Stowe, Vermont
Stowe was the mountain retreat of our July 2023 Vermont trip — a few nights in a three-bedroom condo with a shared hot tub, tucked into this classic Green Mountains ski town and shared with family.
Our experience
In summer, Stowe trades its famous winter slopes for hiking, biking, waterfalls, and mountain drives, all framed by Mount Mansfield, the highest peak in Vermont.
We loved the storybook New England charm: a white-steepled village, covered bridges, farm-fresh dining, and that crisp mountain air. Whether you come for snow in winter or green in summer, Stowe is quintessential Vermont — and pairing it with our time in Burlington gave us the full lake-and-mountains sweep of the state.
Stowe became the American home of the real von Trapp family, whose story inspired The Sound of Music. After fleeing Austria, the family settled here and developed what became the Trapp Family Lodge, now an Austrian-inspired mountain resort with year-round activities.
Must-sees and must-dos
- Mount Mansfield — experience Vermont's highest peak, with hiking, mountain scenery, the Gondola SkyRide, and seasonal access via the Auto Toll Road.
- Stowe Village — wander the postcard-pretty town center for shops, cafes, restaurants, and classic New England atmosphere.
- Stowe Recreation Path — walk or bike the scenic paved path through the valley, with mountain views and easy access to different parts of town.
- Trapp Family Lodge — visit the Austrian-inspired estate established by the von Trapp family, with mountain views, trails, dining, and year-round recreation.
- Smugglers' Notch — drive or hike through the dramatic mountain pass between Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak, known for cliffs, trails, and striking scenery.
- Vermont waterfalls — seek out nearby favorites such as Bingham Falls and Moss Glen Falls for an easy dose of classic Green Mountain scenery.
Our pro tip
We loved Stowe in summer for hiking, waterfalls, and mountain scenery without making the trip entirely about ski season. A condo with extra space and a hot tub was perfect for a family stay. A car is essential if you want to reach trailheads, waterfalls, Smugglers' Notch, and the surrounding Green Mountains comfortably.
Stowe is also a genuine four-season destination, with hiking, biking, and paddling in the warmer months and skiing, snowshoeing, and Nordic trails in winter. If you want a more resort-style stay, Trapp Family Lodge is one of the most distinctive options in the area, while Stowe Mountain Resort lists lodges, condos, and vacation rentals throughout town.
We'd keep Stowe's attraction links official rather than force an unrelated tour. Klook can still be useful for U.S. hotel or transport bookings if a suitable Stowe-area product appears when you're planning.