We stayed at the Stowehof Inn in Stowe. Our first impression was that the
place was just plain old. But the more we wandered around, the more we came to
appreciate it’s hidden charm. The Inn itself has some unique features, like very
wide plank flooring and wood burning fireplaces everywhere you turn. There’s a
wonderful indoor pool area that looks brand new and includes a hot tub. Although
the outdoor pool was mostly covered in snow, you could tell it was just as nice.
The Inn has a stunning location, surrounded by snow covered hills and evergreens
with the mountains just beyond. A lot of the Inn highlights that with big floor
to ceiling windows overlooking the scenery, including the dining room. They
innkeepers treated us to a complimentary room in exchange for some information
on how best to attract ski clubs from our area. The room was spotless, warm (as
was the rest of the Inn – very important after skiing all day), well maintained
and the bed and bedding were the most comfortable we’ve encountered on vacation
in a long time. It was not hard to see that it would be a perfect location for a
club trip. There are a number of common areas for gathering and enough rooms to
accommodate even a large group. The pub downstairs was cozy and we met several
people who just stopped in for a drink, to have dinner, and even a couple who
came just for a sleigh ride around the property. The couple was most
memorable because they returned from the 30 minute sleigh ride newly engaged,
which we thought was just adorable and very stereotypical of New England itself.
We ended up sort of having dinner with them that evening and took advantage of the
dinner special in the restaurant offered that night – $55 for two entrees and a
bottle of wine. The food was delicious and even the wine was surprising suitable
despite being a “package deal” bottle. Breakfast the next morning was included
with our stay. It was equally good and even more enjoyable with the morning view
of the mountains and the new dusting of snow awaiting us on the slopes.
Stowe was incredible. We’ve heard it is the best in the East and, if it
isn’t, it is certainly a close second to somewhere we’ve yet to ski. The wind
was wicked the two days we skied so we didn’t feel like we got to fully enjoy
the mountain by staying close to the gondola for much of the two days, but
enjoyed it enough to know we are heading back there in March. It had the
feeling of two distinct ski areas, as it is actually two mountains connected by
a short gondola. What made it especially interesting is that it almost has two
different weather conditions and the trails were nothing alike. The terrain was
as varied as I’ve ever seen and the amount of snow at the peak of Mt.
Mansfield astounded us. We could not believe a tree could hold that much snow!
Another thing that really impressed us was the restaurant at the top of the
gondola. Without going outside, you step off the gondola and into the Cliff
House Restaurant. Right inside was a little heated room to shed your coat and
wet attire, even your boots, if you like, to slip into the complimentary
slippers provided. Then it was out to the dining area for another spectacular view and
delicious food.
My only complaint at Stowe was that the mountain was so big, we never did
meet up with the other club members that were there those days. Better planning
next time and I’m sure we will avoid that. All in all we gave this trip a big
old THUMBS UP!
BSC is now planning a group trip in March, during Ski Council Appreciation
Days. Lift tickets during that period range from $40 for a single day to less
than $30 for multiple day lift tickets. That is less than half the regular rate
with only a $10 investment in BSC dues! There are also lodging and dining
specials available during the same period. Package details to follow.
Jackie
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