Vermont's Breathtaking And Lively Mountain Town Is A Skier's Paradise

Vermont is dotted with small towns full of picturesque covered bridges, historic architecture, and stunning mountain views. With so many beautiful spots, it's hard to decide where to go first. But if you're a skier, you will love Stowe, one of the top U.S. mountain towns for relaxation this winter. This paradise, with stunning scenery and an energetic vibe, is the spot that'll make you fall in love with the Green Mountain State.

Stowe sits at the base of Mount Mansfield, Vermont's tallest mountain. The village was first settled in 1794, just a few years after Vermont became the 14th state, and was mainly a sheep-farming community before it turned into a resort town. It started as a summer destination but became a popular winter getaway spot as the ski slopes were built. Home to about 5,000 residents, Stowe is now known as the "Ski Capital of the East."

Stowe is an easy 35-mile drive on I-89 and Route 100 from Burlington, the largest city in Vermont. Though its Patrick Leahy Burlington International Airport (BTV) is small, it receives nonstop flights from cities all over the United States. For a bit of fun, you can also ride the Ethan Allen Express train to Burlington from New York City. Charming East Coast winter views await on this delightful Amtrak train route, while a road trip from Boston is only 100 miles. Be sure to stop at Ben & Jerry's Factory for a tour and ice cream samples just south of Stowe.

Since Stowe receives an average of 333 inches of snow each year, it is an ideal spot to go skiing in Vermont. Stowe Mountain Resort is spread across two mountains: Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak. A single ski slope and a rope tow were first built on Mount Mansfield in 1937, but more trails and a chairlift soon followed. The adjacent mountain started being developed about a decade later.

There are now 116 trails ranging from beginner to expert slopes for skiers and snowboarders at the resort. One of its trails, Toll Road, is more than 4 miles long and lined with drooping, snow-covered pines. There are also 13 lifts, including an eight-person gondola that's one of the fastest in the world. Day lift tickets start at $125 for adults, but discounts are available when you purchase tickets at least four weeks in advance.

Downhill skiers are not the only people who flock to Stowe. The Stowe Cross Country Center maintains nearly 30 miles of groomed trails and nearly 20 miles of backcountry trails for cross-country skiers and snowshoers. They follow the Stowe Recreation Path through the center of town, go out to the von Trapp Family Lodge and Resort (yes, that von Trapp family), and stretch out to Stowe Mountain Resort. These extensive trails are truly the best way to experience everything Stowe has to offer, and a full-day ticket costs $38 per adult.

After skiing all day, it's time to head into the town center. A free shuttle runs from Stowe Mountain Resort, making stops along Mountain Road and Main Street. The former is lined with breweries, lodges, and ski shops. Doc Ponds, a craft-beer bar with an extensive vinyl-record collection, always has a buzzing après-ski crowd. Mountain Road then crosses the Little River, where you can walk through the Giles W. Dewey Memorial Bridge. The pedestrian-only covered bridge is a postcard-worthy spot.

You'll most likely get stuck in traffic near the bridge. There's usually a backup in the center of Stowe. But once you turn onto Main Street, you will feel like you've stepped back in time. The Stowe Village Historic District is full of buildings from the 1800s, including the Old Town Hall (now the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum), the cozy Green Mountain Inn, and the Stowe Community Church, whose steeple is one of the most iconic images in Vermont.

Gourmet restaurants and independent shops have moved into other colonial buildings. You might be surprised to find a line to order a maple latte at Black Cap Coffee & Bakery or to buy local Vermont maple syrup at Stowe Mercantile, but friendly service will quickly put you at ease. After walking through town, you'll surely be planning a return visit. These stunning hikes and activities are perfect for your fall trip to Stowe. Though the snow will disappear, Stowe is a gorgeous year-round destination.