Ski Stowe Vermont: A Christmas Getaway in Vermont
Stowe Ski Resort has always been the only ski resort in the eastern United States included in the Epic Pass, and it was bought by the Vail Group a few years ago. In the 2019/2020 ski season, this exclusivity was broken, as Vail added several more southern ski resorts, including the well-known Okemo and Mount Snow. While they’re not as large, they’re much closer to major cities like New York and Boston, making them more accessible and popular for skiers, which in turn boosts pass sales.
I’ve always wanted to ski Stowe Vermont, and for our Christmas holiday. Tom and I, with our dog Jade, drove 8 hours from Toronto to Stowe for a three-night stay, and two-day skiing.
Golden Eagle Resort: Our Cozy Stay
We stayed at the Golden Eagle Resort, a large property with free shuttle service to two stops. Our room was spacious and well-equipped, but the only downside was the loud heater.
From the property, you can see Spruce Peak and its ski slopes. Passing through the parking lot, you’ll find the fitness center with a swimming pool and a hot tub. The resort’s Nest Breakfast Café had an average rating, but we decided to eat there for convenience. It was a quiet morning with only three tables occupied, and the food was pretty good. We tipped generously, and the total for two people came to $40.
Ski Stowe Vermont: Three Days of Fun
We skied for three days, from December 22 to 24, with early-season snow. Only one lift was closed, but only half of the slopes were open.
There are two peaks: Mansfield and Spruce Peak. Mansfield is higher and steeper, with no beginner trails, while Spruce Peak is much gentler, with wider, easier slopes ideal for beginners. Locals recommend skiing Mansfield in the morning and Spruce Peak in the afternoon, based on the sun exposure.
Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak, is visible in the distance, offering stunning views of the Green Mountains.
Quiet Days and Local Dining
During the day, our dog Jade stayed back in the condo. For dinner, we went to a Thai restaurant across the street. The food was okay, but it’s pricy.
Later, the village started getting busier, we picked a small Chinese restaurant for dinner, not expecting much, but the food turned out to be acceptable. The atmosphere was very family-friendly, with the owner’s eldest daughter and her friend (probably helping out as servers) chatting and playing, while owner’s two-year-old daughter entertained herself with toys in a cardboard.
The owner, after serving our food, sat down with us holding her baby and told us that she had been living in the small town for 10 years. With a year-round population of just 2,000, the town relies heavily on the skiers and tourist in the winter and summer.
Breakfast on the Go
For breakfast, we ate at The Bagel across the street for both mornings, costing us about $14 for the two of us—perfect for saving time! Afterward, we’d head back to our room, change into our ski gear, and wait for the shuttle outside.
Summary of Ski Stowe Vermont
Stowe’s ski trails are relatively narrow. In holiday season with so many skiers, it often feels like you’re constantly dodging someone. I frequently felt that while I could avoid one person, I wouldn’t stay clear of the next for long!
There aren’t many tree-lined runs, and the snow conditions limited us to groomed trails. The Green Mountains, part of the Appalachian Range, gave Vermont its name. Champlain called the state “Verd Mont,” which means “Green Mountain” in French. Mount Mansfield, Vermont’s tallest peak, belongs to Stowe Ski Resort. It was the first eastern ski resort purchased by Vail. The facilities rival those in the West, complete with a Bogner boutique. Yet the trails stick to the traditional Eastern style—icy and challenging!
From the gondola summit, the views are incredible. You can spot Sugarbush, Killington, and Stratton to the south, and Jay Peak to the north. Just across the border in Canada lies Mont Sutton. Even if you’ve never hiked the Green Mountains, you’ve likely skied through them!
