Photo: Tim Falkins
Photo: Ben T
Photo: Joe Hellaby
Stowe Mountain Resort
★4.2(981 reviews)$$$Adventure
🕑 4-6 hours for a full adventure day, or 2-3 hours if focusing on just one or two activities👶 Best for ages 4 and up. Younger children (4-7) love the gentler alpine slide rides and scenic gondola trips, while older kids and teens (8+) can handle the faster mountain coaster speeds and more challenging hiking trails. Height and age restrictions apply to certain attractions, so check requirements before your visit.🧡 Saved by 60+ families
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
Adventure
von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort
★4.6$$$❤️270
Nestled in the Green Mountains, the legendary von Trapp Family Lodge offers families an authentic Austrian alpine experience with year-round outdoor adventures. Kids will love the scenic chairlift rides in summer, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails in winter, plus special family events that bring the Sound of Music legacy to life in a stunning mountain setting.
Park
Stowe Recreation Path
Free
The Stowe Recreation Path is a beautiful five-mile paved trail that winds through some of Vermont's most stunning scenery, making it perfect for families who want a safe, car-free outdoor adventure. With multiple access points throughout town, you can customize your journey to match your family's energy level, whether that's a quick mile-long stroll or the full scenic route with mountain views, crossing charming bridges over the West Branch River.
Activity
Stowe Free Library
Free
Stowe Free Library is a welcoming community hub that offers much more than books for families visiting Vermont's scenic mountain town. With a dedicated children's section, regular story hours, and engaging programs designed for young learners, this beautiful library provides a perfect rainy-day activity or quiet retreat between outdoor adventures in Stowe.
Park
Picnic Area at Lake Mansfield
Free
Lake Mansfield's picnic area offers families a peaceful lakeside retreat surrounded by Vermont's stunning natural beauty. With designated grills for cookouts, open spaces for kids to run and play, and gorgeous water views, it's an ideal spot for a laid-back family day in the mountains. Pack your picnic basket and enjoy quality time together while the kids explore the natural surroundings.