von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort
About
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.
Highlights
- ✓Scenic chairlift rides offering panoramic mountain views
- ✓Over 60 kilometers of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing trails in winter
- ✓Family-friendly hiking trails through meadows and forests
- ✓Austrian bakery with authentic treats kids love
- ✓Special family events and Sound of Music heritage experiences
Pro Tips
- 1.Book the scenic chairlift ride early in your visit to get oriented with the property's layout and stunning mountain views
- 2.Visit the on-site bakery for authentic Austrian pastries that kids love - it's a great mid-adventure snack stop
- 3.Rent cross-country ski equipment on-site rather than bringing your own; staff can properly fit kids and recommend beginner-friendly trails
- 4.Stay for sunset when day visitors have left - the property becomes magical and kids can run freely on the meadows
- 5.Download a trail map from their website before arriving so you can plan age-appropriate routes for your family
Best Time to Visit
Visit mid-week during shoulder seasons (late spring or early fall) for fewer crowds and mild weather perfect for hiking. Winter weekdays offer excellent cross-country skiing without weekend crowds, while summer mornings provide cooler temperatures for chairlift rides and trail exploration.
What to Know
This is a full-service resort with multiple on-site dining options including kid-friendly restaurants and a bakery, plus lodging if you want to extend your visit. Day passes are available for activities like chairlift rides and trail access, with rental equipment available on-site for winter sports.
Seasonal Notes
Open year-round with activities changing by season. Winter (December-March) features cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. Summer and fall offer hiking, chairlift rides, and outdoor concerts. Special holiday events during Christmas season celebrate Austrian traditions with family-friendly festivities.
Nearby Eats
Head to McCarthy's Restaurant in downtown Stowe (10 minutes away) for casual family dining with a kids' menu, or visit The Bench for wood-fired pizza that appeals to all ages.
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.