argoskier, Author at Stowe Forager

Is it Spring in Stowe, Vermont Yet?

It’s April in Stowe, Vermont, and there is still no sign of spring!

As of writing this, I can say that I have been starting to see many posts from my fellow foragers and wilderness wanderers popping up on social media. People from all over New England are posting pictures of spring flowers and the first mushrooms popping up out of the newly exposed earth. Of course Massachusetts is quite a bit different from Vermont, in more ways than one, that’s for sure. I personally really notice the difference when considering the availability of non-snow covered or frozen ground.

That all makes sense, and I am quite used to it living up here in the frozen north country. But what’s really getting me this year, is that I am now starting to see pictures popping up of spring from Vermont locations! This is a great example of localized weather, because here in Stowe, VT we are still completely buried under feet of snow. Look at this picture of the Smuggler’s Notch road just buried under 10 feet of snow!

Snow in Stowe Vermont — Town line road sign absolutely buried in Smuggler’s Notch

When will it be time to forage in Stowe, Vermont?

I don’t know. Normally I don’t really worry too much about the first good forage. Looking for those early spring forage-ables such as nettles, ramps, and Japanese knotweed shoots is always a fun and rewarding spring activity, but I am often still quite absorbed into skiing at this time. Spring skiing in in Stowe, VT will be going to April 21st this year, which may conflict with some of those earliest of early foraging opportunities.

Like I said, as much as I love foraging, this doesn’t bother me too much as I love skiing even more (see last post for my comparison of the two). However, after a recent shoulder injury, and being forced to take some time off from skiing, it is certainly getting harder to not focus on that first spring time walk through the woods. Those fresh earthly smells and sights are always a welcome change after an often long and harsh winter in Vermont.

Stowe snow — Back country access sign almost buried at the end of March

The change is on it’s way, it will come, it always does.

Yes, all things change, and the seasons are the greatest reminder of this. For as much snow as there is in Stowe right now, it will all soon be gone. Foraging will come, I must remind myself to just sit tight and be patient.

That first walk though the woods on the soft, thawed ground, teaming with life of all sorts is what I look forward to when skiing on Mt. Mansfield comes to an end. Although with this much snow (record breaking year), this magical first walk will surely come later than usual.

Foraging in Vermont — Just another buried trail sign on Mt. Mansfield

Why Skiing is Kind of Like Foraging.

Skiing in Stowe Vermont — Photo of me by Aaron Rhode

Skiing and Foraging, Two of my Favorite Things

If you have been following my Instagram since it launched late this summer, you may be getting tired of all my skiing related posts. I totally understand this as it initially was fully dedicated to foraging -so let me first apologize for this derailment. But in my defense, there really is no foraging to be done here in Stowe, Vermont in the middle of our long, cold winters. Everything is dead, and covered and snow.

I thought for a while about what I would do with my Vermont Forager Instagram account. Show old photos of my fruits of the forest? Or perhaps some throwbacks to some of my more recent travels around the globe? Well, I am, and will continue to do this, but the reality is that in the winter, I ski… like every day, I ski.

So rather than shamefully hide this great passion that consumes my day to day life in the wintertime, I figured I would showcase it instead. Then I started to realize, skiing is kind of like foraging in some ways. I mean, it is completely different, but really, it is sort of similar. Hear me out!

Skiing at Stowe — Photo of me by Eddie Spang

Skiing and Foraging – Two peas from the same pod?

So how are skiing and foraging in Stowe Vermont possibly alike? Well let’s make a little list:

They both take place outdoors for an extended period of time: Both of these activities are best enjoyed with a sizable chunk of time spent outdoors. There are many times when I am skiing when the weather is not great. Meaning there is no fresh powder in sight, and the sun has not been seen in weeks. Really what this means is that I spend most of my time on skis just wandering about the mountain, letting my curiosity our our natural world get the best of me. And this leads me to the next thing on our list.
They both encourage exploration: Really, I can’t think of two better activities to get you into the exploration mindset. While this is always true for foraging, skiing is only about exploration about half the time. But during those times when you are exploring while skiing, you are really exploring. On the top of a freezing cold mountain covered in 10 feet of snow, the inner explorer in you is sure to come alive!
They both put you into the FLOW Zone: If you don’t know what the flow zone is, it’s that feeling of complete immersion into whatever activity you are doing. In skiing, you are almost always in this state, as it is often dangerous to let your mind wander. And with foraging if you are really ever going to find anything worthwhile, you really do have to stay focused on the task at hand.
The Joy of Discovery: In both foraging and skiing, you are often searching for something. In foraging you are searching for a wild and delicious edible to take home and cook up. In skiing you are searching for the fresh powder, or the perfect line to take. Both of these activities have the power to unlock the natural joy inherent in the act of discovery!

Skiing and Foraging – Not so Different After All!

Well I hope I have convinced you somewhat that skiing is actually pretty similar to foraging in a lot of ways. I know I have convinced myself, which is important so that I can continue to feature skiing on my Instatgram! Haven’t seen the Insta for Stowe Forager yet? Check it out here!

Ski Vermont — Photo of me by Eddie Spang

Top 5 Things to do in Stowe Vermont According to Stowe Forager

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.

Things to do in Stowe Vermont VT — Snowboarding at Stowe

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!

Things to do in Stowe Vermont — A Yellow Birch Leaf

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!

Mountain Bike Stowe VT — Mountain Biking in Stowe Vermont

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.

hiking in Stowe Vermont — Encountering some Lichen on a hike in Stowe