Stowe
485 acres, 116 runs on Mount Mansfield. Vermont's storied Ski Capital of the East, Epic Pass access.
Season 2026 - 2027
Opens
20 Nov 2026
Closes
25 Apr 2027
Days open
156
Annual snow
315in
The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Stowe's summit reaches 3,625 feet, dropping 2,360 vertical feet to a base at 1,266 feet across 116 runs spread over 485 acres on Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak. Terrain splits 55 per cent intermediate, 16 per cent beginner, 15 per cent advanced and 14 per cent expert, with average annual snowfall of roughly 315 inches. The resort carries Epic Pass affiliation. Twelve lifts, including two gondolas and four quad chairs, serve the mountain alongside two double chairs, two triple chairs and two surface lifts.
Stowe has long carried the informal title 'Ski Capital of the East,' a reputation built over nine decades on Vermont's highest and most storied mountain. The resort's combination of legendary terrain, a charming New England village and considerable skiing heritage has made it one of the most recognised ski destinations in the eastern United States.
The Civilian Conservation Corps cut the first trails on Mount Mansfield in 1933, and the Stowe Ski Club, founded in 1932, saw Roland Palmedo, founder of the New York Amateur Ski Club and later founder of Mad River Glen, formulate early plans to develop the mountain. Stowe became the first ski area in Vermont to install a single chairlift, built by the American Steel & Wire Company in 1940, a landmark moment in the resort's development.
Insurance magnate Cornelius Vander Starr, founder of the American International Group, took ownership of the Mount Mansfield Company in 1949 and played a central role in consolidating the mountain's ski operations. AIG became the resort's primary owner in 1988, retaining control until selling the ski-related operations and facilities to Vail Resorts on 21 February 2017, while AIG and the Mount Mansfield Company kept the Stowe Mountain Lodge, Stowe Mountain Club, Stowe Country Club and other real estate holdings. Adult daily tickets run from 169 to 239 US dollars.
2,359ft
Vertical
116
Runs
485 acres
Skiable
315in
Annual snow
Epic
Pass
The Terrain
116 runs across 485 acres skiable
Stowe covers 116 runs on 485 acres (196 hectares) of Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak, from a base at 1,270 ft (386 m) to a summit of 3,630 ft (1,105 m), a vertical of 2,360 ft (719 m). Blue square runs make up 55%, with 16% green circle, 15% black diamond and 14% expert, a notable share of hard terrain for the East. About 315 inches of snow falls in an average winter. Two gondolas, four quads, two triples, two doubles and two surface lifts move skiers around the mountain.
The Front Four of Goat, Starr, National and Liftline define the expert side. These double black trails are steep, narrow and twisty, with natural hazards and little grooming, and they can be reached from the Forerunner Quad or the Lookout Double. Away from them, long blue cruisers fill most of the mountain. Stowe suits confident intermediates and experts who want old-school East Coast challenge, while beginners have a smaller share of runs to work with and should plan for fewer gentle options. Mornings on the Front Four are best saved for when the snow is soft, because they firm up quickly.
Terrain split
116
runs
116 runs across 4 grades
Beginner19 runs · 16%
Intermediate64 runs · 55%
Advanced17 runs · 15%
Expert16 runs · 14%
Time it right
When to visit Stowe
The 2025-26 season at Stowe ran from 28 November 2025 to 26 April 2026, a roughly twenty-one-week season supported by average annual snowfall of around 315 inches, among the highest totals of any Vermont resort. This substantial snowfall reflects Mount Mansfield's status as Vermont's highest peak.
Midwinter, from December through February, typically brings the most consistent conditions to Stowe's varied terrain across the resort's full 2,360-foot vertical drop. As an Epic Pass resort within the Vail Resorts network, Stowe draws substantial visitation from Epic Pass holders alongside visitors specifically seeking its storied reputation and charming village atmosphere.
Stowe's status as the Ski Capital of the East continues to draw a genuinely national and international visitor base throughout the season, supported by the village's extensive lodging, dining and shopping infrastructure developed over decades. School holiday periods bring substantial visitation given the resort's varied terrain and considerable base area amenities.
Specific event programming beyond standard operations is not confirmed in available resort information. Since AIG's February 2017 sale of ski operations to Vail Resorts, Stowe has continued operating as part of the Epic Pass network, building on nine decades of history since alpine skiing first arrived on Mount Mansfield in the early 1930s. The resort's storied reputation remains central to its seasonal identity.
Season 2026 - 2027
20 Nov 2026
Opens
25 Apr 2027
Closes
156
Days open
315 in
Annual snow
The record
Historical snowfall at Stowe
Daily snow reports at Stowe go back to 2025, 2 winters on the books. Open the record to compare winters, lifts and piste.
10 in
Snowiest day
26 Jan 2026
0 in
This winter · 2026-27
so far
221 in
Typical winter
average of complete seasons
Winter totals
in
Past wintersThis winter
Getting there
Getting to Stowe, and where to stay
Stowe sits on Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak, near the town of Stowe, with a base elevation of 1,266 feet and a summit at 3,625 feet across a 2,360-foot vertical drop over 485 acres. This setting places the resort at the centre of one of New England's most storied ski towns.
The village of Stowe offers extensive lodging, dining and shopping, with a genuinely charming New England character developed over nine decades as a premier ski destination. Burlington, Vermont's largest city, lies within a reasonable drive, providing additional visitor amenities and air access.
Vermont State Route 108 provides direct access to the resort from the village of Stowe. Winter driving conditions on this route can include snow and ice, though the well-travelled road is regularly maintained given the resort's status as one of the Northeast's premier ski destinations. There is no direct public transport service to the mountain, though the village offers local transit options.
Burlington International Airport, within a reasonable drive, is the nearest airport with substantial commercial service, making Stowe genuinely accessible for visitors flying into northern Vermont from across the country and internationally.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Stays map loads when you scroll here
Hotels and lodges near Stowe, powered by Stay22.
Good to know
Frequently asked
When is Stowe's ski season?
Stowe's 2026 - 2027 season typically runs from November 20 through April 25. That window is roughly 156 calendar days, though daily operations depend on snow cover, weather, and lift maintenance.
Resorts in Vermont, Usa often announce firm dates closer to winter; check the live snow report before you travel if you are planning around opening weekend or spring closure.
How much skiable terrain does Stowe have?
Stowe lists about 485 acres skiable of marked terrain spread across 116 named runs (196 hectares alongside 485 acres skiable). That footprint is what most riders experience on a lift-served day. Side-country or hike-to terrain may sit outside these published numbers.
Use the trail map to see how the mountain is laid out and where the longest fall-line runs connect back to base.
What is the terrain like at Stowe?
Trail grading at Stowe breaks down roughly as 16% beginner, 55% intermediate, 15% advanced, 14% expert. The mix is balanced enough for mixed-ability groups, so learners can stay on marked green/blue (Green/Blue) terrain while stronger skiers peel off to steeper pitches.
Percentages describe the resort's published piste mix, not vertical feet. A mountain with modest "expert" stats can still feel demanding if the steep terrain is long or exposed. Read the trail map alongside these numbers when planning your route.
How many lifts does Stowe have?
Stowe operates 12 lifts across 5 lift types. The fleet includes 4 quad chairs, 2 gondolas, 2 triple chairs, 2 double chairs, and 2 surface lifts.
Lift mix affects how quickly you can lap your favourite zones. Gondolas and trams move big crowds to mid-mountain, while shorter chairs and surface lifts often serve learning areas or local pods. Check the live snow report on ski days for real-time open/closed status.
What is the elevation and vertical drop at Stowe?
Base elevation at Stowe is about 1,266 ft (386 m), with the summit around 3,625 ft (1,105 m), giving roughly 2,359 ft (719 m) of vertical from base to top.
Higher start heights usually mean colder, drier snow holding longer into spring, but also thinner air and faster weather changes. Pack layers if you are riding from village level to summit lifts in one day.
How much snow does Stowe get each season?
Stowe averages about 315 inches (800 cm) of natural snowfall per season. That is a long-term climate figure. Any single winter can run well above or below it depending on storm track and temperature.
For trip planning, pair this baseline with the live snow report and webcams: fresh cycles show up in overnight totals and summit cameras long before season averages tell you much about today's surface.
Does Stowe accept the Epic?
Stowe is affiliated with the Epic. Pass holders should confirm current season benefits, blackout dates, and reservation rules on the pass issuer's site. Policies change year to year and can differ between international and domestic products.
If you are not on Epic, day tickets and multi-day bundles are still available; see the lift tickets page for published rates and purchase links.
Where can I buy Stowe lift tickets and how much do they cost?
Published single-day adult pricing on SnowStash currently spans US$139 to US$239, depending on date band and whether you are buying peak or regular windows. Multi-day products (season passes) usually lower the per-day cost if you are staying several days. Tickets can be bought online through the resort's official checkout (linked from our lift tickets page) or at on-mountain ticket windows, subject to availability.
Buying ahead of peak holidays and weekends generally saves money and guarantees access on sold-out days. Before you commit, scan the snow report and webcams so you are paying for conditions that match your expectations.
How can I check snow and mountain conditions at Stowe before I go?
SnowStash pulls together 2 live mountain webcams, a downloadable piste map, and the daily snow report for Stowe so you can plan from home. Webcams refresh on a short interval and are the fastest way to judge visibility, wind exposure, and whether storm snow is still falling.
The snow report adds structured totals, base depth where available, and lift/trail status when the resort publishes it. Use both together: cameras show what it looks like right now, and the report summarises numbers your group can compare day to day.
Does Stowe have a trail map?
Yes. The downloadable PDF/image map is better for offline planning, marking meeting points, and understanding the full mountain layout at a glance.
Both versions are on the trail map page for Stowe. If you are navigating with kids or meeting friends across separate lifts, screenshot or print the static map and keep the live map open on your phone for operational updates.
Where is Stowe located?
Stowe sits in Vermont, Usa. That regional context matters for travel planning: airport transfers, snow tyres, and typical storm patterns all follow geography as much as resort marketing.
Browse nearby accommodation from the resort page if you are comparing village-base vs valley-base stays; where you sleep changes your first lift of the day more than most trail stats do.
Latest News
From the SnowStash desk
Mt Rose Aims to Open First in Tahoe on November 6
Mt Rose is going for the first-in-Tahoe title, with the Lakeview Express due to spin at 9 a.m. on Friday, November 6. One main lift, three runs and plenty of snowmaking, sitting on the highest base elevation in the region at 8,260 ft. Here is what is open, what is not (sorry, tubing fans), and how the early North American openings are stacking up.
4 Nov 2026
Europe Snow Forecast: Serre Chevalier Leads With 82 cm Over the Next 10 Days
Europe has had a quiet start to November, but our 10-day forecast has Serre Chevalier on 82 cm and Les 2 Alpes on 71 cm. Two pushes are lined up: a western Alps top-up from Friday, then a bigger, wider system on Thursday, November 12 and Friday, November 13 that reaches Italy and Switzerland. Full leaderboard inside.
4 Nov 2026
Mammoth Mountain Opens Early on November 5 With Up to 33 Inches of Snow in the Forecast
Mammoth just moved opening day forward to Thursday, November 5, eight days ahead of schedule. A snowy weekend and cold snowmaking nights did the work, and our forecast shows up to 33 inches more landing on November 13 and 14. Here is what opens, what the weather looks like and where Mammoth sits among the early Ikon Pass openers.
3 Nov 2026
Utah Snow Storm Builds Early-Season Base Ahead of November Openings
Rain down low, snow up high, and a snow report full of zeros that mostly means ‘not updated yet’. Utah’s first proper storm of 2026-27 is rolling through the Wasatch, Snowbird’s snow stake is closing in on 10 inches, and Brian Head is five days from opening day. Early November snow rarely looks like much, but it is the layer every November opening date is built on. Here is where it stands.
1 Nov 2026
Sierra Nevada Halloween Storm: Dodge Ridge Forecast to Lead With 19 Inches
Halloween weekend brings a wet, windy storm to the Sierra Nevada. Our five-day forecast has Dodge Ridge on top with 19 in, followed by Bear Valley at 15 in and Mammoth Mountain at 12 in, with most of it landing on Saturday. A winter weather advisory covers the Tahoe Basin and Mono County until 7 AM Sunday, gusts could reach 47 mph and the freezing level swings between 4,900 and 8,700 ft, so some bases will see rain. A dry spell follows from Monday.
31 Oct 2026
Lake Louise Opens Early on 1 November With Juniper Express and Easy Street
The Rockies get their first lift-served turns of the season early. Lake Louise opens Sunday 1 November, five days ahead of schedule, after a cold October and round-the-clock work from the snowmaking and mountain crews. Terrain is limited to Juniper Express Chair and Easy Street, with two small terrain parks and the beginner area for lessons. Opening-day tickets are over 60% off, with prices rising as more lifts open. First chair is at 9:30 am under the resort’s new lift hours.
31 Oct 2026
Kitzbüheler Horn Summit Cable Car to Be Replaced After 70 Years
A Tyrolean summit lift that has been carrying guests up the Kitzbüheler Horn since 1955 is on borrowed time. Its licence runs to 2045, but a new inspection rule has made refurbishment uneconomic, so Bergbahn AG Kitzbühel will spend around €15 million on a replacement on the same line. It should hold roughly 100 people and keep running in winds that would stop today’s lift. Building starts in autumn 2027, which makes this winter and next summer the last chances to ride the old one.
30 Oct 2026
What’s New in Japan Skiing This Winter: Niseko Gondola, a Private Resort and a Bigger Ikon Pass
Niseko Village is replacing a lift from the early 1980s with an eight-person gondola, Tsugaike gets a six-person chairlift, Madarao joins the Ikon Pass and Togari opens Asia’s first private ski resort. Here’s what is actually new in Japan skiing for 2026/27, plus what is still a year or two away.
30 Oct 2026