates so much winter whimsy around town.
But just because it’s not a true carnival vibe doesn’t mean there aren’t a few other tricks up its sleeve. You can also enjoy a Snowvolley ball tournament, and a Sip N’ Chip ice carving class, as well as attend the events where they announce the winners of the carving competitions.
I absolutely love to visit Stowe during the winter carnival weekend, even if it was a bit different than what I originally imagined. And if it stays cold enough, the sculptures last around town until they melt, meaning you’ll likely get to enjoy them if you visit after the carnival weekend, too.
4. Ride The Skyride Gondola To The Top Of Mount Mansfield
The Skyride Gondola is always one of my top-suggested things to do when visiting Stowe, especially during fall foliage season. But winter is no exception!
The gondola is open to scenic lift rides to non-skiers in the winter, so you’ll get to enjoy the views from Vermont’s highest peak during this magical time of the year, too. There’s also a resaturant at the top of the mountain called Cliff House, so if you’re looking to soak up those stunning mountain views even longer (and also indoors with heat 😉), you’ll want to make a reservation for the restaurant.
Click here for more information on the Skyride Gondola in the winter season.
5. Walk Or Cross-Country Ski The Recreation Path
The recreation path that winds throughout Stowe is one of the best things to do year-round, including in the winter. During this time of the year when there’s snow, the path is groomed for cross-country skiers, making this an easy way to hit the trails.
However, I’ve also walked parts of the path in the winter, being mindful of the groomed trails, and loved it. This is especially perfect if there’s not a ton of snow on the ground.
The path is just over 5 miles long (one-way), and begins behind the church on Main Street in the village, and ends at the lovely Gold Brook Covered Bridge outside of the village.
6. Enjoy The Cute Shops In The Village
Speaking of the village, you don’t want to miss Main Street during your visit to Stowe! It’s actually one of my favorite little Main Streets in New England, and while it’s very small, it’s got some adorable shops, a cozy country store, and quaint places to eat.
A few highlights on Main Street to check out:
→ Stowe Mercantile
→ Café On Main (in the same building) for a fun winter beverage
→ Farm Home Marketplace
→ Lake Champlain Chocolates
→ Shaw’s General Store
→ Tangerine & Olive (you’ll need to cross the pedestrian covered bridge and head up Mountain Road, but it’s worth it for a visit here!)
7. Try The Local Craft Beer
There are a couple of fantastic craft breweries in Stowe, which makes for the perfect aprés ski vibes (or just winter night coziness). And if you’re not a skier, these are great places to pop into during the day for tastings, or lunch (depending on which you visit).
My favorite in Stowe is The Alchemist Brewery, and that’s only because I think their beer is the best in town (and one of the best in Vermont). In the winter, they also have ice sculptures from the winter carnival outside to admire, and inside, you can get glasses of their awesome beer selection, as well as food Thursdays through Sundays.
While at The Alchemist, I suggest trying their Heady Topper, an American Double IPA, which is their best-selling beer. And it’s easy to see why once you have it – it’s one of our favorites in New England!
You can also hop on over to Idletyme Brewery, which is closer to the village in Stowe (although, not super close to the center of Main Street). Idletyme’s beers are also great, but just not quite as good as The Alchemist. However, they have an incredibly cozy restaurant that serves fantastic food. It’s one of my favorite places to dine in Stowe in the winter, and I do also enjoy their beers quite a bit.
They have really great comfort foods on their menu this time of the year, which usually includes cheddar fritters, pretzel bread, burgers, and mac and cheese. Their restaurant just really hits the spot after a day of being outside in the cold.
8. Sip On Local Spirits, Too
While in Stowe, you’re also able to try out some local spirits! Now, some of these aren’t located right in Stowe, but they’re minutes from town, making them easy to visit during your stay. But one is located right on Main Street, and that’s Smugglers Notch Distillery.
This distillery has a nice little tasting room right in the village, and they make their own vodka, gin, bourbon, rum, and rye, and also typically have seasonal releases, depending on the year. They actually have six tastings rooms around Vermont, including nearby Waterbury Center, so you can also take a day trip and travel to another location if you’re looking to get out of Stowe.
Next up is Green Mountain Distillers, which is located in the neighboring town of Morristown. This one is a very casual little stop that just has one small bar area, but they make some really nice vodka, gin, and a unique maple liqueur that my husband and I actually loved (even though we didn’t think it would be our thing). We bought a bottle of it to take home with us after our tasting, and love to sip on in the fall and winter as an after-dinner apéritif.
Lastly, there’s also Bar Hill in Montpelier, which is about 30 minutes outside of Stowe. And it’s very much worth a visit because their gin has been named Best Spirit of the Year, which includes worldwide entries. Their tasting room is cozy but large enough to accommodate a good amount of people, and they also have amazing seasonal cocktails on their menu that highlight their own spirits. If you’re looking for a great indoor activity during your winter stay, this is a fun one to consider! It’ll definitely warm you right up 😉
9. Enjoy Local Hard Cider At Stowe Cider
The drinks in Stowe don’t end there! The village also has its own cidery, and it’s especially fun to visit in the fall and winter when the flavors of the season perfectly balance the apple undertones of cider.
In the winter, they usually have a fun offering of seasonal flavors on top, and past years have included Cider Donut and Gingerbread, so be sure to keep an eye out for those if they pique your interest.
But they always have their staples on tap, too, as well as a really great food menu to choose from, which means you can pop in for lunch or dinner.
Editor’s Note: Be sure to drink responsibly while trying the local beer, spirits, and cider in Stowe, and have a designated driver.
10. See The Covered Bridges
The covered bridges in Stowe are perfect year-round, and if you’re lucky, you may just get to see them with a fresh dusting of snow in the winter. If this is your first visit to Stowe, I recommend checking out the charming covered bridges.
There are three covered bridges right in Stowe, and one in Morristown that I recommend you check out. The easiest one to see is the Giles W. Dewey Memorial Bridge, which is located right in the village, and a pedestrian covered bridge that goes over Little River on Mountain Road. While not what you’re probably picturing when you think of covered bridges in Vermont, it still packs in lots of charm, and is worth seeing.
There’s also Brookdale Covered Bridge, which is located at one of the town’s recreation path, heading out toward Stowe Mountain Resort. There’s a parking lot at the bridge, so you can walk over and admire it, but just be careful, as cars do use this one.
Also right in Stowe is Gold Brook Covered Bridge, which is also called Emily’s Bridge because of it’s haunted history. The lore states that Emily and her lover planned to meet on the bridge to elope, but when her fiancé never showed, she hung herself from the bridge and died. People over the years have claimed to witness strange things happening at the bridge, and have said it’s Emily’s ghost haunting the people who cross it.
However, this lore has been debunked many times over in Vermont, and the locals seem to think it started as a rumor in the 1960s that just took off. So, I guess you’ll have to see for yourself if you think the bridge is haunted during your visit 😉
I also suggest you make the short drive over to Red Covered Bridge in Morristown, which is especially pretty after a snowfall because of the bridge’s red color. This one is also tucked away on a back road surrounded by pine trees, which makes it really lovely to see in the winter.
Editor’s Note: Please be careful when visiting the covered bridges in Vermont, as they are used for vehicle thru-traffic. It’s good to have an awareness of oncoming cars, and move out of the way when they’re crossing the bridges. The bridges all have parking areas where you can safely park your car, but spots can be limited, with the exception of Brookdale, which has a larger lot used for the recreation path.
11. Head Out On A Winter Tour With Umiak
Umiak in Stowe is a one-stop-shop for all things adventure year-round, and in the winter, they make it easy for you to get out and explore the outdoors. If you’re traveling to Stowe, it can be a pain to pack all your outdoor gear, but they have most winter gear available to rent, and also host organized tours to take all the guess work out of planning a day outdoors.
During this time of the year, they have tour options for snow tubing, dog-sledding, skiing, and snowshoeing, and also have equipment rentals if you’re looking to do your own thing.
12. Explore The Local Nature Trails On Snowshoes Or Cross Country Skis
While Umiak can take you out on a snowshoe tour, keep in mind that you can also head out on your own, too, which includes cross-country skiing.
Many of the trails in Smugglers Notch are open and great for snowshoeing in the winter season, so that’s one fun option. But it’s also good to know about the cross-country ski trails at Trapp Family Lodge, which also happens to be one of the coziest places to stay during your visit.
The Trapp Family Lodge is home to the very first cross-country ski center in the U.S., and has the largest system of trails in Stowe. In addition to miles of groomed cross-country trails, they also have great snowshoeing trails. If you’re not traveling with all your gear, they have on-site rentals, making it easy to plan a day of outdoor adventure.
While at Trapp Family Lodge, you can also break up your day with lunch, as they have a few different on-site dining options, including their own Von Trapp Brewing Bierhall.
13. Treat Yourself To A Spa Day
I’m not sure why, but I’m always more apt to book myself a spa treatment when I’m traveling in the winter. There’s something especially cozy about getting into a plush robe, and enjoying the warmth of a sauna room, steam room, or hot tub after a relaxing massage. In Stowe, you have some great options to plan a wonderfully relaxing day to pamper yourself.
The Spruce Peak Spa is one of the best in town, and when you book a treatment, you’ll also get access to their other wellness facilities like their fitness center, outdoor swimming pool, healing lodge, and spa sanctuary. This spa offers a wide-range of treatments, too, including massage, facials, body treatments, hair and nail services, and also day spa packages.
The Spa at Topnotch Resort is another great option in Stowe. They also have a full spa menu that includes massages, body treatments, facials, and hair and nail services. With your spa treatment, you’re also welcome to use their facilities, including their solarium indoor pool and whirlpool, which also features a relaxing waterfall.
14. Grab A Cozy Cup Of Coffee Or Tea
I know this seems like a generic suggestion, but hear me out because I promise it’s worth it. There are a few fantastic coffee places in Stowe that just feel extra cozy in the winter season, so starting your day by warming up with a great cup of coffee is pretty easy.
The first is The Roastery, which is located just outside of the village center, but worth the drive. They roast their beans in-house, and carefully select their beans from specialty farmers around the world. They also offer unique blends like Sweet Sangria, Honey Harvest, and Wonka for a very cool coffee experience. They have a limited menu at the café, but that just means they focus on one thing so they can do it perfectly.
I also really love to visit Vermont Artisan Coffee & Tea when I’m visiting Stowe, and you’ll likely see their big red barn building as you drive into town. The coffee here is roasted on-site, and carefully selected from some of the best farmers around the world. They also specialize in top-quality tea, so if you’re not a coffee drinker, you have some more options here.
At Vermont Artisan, there’s also a limited selection of pastries at the café, and they have a lot of outdoor seating, even in the winter. Depending on how cold or snowy it is, they often have their firepit going outside to enjoy your coffee outdoors on a brisk day.
15. Tour The Ben & Jerry’s Factory
While not located right in Stowe, the Ben & Jerry’s factory is only about a 15 min drive from the center of town, so it’s an easy excursion to make during your visit. And with the tour taking place indoors, it’s the perfect winter activity to warm up inside.
The Ben & Jerry’s factory is open year-round, and offers tours daily, and usually run about every half hour so you have plenty of options to pick from. You’ll learn about the history of the company, it’s ethos and business philosophies, as well as a look at the production room, and finally, an ice cream sample to try.
If you’re hungry for more (because, well, who wouldn’t be? 😉), they also have their scoop shop on-site to order a full-sized ice cream. Be sure to also take a walk over to their flavor graveyard outside (as long as there’s not too much snow!), and check out the tombstones for discontinued flavors throughout the years.
Click here to purchase your factory tours tickets online in advance. Keep in mind that tour tickets are usually only released 2 weeks in advance.
Winter Day Trips From Stowe That Are So Worth It
Stowe isn’t far from a lot of great places around Vermont, so if you’re planning a longer visit, or aren’t a big skier and need some more things to do, here are my recommendations on great winter day trips from Stowe.
16. Woodstock
If you can only take one day trip from Stowe, I’d recommend Woodstock the most. This charming town is often said to be Vermont’s most idyllic destination, and it’s only about an hour and 20 minutes from Stowe.
Home to a picturesque village center with independent shops and eateries, covered bridges, and tight-knit community vibes, Woodstock is wonderful to visit, even in the winter. While there’s not a ton to do unless you want to visit their own ski area, Saskadena Six, you can easily fill up an afternoon by shopping, having a leisurely lunch, and seeing the covered bridges.
One fun winter activity in Woodstock, though, is the wheel workshop at Farmhouse Pottery. This pottery company is now nationally-recognized, and sold in a lot of shops all over the country. However, they began right in Woodstock! Their shop is still there, just outside of the main village area, and it’s filled with all their beautiful pieces. But they also offer private wheel workshops, where you’ll get to work with one of their artisans to create your own piece to take home. My husband gifted me this experience for Christmas one year, and it’s to this day on my my favorite gifts I’ve ever received. We had so much fun together! Click here for more info.
Woodstock also isn’t far from Quechee, which is home to the flagship Simon Pearce store, where you can enjoy glass-blowing demonstrations, and dine at their very cozy restaurant, The Mill. Also in Quechee is the Quechee Gorge Village shopping area, Quechee Gorge, the WhistlePig Tasting Room, and the VINS Nature Center.
Psst! I have an entire guide on things to do in Woodstock, VT, if you need more info 😉
17. Burlington
Burlington is just a 45-minute drive from Stowe, and such a fun place to experience year-round, even in the winter. So, if you’re looking to combine both small-town and city vibes during your trip, this is the perfect place to add to your itinerary while visiting Stowe in the winter.
Burlington is packed with fantastic restaurants, great shops, breweries, and waterfront scenery along Lake Champlain. If you happen to visit on a nice day in the winter, the path along Lake Champlain, even in the winter, is such a nice way to get outdoors without clicking into any skis. Just grab a warm drink at Kestrel Coffee Shop before heading out (which has chai and hot chocolate, too, if you’re not a coffee drinker).
Church Street Marketplace is another one of the top things to see during your visit. This pedestrian-only area spans for four blocks, and is lined with shops and restaurants. You’ll also find a Smugglers Notch Distillery tasting room here.
And Burlington is home to some fantastic breweries, with Foam Brewers and Zero Gravity being my favorites.
18. Lake Morey Resort
Lastly for day trips while visiting Stowe, VT in the winter, the Lake Morey Resort is a fantastic option because of their famous ice skating trail across the lake. When the full trail is open, it runs about 4.5 miles long, offering incredible lake and mountain scenery along the way. This is such a fun and unique skating trail option that’s worth the 1 hour and 15 minute drive from Stowe!
During your visit, they have skate rentals on-site, and skating on the lake is free and open to the public (however, if you enjoy your visit, I recommend making a donation to contribute to the upkeep of the trail). And if you or anyone in your group plays ice hockey, they have nets and hockey areas cleared out on the lake, too.
Important Tip To Help You Plan: With global warming causing extreme fluctuations in winter weather, it’s possible the skating trail may not be safe to skate, depending on weather that particular year. The resort does a great job by updating their website here on trail conditions, so be sure to check before making a special trip out to ensure the trail is open and safe for skating.
Where To Stay In Stowe, VT In The Winter
The Lodge At Spruce Peak: This is the best place to stay if you’re planning your entire trip around skiing, as it offers direct access to the trails. It’s also one of the top-rated places to stay in Stowe, and loaded with amenities like their spa, on-site dining, the outdoor ice skating rink, and a variety of rooms to choose from. The Lodge is also only a 15-minute drive to the center of the village.
❄︎ Click here to check rates & availability at the Lodge at Spruce Peak
Trapp Family Lodge: If you want direct access to cross-country ski trails, and a very cozy Austrian-inspired atmosphere, this is the perfect place for you to stay. On-site, they also have dining, a spa, and horse-drawn sleigh rides. On the weekends, they even have a free shuttle to Stowe Mountain. Oh, and does the name sound familiar to you? The property is owned and run by the von Trapp Family, most famous for the Sound of Music.
❄︎ Click here to check rates & availability at the Trapp Family Lodge
Green Mountain Inn: If you want to stay right in the village on Main Street, this the best option for you. This historic property is steps from everything in the village, including the shops and restaurants on Main Street, and the recreations path. The inn also maintains its historic charm, and offers on-site dining and massage services.
❄︎ Click here to check rates & availability at the Green Mountain Inn
While these are my top favorite places to stay in Stowe, the great thing about this town is that it has so many amazing places to stay to choose from, and I also recommend Field Guide Lodge, Tälta Lodge, and if you’re on a budget, I really enjoy the Stowe Motel & Snowdrift.
Visiting Stowe, VT In The Winter FAQ
Is Stowe, VT Worth Visiting In The Winter?
Absolutely! While the village does see crowds in the winter because it’s got one of the best ski resorts in the northeast, I’ve always found the crowds to be manageable, and they don’t take away from the overall coziness and charm the village has in the winter. I’ve been in the winter during their carnival weekend, and didn’t feel like there were mobs of people around.
I also think Stowe is worth visiting in the winter because of the variety of things to do. There’s truly something for everyone, including skiing, ice skating, cozy resorts, breweries and distilleries, covered bridges, quaint shops, spa options, and more. So, even if you’re not a big skier, you’ll have plenty to do, all while enjoying a cozy, small-town atmosphere.
How Much Snow Does Stowe Get In The Winter?
According to the Stowe Mountain website, the ski resort sees an average of 314 inches a snow each year, and there’s typically snow on the ground for four months out of each year.
However, the amount of snow on the mountain is often more than the amount of snow on the ground, so that’s something to keep in mind. Stowe’s village definitely experiences snowy winters, as Vermont is often listed in the top 3 snowiest states in the U.S. But, you’ll want to be sure to read my note below on how global warming has impacted winter across New England in recent years.
In short, expect snow during your trip if visiting in January, February, and March.
Is Stowe Better In The Fall Or Winter?
This depends entirely on what you want to get out of your trip, as these seasons are very different. Personally, both are tied for me as my two favorite seasons to visit Stowe, and that’s largely because I actually really enjoy winter (even though I’m not an avid skier, and only hit the slopes occasionally).
However, Stowe is also one of the best places to see fall foliage in New England, and getting to see the mountains ablaze in orange and red tones is really something special.
It really just depends on your personal preferences. Both are fantastic times to visit, and I highly recommend them both.
How Many Days Do You Need In Stowe?
Stowe is a small village, and technically, you can see it in a day. However, to really experience the best things it has to offer, I recommend a weekend.
Is The Road In Smugglers Notch Open In The Winter?
No, this road is closed in the winter, as the tight, hairpin turns make it dangerous to navigate this time of the year. You’ll be able to drive to Stowe Mountain Resort, of course, but the rest of the road will be closed to vehicular traffic.
Google Maps typically does update this, and should consider this when navigating you around. There will also be signs up warning you of this change. It’s also good to know that some folks use this road to cross-country ski or snowshoe, as it’s not maintained in the winter and packed with snow.
What To Pack For Stowe In The Winter
As mentioned, you’ll want to check the weather forecasts a few days before your trip to get a better idea of what kind of winter weather to expect, and then plan accordingly from there. But generally in the winter, I recommend packing:
✓ A warm winter parka
✓ Hats, gloves, and scarves
✓ Warm boots (if you’re not snowshoeing, I usually wear ankle boots like the Sorel Out-N-About, which I’ll wear everywhere, including out to dinner – Stowe is pretty casual!).
✓ Layers. I usually wear jeans, light t-shirts or turtlenecks under sweaters/sweatshirts
✓ Wool socks to keep your feet warm and dry. Darn Tough are a Vermont brand, and excellent!
✓ All your ski gear, including snow pants, goggles, ski gloves, etc. (if applicable)
✓ Reusable water bottle for hitting the trails to stay hydrated
✓ Heat packs for your hands and feet if it’s forecasted to be especially cold
Note About New England’s Winter Weather: In the last few years, weather experts have confirmed that winter in the northeast has been the season most impacted by global warming. So, what does that mean, exactly? Mostly, bigger fluctuations during this time of the year, including days where it’s unusually warm and sunny, and days where we experience record low temperatures and snow. Basically, the cold, wintery weather comes more in waves, versus a steady, predictable schedule.
I travel a lot around New England in the winter, and have experienced this for myself a lot in the last few years. During a late January visit to Maine in 2022, it was sunny, and in the 60’s(F) for three straight days. All the snow melted, and I wasn’t able to do a lot of winter activities. However, a few days before getting there, we experienced a record-breaking cold snap and had lots of snow. You’ll want to check weather forecasts before leaving for your trip to get a better idea of what to expect, as winter weather is no longer as reliable as it once was, and experts agree this is the new norm in New England.
More posts you may enjoy:
- Fun Things To Do In Vermont In The Winter
- Coziest New England Winter Getaways
- A Guide To Celebrating Christmas In Vermont
- Ultimate Guide To Visiting Stowe, VT Year-Round
- Best Places To Stay In Vermont In The Fall
That’s A Wrap On Fun Things To Do In Stowe, VT In The Winter!
And there you have it, all my suggestions on the most fun things to do in Stowe, VT in the winter, including exciting ideas for non-skiers. Whether you’re just looking for an incredible resort to hunker down in with a fire going and a spa downstairs, or you’re excited to jump into the snow and embrace the colder weather with some snowshoeing or ice skating, one thing’s for sure – Stowe makes for one memorable winter getaway. Happy planning!
