Stowe Mountain Lodge is a luxury AAA 4-diamond resort located at the foot of the pristine Spruce Peak and Mt. Mansfield in Stowe, Vermont. The resort’s architecture is reminiscent of turn-of-the-century New England “camps” built by yesteryear’s movers and shakers.

As you approach the main entrance you face an impressive six-story façade built of timber, stone and expansive glass walls. The soaring lobby is decorated with rustic birch columns, handcrafted furniture, fireplaces and cast iron chandeliers. It feels as if you are in a luxurious country estate.

ACOMMODATIONS

The resort offers over 300 rooms and suites ranging in size from 450 to 1600 sq. ft. In most rooms you’ll find stone fireplaces, fully equipped kitchens and luxurious marble baths with tubs and glass-enclosed showers. Room amenities include feather beds, goose down comforters and fine bed linens. Oversized windows and balconies invite you to enjoy the spectacular alpine vistas of Mt. Mansfield and Spruce Peak.

DINING

Dining at the resort is an experience unto itself.

Make dinner reservations at the resort’s signature restaurant, Solstice, a modern, open-kitchen restaurant offering farm-to-table cuisine that uses mostly local ingredients. Start with the BBQ Gulf Shrimp, served with white Cheddar grit fritters and arugula or the Faroe Island Salmon Tartare with Nori, miso, caviar and shrimp chips. For your entrée, order the Maplewood Ricotta Gnudi, the savory dish of Maine Lobster, dumplings, peas and foraged mushrooms, or the Asian inspired duck breast.

Another dining option is Hourglass, a casual restaurant where you can enjoy light meals, creative burgers, fine wines by the glass and microbrews on tap. Weather permitting, sit outside on the patio and enjoy the surrounding mountain views.

For a quick bite, get a made-to-order gourmet deli sandwich at the Pantry, and a fresh pastry with Vermont-roasted specialty coffee at the Beanery.

PAMPERING AND WELLNESS

Stowe Mountain Lodge features a state-of-the-art 21,000 square foot Spa and Wellness center. The décor is earthy and soothing, highlighted by stones, pebbles and wood, all woven into a visual tapestry of textures. The spa offers numerous therapeutic treatments such as ritual massages, body wraps and soothing facials using natural and holistic products.

Treat yourself to a Manipura Massage, a spirited 80-minute session that includes a Himalayan crystal scrub and vital energy massage. For a more serene treatment, try the Tibetan inspired Ku Nye, an 80-minute massage that combines lymph drainage, acupressure, heated crystals and salt poultices.

You can also work out in the high tech gym, take fitness and Pilates classes or just relax with a Yoga session.

ACTIVITIES

While the luxurious lodge, spa and cuisine may be more than enough to assure a satisfactory vacation, Stowe Mountain Lodge’s main attractions are skiing, golf and outdoor activities, all on the backdrop of the picturesque Vermont countryside.

Stowe Mountain Lodge is adjacent to the ski lifts of Mt. Mansfield and Spruce Peak and is the only ski-in ski-out lodging in New England. If you are a winter sports enthusiast you can enjoy cross-country skiing, ice skating, snowshoeing, snowmobiling, sledding and horse-drawn sleigh rides.

During summer, the resort attracts nature lovers who come to explore Vermont’s scenic mountain trails, covered bridges, and sparkling lakes. Thrill seekers love the ZipTour, one of the longest, fastest and most exhilarating zipline experiences in the country

If golf is your passion, play a round at the private 18-hole Bob Cupp championship mountain golf course, a picturesque site located amidst expansive mountain vistas and cascading streams.

For indoor fun head to the new Adventure Center where you and your family can enjoy wall climbing and a myriad of other activities.

Another top resort attraction is a heated swimming pool that can be accessed from inside the lodge during cold weather.

For cultural enrichment, check out the program at the Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center, a performance hall where you can enjoy concerts, recitals and various shows. The resort is a perfect year-round destination for couples, families and even pets. Make reservations at stowemountainlodge.com, or call 802-253-3560 and ask their alpine concierge to customize your stay. Enjoy. ∆