Top North American Ski Resorts: Stowe, Vermont

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Outside Traveler Winter 2005

Top North American Ski Resorts
We Sing the Slopes Fantastic
VERMONT :: STOWE

By Bonnie Tsui


	(image courtesy, Stowe Ski Resort)

IT'S THE BARNS AND COVERED BRIDGES draped with snow that tip you off: You're in classic Vermont. This historic resort hails from the hungry thirties, but you'll be plenty satisfied. With just 4,000 or so permanent residents, Stowe's got small-town soul galore, and the mountain tempts with wild, winding expert runs—and a slew of less challenging ones.

MOUNTAIN STATS:

SUMMIT, 4,393 feet
VERTICAL, 2,360 feet
SKIABLE ACRES, 480
ANNUAL SNOWFALL, 333 inches
LIFT TICKET, $62
800-253-4754, www.stowe.com

WHY WE LOVE IT: Time has made Stowe a giant on the eastern ski scene, with the help of 4,393-foot Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak. You can't beat it for nordic action: The Touring Center at Trapp Family Lodge (owned by a member of the singing von Trapp clan, of The Sound of Music fame) features excellent trails. And where would snowboarding be without a certain resident named Jake Burton?
NUMBER-ONE RUN: Test your mettle on the famous Front Four—National, Lift Line, Starr, and Goat—the mountain's snaking double-black centerpieces. Prepare to be humbled.
HOT LODGE: Listed on the National Register of Historic Places, the sumptuously restored Green Mountain Inn pumps up the luxe with modern accoutrements like gas fireplaces, marble bathrooms, Jacuzzis, and a heated outdoor pool. Forget fatigue with a Swedish deep-tissue massage—or have hot cider and homemade cookies by the blazing fire. (Doubles from $125; 800-253-7302, www.greenmountain.com)
SOUL PATCH: Get a little wacky with the locals during the Stowe Winter Carnival, in late January: Among other fun, there's off-season volleyball, a snow-golf tournament (costume required, natch), and the chilly Wintermeister triathlon.

Next Page: COLORADO :: VAIL & BEAVER CREEK

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