Stowe Mountain Resort

Want a good skiing locale for your next winter trip? Well, not only is Stowe Mountain Resort considered the “Ski Capital of the East,” it is also considered one of the “100 Places to See in Your Lifetime,” according to Time magazine.

Boasting the largest peak in the east, Stowe will pack the definitive punch to any skier with a keen eye for adventure. The area’s 48 different trails offer 39 miles of terrain, and the resort showcases one of the highest mountain peaks around at 4395 feet above sea level. Average annual snowfall is 333 inches.

Besides the usual skiing and snowboarding, guests can enjoy themselves at the performing arts center, dine at over 50 local restaurants and shop at more than 70 exclusive shops.

There is an array of skiing options from the difficult double-black diamond to the “Front Four” trails with several lengthy intermediate trails as well as trails geared towards beginners. If cross-country is your thing, Stowe offers a 150-kilometer groomed trail and several backcountry trails, giving Stowe an impressive 250 kilometers of cross-country terrain.

For snowboarders, there is a new half-pipe among the already extensive number of trails that can be used. Other activities that can round out your adventure at Stowe are snowmobiling, snow shoeing, ice-skating and dog sled tours.

The lifts available include three high-speed quads, an eight person high-speed gondola as well as the brand new 10-person inter-mountain transfer gondola, “Over Easy.” This new gondola allows transportation from the slopes of Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak, taking skiers 1,500 feet in only 90 seconds.

After a long day on the slopes, the spa and healing lodge features a relaxation area, two harmony rooms as well as traditional spa offerings such as massages and facials. Guests also can enjoy fine dining at the 190-seat Evergreen restaurant, 24-hour dining, a café for take-out as well as the usual bar and poolside food during the summer season.

Construction has officially begun on the new Base Camp at Spruce Peak, the future base lodge that will serve as Stowe Mountain Resort’s primary source for skier services. The facility will include restaurants, a bar & lounge, rental & repair shops, retail and tickets. The beautifully designed building will be located adjacent to the ‘Over Easy’ gondola, providing convenient access to the slopes of both Spruce and Mount Mansfield. The proposed opening date for the new base lodge is next ski season, 2008/2009.

Spruce Base Camp will be the second major component of Spruce Peak at Stowe to open, along with Stowe Mountain Lodge, opening this ski season. With a total of 15 years in the making, the Stowe Mountain Lodge provides skiers and snowboarders more ease with a ski valet service that ships equipment to the resort from home with “ski sherpas” heating their boots. Staff also will tune the equipment and bring it to the lift when each guest is ready for a day of skiing.

For other lodging options, Stowe offers various accommodations, including condo rentals, bed and breakfasts, one- to three-room lodges among other hotels and resorts.

If you enjoy an action-filled winter adventure, Stowe is the perfect place for your next group skiing destination. Contact: www.stowe.com.