Stowe Mountain Resort
About
Stowe Mountain Resort transforms from a winter wonderland into a year-round adventure playground perfect for active families. Beyond skiing, kids can experience thrilling rides on the alpine slide and mountain coaster, take scenic chairlift rides to enjoy panoramic mountain views, and explore family-friendly hiking trails that showcase Vermont's natural beauty.
Highlights
- ✓Mountain coaster with twists, turns, and speed control for each rider
- ✓Alpine slide offering thrilling downhill rides on wheeled sleds
- ✓Scenic gondola rides to the summit with breathtaking Green Mountain views
- ✓Family-friendly hiking trails with varying difficulty levels
- ✓Auto toll road access for easy summit access without hiking
Pro Tips
- 1.Arrive right when they open at 8:00 AM to beat the crowds and get multiple rides on popular attractions like the alpine slide before lines form
- 2.Purchase multi-activity passes online in advance for significant savings compared to buying individual attraction tickets at the mountain
- 3.Pack layers even in summer,temperatures at the summit can be 10-15 degrees cooler than at the base, and weather changes quickly in the mountains
- 4.Bring refillable water bottles and snacks, as prices at mountain venues are premium, though there are water fountains available throughout
- 5.For the best photo opportunities and clearest mountain views, visit on weekday mornings when visibility is typically better and crowds are lighter
Best Time to Visit
Summer weekdays (Tuesday-Thursday) offer the shortest wait times for attractions. Visit in early morning (8-10 AM) for cool temperatures and minimal lines. Fall foliage season (late September-early October) provides spectacular views from the gondola but expect larger crowds on weekends.
What to Know
Activity passes range from individual ride tickets to all-day adventure passes (check website for current pricing). Free parking is available at the base lodge. Multiple dining options on-site from quick-service to sit-down restaurants, and a sporting goods store for any forgotten gear.
Seasonal Notes
Winter season (December-March) focuses on skiing and snowboarding with excellent kids' programs. Summer activities (late May-October) include the alpine slide, mountain coaster, and gondola rides. Some attractions may close during mud season (April-May) and late fall (November). Special events include summer concerts and fall harvest festivals.
Nearby Eats
The Bench, located just a few minutes away on Mountain Road, offers casual family dining with burgers, pizza, and a kids' menu. For a quick bite, stop by Piecasso Pizzeria & Lounge in Stowe village for wood-fired pizzas that kids love.
More Activities Near Stowe
Sterling Pond Trail
Sterling Pond Trail offers families an achievable mountain adventure with a rewarding payoff,a stunning alpine pond surrounded by Green Mountain peaks. This moderate 2.6-mile round-trip hike is perfect for families with older children ready to tackle their first real mountain trail, with the promise of swimming, picnicking, and breathtaking views at the summit.
Stowe Pinnacle
Stowe Pinnacle offers families an achievable mountain adventure with a big payoff,stunning 360-degree views from a historic fire tower at the summit. This 2.8-mile round-trip hike strikes the perfect balance for active families, providing enough challenge to make kids feel accomplished without overwhelming younger hikers who have some trail experience under their belts.
Moss Glen Falls
Moss Glen Falls offers one of the most rewarding yet easy waterfall hikes in Vermont, making it perfect for families with little ones. The short trail leads to a spectacular 125-foot cascading waterfall that will leave kids (and parents!) in awe, without requiring hours of hiking or advanced skills. It's an ideal way to introduce children to the beauty of hiking and nature exploration.
Bingham Falls Parking & Trailhead
Bingham Falls offers families an achievable outdoor adventure with a rewarding payoff,stunning waterfalls and refreshing natural swimming holes perfect for cooling off after the hike. The easy-to-moderate trail is manageable for most kids while still feeling like a real wilderness experience, making it an ideal introduction to Vermont hiking.