A lot of people ask me what to do in Stowe, VT for fun or entertainment. It may seem from the surface that there isn’t a whole lot going on here, but in reality, Stowe has everything you need! As a 10 year veteran of this mountain town, I have found plenty of things to do here in the Green Mountains of Vermont. Really the hard part in making this list was narrowing it down to just recommending only 5 things to do! I’m always up for a good challenge though, and I love a good top 5 list, so here it goes.
What to do in Stowe, VT – The Top 5
A guided tour with Stowe Forager
Ok, sorry, but obviously this has to be first. I know, I’m a bit partial, but even if I wasn’t I think I would still vote for a guided foraging walk. It’s everything I like rolled into one. A casual, social nature walk through the green mountain wilderness, that is both highly educational and mentally stimulating. If that dose’t sound like a good time, then I don’t know what does!
Backcountry skiing in Stowe
Really for me this is the heart and soul of this town. For most that come here, Stowe Mountain Resort offers plenty of ski opportunities, both on and off trail. I would always recommend for most skiers to stay on the trails, but for those that are highly experienced and seek adventure – enter the backcountry. There is nothing as thrilling and fun as skiing through the trees on a powder day. But be warned, if you don’t know where you are going, it is probably best to go with someone who does! The dangers of the backcountry in Stowe are real, please be careful!
Mountain Biking in Stowe
Believe it or not, there is not always snow on the ground here in Vermont, and Stowe Mountain Resort is not always open for skiing. So what do us extreme types do in the summer to replace the thrill of back country skiing? We mountain bike. The trail systems here in Stowe are endless and offer everything from hair raisingly big rock drops, to casual beginner strolls. Mountain biking is a healthy, fun activity to do in Stowe, VT that also showcases the natural beauty of the Green Mountains!
The Stowe Recreation Path
Speaking of biking, there is another type of bike riding being done in Stowe besides mountain biking. If you are here when there is not snow on the ground, the family friendly rec path is loads of fun for everybody. You can rent a bike from the myriad of bike shops in town and crooze up and down the path, stopping at all the bars and restaurants along the way! If you are looking for something to do in Stowe, I think this is your best bet. And did I mention that in the winter our good friends over at StoweNordic.org are out grooming the path for cross country skiing? That’s right, the Stowe rec path is actually a 4 season treat!
Hiking and Snowshoeing in Stowe
Last but not least, I can’t leave out a good ol fashion hike. The green mountains offer spectacular hiking and views all around. In Stowe you can check out a number of classic hiking trails such as Hellbrook, The Long Trail, Hazelton, Pinnacle, and Sterling Pond. All these trails offer their own unique perspective on hiking and Stowe, and all are sure to please. In the winter you can snowshoe just about anywhere, but the notch is always a favorite.
