Winter in New England is not for the faint hearted. The cold days, long nights and howling winds take its toll on all of us. But if you ask any local, they will tell you that you just need to lean into it and try to enjoy the season. One of the best ways to do this is to get outdoors and enjoy the natural beauty that our region is blessed with—just be sure to wear a warm jacket! Heading up North for a ski trip is one of the best ways to stay active in the wintertime and these days there are plenty of activities to keep the non-skiers/boarders busy as well! Stowe, Vermont in particular has so much to offer everyone this year.
Where to stay in Stowe
The best place to stay in Stowe is the Lodge at Spruce Peak. This ski-in/ski-out hotel is located on the Spruce Peak side of Stowe Mountain Resort, where guests can access Mt. Mansfield via the Over Easy Gondola, which links you up to the main Mansfield Gondola. The Lodge at Spruce Peak has a wide range of accommodation options, ranging from studio rooms to 2-, 3- or 4-bedroom apartments for the whole family. There is also a new development that has just been completed called, One Spruce Peak, which are super luxe condos, many of which are available for guests to rent as well! And yes, the resort is dog friendly.
Dining in Stowe
There are so many great options on the mountain, in the Lodge and in the town of Stowe when it comes to dining. Here are all the spots you won’t want to miss:
Tipsy Trout
Tipsy Trout is a cool, casual spot at the Lodge that focuses on cocktails and seafood. Start with some items from the raw bar and perhaps some sushi and then move onto a main course like the indulgent Uni Bucatini. They are open daily for après ski and dinner.
Alpine Hall
Alpine Hall is the fine dining option on property and this farm-to-table spot works to highlight the best of Vermont. Chef Sean Blomgren crafts an elevated, yet comforting menu each season and right now you really can’t go wrong no matter what you choose. Alpine Hall is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner daily.
Whistlepig Pavilion
This cozy spot feels like something straight out of the Alps. Focusing on Whistlepig and raclette, this is the place to be during après, each afternoon—there is both indoor and outdoor seating.
Doc Ponds
Head into town for the coolest gastro pub around. Doc Ponds has some amazing beers and elevated comfort food on the menu. But it is first come first serve, so be prepared to wait on busy weekends for dinner.
Chef Dinner Series
Spruce Peak has some exciting foodie evenings coming up this season with a special culinary series at Tipsy Trout. “We’re constantly expanding and adding to our culinary program here at Spruce Peak,” says Executive Chef Sean Blomgren, who oversees the program. “Our winter dinner series welcomes back celebrated chefs to Spruce Peak and allows their creativity to flow using the finest seasonal ingredients from our vast collection of small-batch purveyors.” On February 28 Chef Brendan Vesey of Boticana in Portsmouth, NH and on March 28 Chef Will Gilson of Puritan and Co. in Cambridge, MA will be coming to Stowe. Tickets are $175 per person.