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We offer holidays to the four corners of the globe. If you want specialist advise please phone our travel team and we will be happy to help.
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- Destinations
- North America
- United States of America
- Vermont
- Ski Resorts
- Stowe
Stowe
The Stowe holiday resort was developed in the 1930s, and as the
'granddaddy' of Vermont ski resorts, it has managed to retain a
genteel atmosphere and traditional New England flavour. Situated
about 15 minutes north of the charming town of Stowe, the resort is
split over two mountains, Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak. Mount
Mansfield is Vermont's highest peak at 4,393 feet (1,339m), and has
most of the resort's runs. Spruce Peak (connected by a shuttle and
gondola to Mt Mansfield) is a perfect spot for intermediate and
beginner skiers, with only one black run and plenty of gentle
blues. Stowe has a total of 48 runs and 485 acres (196 hectares) of
skiable terrain and is a down-to-earth resort, getting far less
crowded than the likes of Killington. There is only one slope-side
holiday accommodation option. The nearby town of Stowe is full of
character, offering picture-perfect views of churches, clapboard
houses and covered bridges, and is close enough to several
principal eastern US cities to attract local and international
clientele.
Information & Facts
Activities
There are several options for the non-skier on holiday in Stowe,
or for those days when the legs need a rest. The town of Stowe
offers two world-class spas, indoor tennis, ice-skating, an indoor
pool, snow-mobiling, horse riding and the Vermont Ski museum, as
well as plenty of shops and art galleries. The resort is also open
in summer, providing a spectacular mountain holiday venue with
bungy trampolining, hiking, the Alpine waterslide, the Gondola
skyride and more.
Language
English is the most common language but Spanish is often
spoken in south-western states.
Money
The US Dollar (USD) is the unit of currency and is divided into
100 cents. Only major banks exchange foreign currency. ATMs are
widespread and credit cards and travellers cheques are widely
accepted. Travellers cheques should be taken in US Dollars to avoid
hassles. Banking hours are Monday to Friday 9am to 3pm.
Negatives
The skiing at Stowe takes place at a relatively low altitude, so
variable snow cover can be an issue, although the resort does have
snow-making equipment. The resort is some distance from town and
doesn't have much of its own après-ski atmosphere.
Night Life
There is not a huge range of choice when it comes to nightlife
in Stowe, but The Matterhorn Bar and Restaurant are long standing
favourites. The restaurant specialises in sushi and basic dinner
foods, while after dinner, the nightclub phase begins, with loud
music, pool tables, dancing and drinking the norm. The Fireside
Tavern is a more laid-back après-ski option, situated at the Inn at
the Mountain, Stowe's only mountainside accommodation, while Mr
Pickwick's (at the Ye Olde England Inne) offers a range of over 150
beers to choose from. The Rusty Nail is another Stowe institution
and has a restaurant, as well as live music. Other popular venues
that offer evening entertainment include Piecasso, the Shed and
Rimrocks.
Restaurants
There are over 50 restaurants to choose from in Stowe, including
the popular Cliff House restaurant on top of Mount Mansfield, and
the Fireside Tavern. Jose's Cantina has tasty Mexican food and
decent pub grub, while McCarthy's is always a solid bet for good,
honest fare and a great cup of coffee. For something a little more
upmarket, try the Blue Moon Café, or Norma's at Topnotch.
Shopping
There are over 100 shops and lots of art galleries for browsing,
mostly in the town of Stowe. The town's first ski shop, the
100-year-old Shaw's General Store, is well worth a visit. Vermont
speciality foods (including maple syrup) can be found and there are
also plenty of handcrafted items and local goods.