These 10 Resorts Have the Best Beds in the East
From service-oriented hotels to roomy condos and everything in between, these are the resorts with the best lodging options in the East.
Stowe Mountain Resort is like a classic movie star: say the name and almost anyone can picture the face. In Stowe’s case, it’s the steep Front Four, the shiny red gondola, and the white steeple of its quintessential New England town. Stowe skis well for visitors of all abilities—from those steeps to the lovely, winding green Toll Road trail complete with an outdoor stone chapel.
Loyalists do have some wants though, and topping the list is an update to the base lodge. Parking, particularly on busy weekend days, is a challenge. (Pro tip: Use the Mountain Road Shuttle for convenient access.) But in the end, the combination of high peaks (highest in Vermont), upscale food, and that old-school Vermont village vibe encourages readers to forgive Stowe’s shortcomings. Most agree that with the mountain’s natural assets, complemented by one of skidom’s most charming towns, it’s only a matter of time before Stowe reclaims its rightful place with the best of the Eastern resorts. — Moira McCarthy
Average Snowfall | Acres | Lifts | Trails |
314″ | 485 | 13 | 116 |
Stowe is on the Epic Pass. Pass holder get unlimited access to the resort. Northeast Value Pass holders get 10 holiday-restricted days. Northeast Midweek Pass holders get 5 holiday-restricted days.
From lodging and and dining to off-slope activities and local tips, here are the SKI editors’ picks for what to do in Stowe, Vt.
Ranch Camp, on Route 108 just a mile or so south of the mountain, is half bike shop, half restaurant, and 100-percent amazing. Tacos. Burritos. Beers.
Glide away on the outdoor ice skating rink at the slopeside Spruce Peak Lodge as you gaze out at the mountain sunset or starry northern sky.
Signs mark low-angle gladed areas off beginner and intermediate trails for skiers who want to begin exploring the trees in easier off-piste spots.
The New Maple Waffle Café atop the gondola takes mountainside waffles to new heights.
The new Stowe Cork is as cool as the Waterbury original, so check it out. (Full disclosure: The owner is one of our ski testers.)
Suddenly Stowe is brew central. The Trapp Lodge specializes in German styles, and the new Alchemist brewery still can’t keep up with Heady Topper demand.
Take a guided tour at the Ben & Jerry’s ice cream factory in Waterbury, 15 minutes away.
From service-oriented hotels to roomy condos and everything in between, these are the resorts with the best lodging options in the East.
If you're looking to test yourself on Eastern slopes, make a beeline for these resorts.
The estimated $325 million in capital improvements are intended to enhance mountain flow and the skier experience.
Everyone wants legs of steel as soon as the chairlifts begin turning. But in order to get there, it’s time to start putting in the work now.
Great views without all of the hard work. Here are our favorite summer hikes at ski resorts throughout North America.
As the resorts pivot to second-season operations, take advantage of the hotels' spas after a day of playing on the summer trails.
The Vail acquisition gives an influx of capital and skiing stoke, remaking the face of the famous East Coast resort.
For those looking to push the boundaries.
Get the inside scoop on all things Stowe, from dining and lodging to craft beer and artisan cuisine, and everything in between.
Jackson Lebsack took full advantage of all that Vermont has to offer.