United States:

Stowe, Vermont

Stowe, Vermont, is a unique ski destination that boasts terrific skiing and over 200 years of history. The 6 mile Mountain Road is lined with a variety of choices of accommodations including the traditional New England styled Inn at Little River and the Topnotch Resort, complete with spa facilities. There is an array of restaurants, shops and other services, including horsedrawn sleigh rides under the setting sun.

When visiting Stowe for the first time, you will get a familiar feeling upon driving into town and laying eyes on the church at the centre of Main St. — a landmark in the Stowe region.  From here the mountain road stretches 6 miles toward Mt. Mansfield and Spruce Peak, Stowe's two ski mountains.

Four Runner, the main chair on Mt. Mansfield, climbs a run called Liftline, one of the famous Front Four trails.  The "Front Four" include Liftline, Starr, National and Goat, are expert runs that have defined skiing in Stowe over the years.  While the "Front Fourt" retain their place as a proving ground for good skiers, Stowe offers a wide variety of terrain for all levels of skiers.

Little Spruce and the Toll House areas have programs for families and those learning to ski and snowboard.  Big Spruce is skiing the way it used to be with a classic double chairlift and lots of interesting rolling terrain which catches the afternoon sun. The gondola area on Mt. Mansfield has a great mix of intermediate and advanced runs with the comfort of the 8 passenger cabins which provide excellent protection fro the colder mid-winter days.

Stowe is a classic New England resort for skiers and has become a favourite of snowboarders as well. Stowe is progressive when it comes to snowboarding, but they also have a commitment to getting people out on the newest ski equipment to generate excitement and more fun in the sport with the Ski Magazine Gold Medal Demo Centre.

The Demo Centre, located on the Mountain Road, makes it easy to pick up and drop off your demo gear.  Also located on the Mountain Road, just a short distance from the Demo Centre, is Stowe Mountain Resort's cross country ski facility.  The 75km of trails here are linked with the three other resorts in the Stowe area, including the Trapp Family Lodge and their 100km trail network, making Stowe a cross country skier's paradise.

Growth and new development at Stowe has been limited, being careful to retain its New England charm and character. Stowe's positioning in the competitive New England market is very much focused on quality, not quantity.

After dark, their are many apres ski options. On at least 10 ocassions throughout the year, the mountain will light up with a torchlight parade and fireworks display.