Sherman's Travel

Stowe — A refuge for East Coast-city dwellers, peaceful Stowe, Vermont is synonymous with laidback living. Though popular for its legendary Front Four pistes and night-skiing events, the town also spells out relaxation with half a dozen wellness centers and spas, as well as yoga and Pilates studios. For cross-country skiing, there’s the Nordic Center at the Trapp Family Lodge (created in 1942 by the family of The Sound of Music fame), which offers 90 scenic miles of groomed and backcountry trails. Stowe stands out among Vermont ski towns for the charm of its preserved historic structures and the variety of its cuisine (over 60 restaurants for just 4,300 residents), as well as its simple diversions for families, such as a cider mill and tours of the nearby Ben & Jerry's factory. On the slopes, two recently added detachable quad chairs bring its lift total to 13, serving 116 trails, and there’s a “magic carpet” (a surface lift that’s similar to a conveyer belt) for toddlers. Experts flock to the Front Four, a series of steep mogul runs on the Mansfield Base side, while milder blue-square-sign seekers head below Spruce Peak. Whatever your skill level, our Stowe Travel Guide helps you plot a tranquil getaway. Ski season in Stowe typically runs from mid-November to late April.