The Best Things to Do in Stowe, Vermont in Winter
The best things to do in Stowe, Vermont during winter
Looking for the best things to do in Stowe, Vermont during the wintertime? Stowe may be known for its colorful fall foliage and snow-packed mountains, but there’s much more to do in this town than just leaf peeping and skiing. You’ll find lots of great restaurants and breweries, fun winter activities, shopping, and more!
This is the full winter travel guide to Stowe, Vermont. Read on for the best winter activities, things to do, what to see, and where to eat in Stowe during winter vacation!
Where to stay in Stowe
Stowe is one of ten the most popular ski towns in America, so if you’re looking to spend your winter vacation there, you’ll have no trouble finding a place to stay! Here are some of the best places to stay in Stowe, VT…
Best places to stay in Stowe
Airbnb’s in Stowe - If you’re looking for an affordable cabin-like Airbnb, I highly recommend Stowasis! The Airbnb is situated atop a garage of a single family home, next to a creek. They have a balcony that offers a beautiful view of snow-capped mountains in the distance, access to the backyard fire pit, snowshoe rentals, and more.
Where to eat in Stowe
Best restaurants in Stowe
The Skinny Pancake - From savory to sweet, this restaurant has every type of crepe you could ever want! I recommend the Breakfast Monster (Eggs, cabot cheddar, pesto, roasted squash, caramelized onions and spinach in a crepe) for breakfast and Matchmaker (Local seasonal fruit and chocolate hazelnut spread in a crepe served with a side of whipped cream) for dessert!
Ranch Camp - This place is a cute restaurant that is also a local bike shop. I recommend the Sticky Balls (brussel sprouts), Falafel Nuggets, and Hippie Fries (chickpea sticks), Pearl Bowl (quinoa & veggies) with chicken!
Stowe Cantina - Delicious local Mexican cuisine! I recommend their jalapeño margarita, mango margarita, and the Cilantro Pineapple Chicken Tacos!
Plate - I recommend the Vegan Crab Cakes, Parsnip Soup, Roasted Stuffed Acorn Squash, and their Fried Cinnamon Donut Holes (served with apple cider clove dipping syrup and a side of ice cream) for dessert!
Harrison's Restaurant
Butler's Pantry
Best breweries in Stowe
IdleTyme Brewing Company - Grab yourself a beer flight, and if you’re hungry, try the butternut squash ravioli or venison and sirloin chili!
The Alchemist Brewery
Stowe Cider
Best cafes in Stowe
Black Tap Coffee & Beer - Great local coffee spot for a quick coffee. I highly recommend the almond joy latte!
Green Goddess Café
Stowe Bee Bakery & Cafe
PK Coffee
Woodland Baking and Coffee
Things to do in Stowe during winter
Winter activities
Skiing and snowboarding
Snow tubing
Cross country skiing
Snowshoeing
Snowmobiling
Horse-drawn sleigh ride
Fat biking
Ice skating
Dog sledding - October Siberians will take you on a magical 2-hour dog sled tour through Little River State Park. PSA: Make sure you have snow tires on your car or else you won’t be able to make it up the snow-covered hills to get to your meeting spot at the park. We made this mistake and ended up parking our car and walking instead. Not ideal, but we were determined haha.
Ice climbing - While this was incredibly difficult because I have zero upper body strength, I highly recommend giving this a try! You’ll hike off-trail up to icy cliff-sides and learn how to climb ice like a pro!
Sightseeing
Explore Smuggler’s Notch Village
See the Giles W. Dewey Memorial Bridge
Hike up to Sunset Rock for a bird's-eye view of Stowe
Scenic Gondola SkyRide
Take a winter hike to a frozen waterfall Moss Glen Falls
Take a guided tour of Stowe - Viator offers a full day guided tour through Stowe that includes: the village of Stowe, Smugglers’ Notch State Park, The Ben & Jerry’s Factory, a local glassblower, the cider mill, and more. Book your tour here!
Shopping
Stowe shopping plaza
The Village at Spruce Peak
Entertainment
Stowe Performing Arts
Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center
Relaxation
Spa and salon at Stoweflake Mountain Resort
Spa at Spruce Peak
Other
Take a brewery tour - GetYourGuide offers a half day brewery tour that includes: five local breweries and distilleries, flights and samples, and complimentary appetizers at one of the stops. Book your tour here!
Visit the famous Ben & Jerrys factory
What to wear in Stowe during winter
Long layers, sweaters, winters hats, scarves, gloves, and heavy coats are a must when visiting Stowe in the winter! Here are a few things that I packed in order to stay warm in the freezing cold temperatures.
Need help packing for a cold-weather trip? I’ve got you covered with this Winter Packing Guide!