While it might sound cheesy all the sayings apply, “Let it Stowe, let it Stowe, let it Stowe”! We got our first Christmas ski vacation in Stowe Vermont, and it was a “Stowey Christmas that Stowe our hearts!” Everything that is good in the world, that is pure laughter and loving, we were able to bring to a family vacation in the most quintessential town that we have had yet to visit. A classic New England destination decorated like a snow globe village packed with microbrews, delis, shops, and skiing this vacation brings together families, lovers, friends, and strangers as the unfamiliar town quickly becomes a welcoming second home. Locals and visitors become one on the tucked away sledding hills and the wooded cross-country trails.
It started off simple with snow angels and puppies running free, with hot chocolate and espresso martinis alongside views of some of the highest peaks with mountain trails. It became next level when the 5-day itinerary became packed with memories for a lifetime. From snowshoeing and cross-country skiing aside creaks and waterfalls, to snowmobiling desolate trails and handmade bridges. From outdoor hot tubs to indoor saunas, to sledding drops, and shredding diamonds. The daytime was just as much fun as the nighttime with bars and breweries, shuffleboard matches, and air hockey this trip brings together families and newfound friends in the most iconic little town that felt so familiar.
Where to Stay:
Topnotch Resort is luxury mixed with intimate. This cozy resort is in an elite category with exceptional attention to detail and friendly service. A 5 Star Spa with extravagance in massage therapy, facial hydration, and high-end nail and salon services. The calming music, cucumber water, and robes for the fireplace suite brings rejuvenation and rehydration. The indoor pool hot tub and pool and sauna and steam room brings cleansing and detoxification. Lastly, a fitness schedule with knowledgeable instructors for head-to-toe training, yoga, Pilates, interval high energy circuits. and specific core workouts.
Topnotch has onsite fine dining at Flannel and a bar restaurant at Roost fully equipped with shuffleboard surrounding gametime TVs and laughter.
Topnotch is THE RESORT for all 4 seasons. From fall and springtime weddings and nature walks to summer and winter intense sports and pampering escapes.
Where to Play:
Snowmobiling: Snowmobilevermont.com
As first timers, our family of 4 booked 2 snowmobiles for the double-ride, adults to drive and the kids to passenger. We arrived an hour early to fully equip ourselves with helmets and directions on how to be a driver and a passenger. We got our own guide for an adventurous 25-mile journey through the Mount Mansfield State Forest. We were beginners but we were confident and in good hands. The advanced raced ahead were their own guide. We passed the creeks, hugged the inside of the cliffs, and rode over the narrow bridges. It was a TOP memory from this trip.
Snowboarding/Skiing: stowe.com
Stowe Mountain Resort lives up to its name. It is straight out of a Christmas movie with hot chocolate and S’more booths, indoor food court, tiny shops, and an ice-skating rink. A Top 10 Ski Town announced by Forbes. Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak are two mountains connected by a gondola. It provides fun and comfort with beginner to expert runs. A snow school and easily assessable parking, lift tickets, and rentals. From cozy fireplace accommodations to fresh farm to table dining and slope side spas, this little village in itself is enough to make the entire vacation.
A slight perk to the trip is the unbelievable hill behind the local elementary school. A free adventure when school is not in session. Bring your own sleds and snow tubes for premade moguls and jaw dropping drops.
Umiak Outdoor Outfitters provides an outdoor guided adventure for all seasons. We opted for the Snowshoeing and Sledding adventure. This was designed with laughs and sport as our family of 4 went snowshoeing through nature trails and got the history and pictures with a panoramic mountain and lake background. The snowshoes were fitted and sleds were provided as we were pampered with Vermont cheeses and hot cider at the end of our journey.
Topnotch Tennis Academy: Topnotch Tennis Academy in Stowe VT – Topnotch Resort
Year-round tennis clinics, open court times, and round robins for both tennis and pickleball. Don’t forget your racquets for a break from the snow and some hardcore cardio tennis.
Sledding:
Where to Lunch:
Edelweiss Mountain Deli: Our Menus | Edelweiss Mountain Deli (edelweissstowe.com)
Edelweiss Mountain Deli is an authentic experience with Vermont local specialties. First built in 1968 as a one-room schoolhouse, Mark and Marie Poor have been cultivating this local gathering spot for friends, families, and new visitors. This local meetup has first name friends and stories of daily adventures. The Poor family has nurtured this deli with local maple syrups, cheeses, bacons, distilled spirits, chocolates, beers, and more. Sandwiches, salads, and market homemade options make this a stop for any meal.
Where to Dine
Matterhorn restaurant is the iconic Vermont experience that is a dream come true. A pub like atmosphere with a decked-out bar, shuffleboard, music, and surrounding TVs for the game. Then a cozy nook with a fireplace and a circle of booths and high tops for everything in-between. The menu fit families and friends of all sorts from pizza to steak, from salads to sushi. This dinner turned into an event with extensive signature cocktails, local beers, micro brews, and reds and wines to match the meal. Straight off the slopes or late-night music, this was good old fashion Vermont FUN!
Idletyme Brewing Company is a family favorite, a girls night out, and a date night to remember with local brews, booked events, and dinners reserved to make a memory. With quality beer brewed on site and everything from fried pickles to Vermont Cheddar Fritters, this pub cozy environment has everything from fried, roasted, and grilled to farm fresh lettuce, tomatoes, and carrots. The wine pours smoothly, the signature cocktails range from Stowepresso Martinis to Hot Toddies, and the Brewski Sampler allows for local tastings, this night recommends a reservation for the packed locals and visitors.
