Stowe, Vermont

Stowe, Vermont


Best Known For:
Stowe is the Ski Capital of the East!

Year Established: 1763

Population: 4,314

What are the most surprising facts about Stowe?

Mount Mansfield Ski Patrol was the first Ski Patrol in the United States – it was organized in 1934. 

Fodor’s Travel named Stowe the #1 ski town in the US for foodies in 2014.  

Last fall we were named the #1 destination in the US for fall foliage by TripAdvisor, based on the quality and quantity of reviews and opinions by millions of TripAdvisor travelers.  

Yankee Magazine named Stowe the #1 best winter town in New England - 2016.


Does Stowe have any famous residents?

Jake Burton Carpenter, founder of Burton Snowboards, the von Trapp Family – from the Sound of Music (the real family, not the actors), free climbing pioneer Fritz Wiessner… And there may be a famous actor around town, but we like to allow people their privacy, so we’re not telling!


What are the biggest annual events in your community?

Old-Fashioned 4th of July (July) – fireworks, Main Street block party, vendors & kids’ games, 2 parades, the “world’s shortest marathon,” food, face painting, live music, hay rides, Vermont’s largest town-wide tent sale, and more. 

Stowe Brewers Festival (July) – dozens of breweries, cideries, and now distilleries come to Stowe for a weekend of tastings and live music 

Stowe Antique & Classic Car Show (August) – now in its 59th year, the show features everything from Model-T’s to Thunderbirds to military tanks.  

The British Invasion [car show] (September) – now in its 26th year, the show features all British-made cars and attracts enthusiasts from across the country 

Stowe Winter Carnival (January) – first held in 1921 – it featured ski jumping and toboggan racing and competitive cross country skiing.  Year later, it has evolved to include a multitude of activities - NICA ice carving competition, snow volleyball, snow golf, ski movies, karaoke and trivia nights, ice skating, ski/snowboard competitions, and more. 

The Stowe Derby (February) – the oldest downhill/cross-country ski race in North America.  The first derby was in 1945 as a personal challenge between two local skiers. The challenge is the same today as it was back then, but now it attracts more than 800 competitors.  The race goes from the top of Mt. Mansfield to the historic village area of Stowe – on one pair of cross country skis – the ultimate test of a skier’s ability. Recently, fat biking was added to the derby – more than 300 fat bikers complete the same course every year.  

B3 Fest: Bikes, Bevs & Beats (June)– now in its third year, B3 Fest is growing rapidly. B3 features 3 days of mountain biking, live music, and craft brews. This town-wide event is free of cost and is family friendly – kids’ rides, group rides, beginner lessons, skills clinics, BBQ, and lots of giveaways!


What would you like visitors to discover in Stowe?

Visitors will be amazed at the diversity of activities and services available in Stowe.  Stowe is home to more than 50 restaurants, 70 shops, and 30 hotels/resorts/inns.  Nearly everything in Stowe is individually owned and operated.  Stowe used to have a McDonalds, but it went out of business!  Nobody wants to eat fast food when you have some of the best locally grown and prepared food options in the country.  


What initiatives is your town currently working on?

Stowe Mountain Resort is in the process of developing downhill mountain bike trails with Gravity Logic, the same company that built the trails at Whistler, BC.  The lift-served mountain biking will tie into the town’s existing 50+ miles of mountain bike trail.


How many family-friendly activities are offered in Stowe?

Drive the toll road to the top of Mount Mansfield, bike/walk/rollerblade/skateboard the rec path (5.1 miles long), bowling, canoeing/kayaking, carriage/wagon/sleigh rides, cross country skiing, dogsledding and dogcarting, fat biking, fishing, golf, scenic gondola rides, guided tours, hiking, hot air ballooning, ice skating, mini golf, skiing & snowboarding, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, glider rides, swimming at any of the area swimming holes, tennis, zip lining, rock climbing, treetop canopy tours, adventure ropes course… there is a lot to do! Click here for a full list of activities in Stowe.


Where would you take someone on a first date in Stowe?

For a mountain bike ride on Cady Hill, then to the Ben & Jerry’s factory for ice cream cones, then take the gondola to the top of Mt. Mansfield for dinner at the Cliff House Restaurant



Want to learn more? Visit the links below

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