Stowe, Vermont is a year-round destination for outdoor recreationists, lovers of natural beauty, and anybody charmed by the arts, culture, and lifestyle of the Green Mountain State. But no question that winter has a very special pull around these parts, which happen to feature some of the finest snowsports in New England.
With a room here at Edson Hill, occupying nearly 40 scenic and tranquil acres in between the Green Mountains and the Worcester Range, you’ve got a dream position for enjoying wintertime Stowe to the fullest! Here’s but a sampler-pack overview of what kind of fun and adventure you can get up to as a guest of ours during those gorgeous snowy months.
Downhill Skiing & Snowboarding
Two of the Northeast’s finest ski resorts lie within a stone’s throw from our historic property here at Edson Hill, both nestled within the expansive Mount Mansfield State Forest. Stowe Mountain Resort offers nearly 500 skiable acres on the mighty shoulders of Mount Mansfield (at 4,375 feet, Vermont’s loftiest peak) and Spruce Peak, with 2,360 feet of vertical, 116 trails, a dozen lifts, and two terrain parks; the resort receives a generous helping of some 314 inches of annual snowfall on average.
Then there’s Smuggers’ Notch Resort (aka “Smuggs”) with its whopping 2,610 vertical feet and its trio of inviting peaks: Morse, Sterling, and Madonna mountains.
In other words: Skiers and riders, eat your hearts out!
Cross-Country Skiing, Snowshoeing, and Fat Biking at Edson Hill
Our serene property offers more than just a picturesque backdrop—it provides an intimate Nordic skiing experience right at your doorstep. Glide across our exclusive trails, where the hush of fresh snow under your skis is the only interruption to the peace of the winter woods.
The Edson Hill Nordic Center is a hub for winter enthusiasts, offering a variety of trails that cater to all skill levels. Whether you’re practicing your gliding technique on our groomed trails, breaking new paths with snowshoes, or taking a fat bike for a spin, the beauty of our estate is your playground. Edson Hill’s Nordic Center is fully equipped with a fleet of rental gear and features a professional staff of instructors for those new to the sport, or experienced cross-country skiers looking to refine their skills.
After your adventures on the trails, warm up next to the woodstove inside the chic and cozy Nordic Center, where you will also find a retail offering with some essential gear and Edson Hill logo-wear available, in addition to a selection of adult apres ski beverages. On weekend afternoons and most holidays, you will find blazing fire pits outside the Nordic Center to enjoy those tasty Vermont microbrews beside.
You’ll also find cross-country and snowshoeing trails at the two ski resorts, the Von Trapp Outdoor Center, and Catamount Outdoor Center, plus additional backcountry and side-country routes elsewhere in the Mount Mansfield State Forest—including the marvelous backcountry trails maintained by the Catamount Trail Association that run right through Edson Hill’s trail network. There’s nothing like skiing or snowshoeing deep into the snow-bound Vermont forests, relishing deep solitude, and the weaving trails of winter wildlife.
Winter Hiking
Another classic winter adventure in the region is hiking or snowshoeing up to the whitened summit of 4,083-foot Camel’s Hump in its eponymous state park. Camel’s Hump is the third-highest peak in Vermont and easily one of the state’s truly iconic landforms, and the far-reaching views it affords are all the more far-reaching in wintertime.
Ice Climbing
For those looking to add an exhilarating chapter to their winter tale, ice climbing with Sunrise Mountain Guides offers a thrilling new perspective on Stowe’s winter landscape. Clinging to the frozen cascades, climbers of all levels can challenge themselves under the expert guidance of seasoned professionals. This invigorating sport provides not only an adrenaline rush but also the unique satisfaction of scaling Stowe’s spectacular icy formations. No prior experience is necessary! Whether it’s your first ascent or you’re an experienced ice climber, the team at Sunrise Mountain Guides ensures a safe, memorable, and awe-inspiring adventure that stands as a highlight of any visit to Stowe.
Other Stowe, VT Winter Activities
Go ice skating in the Spruce Peak Village Center at Stowe Mountain Resort, in town at the Stowe Arena, or at Smugglers’ Notch Resort. The ski resorts also offer other activities for the whole family, including snow tubing, fireworks and bonfires at Smugglers’ Notch, and live performances at Stowe Mountain Resort’s Spruce Peak Performing Arts Center.
Join Us for the Best of a Vermont Winter at Edson Hill
After your snowy excursion, the warm embrace of Edson Hill awaits. Unwind by the fire in the Tavern with a hot drink, or simply cozy up in the Living Room over a game of chess. Our historic Manor House, with its fireside lounge and delectable dining options, stands ready to refuel and pamper you after a day of adventure.
Unlike anywhere else in Stowe, Edson Hill offers a private, serene, and enchanting winter experience. Our property doesn’t just offer access to Vermont’s famous winter sports—it’s a destination in itself. Here, the winter world is at your feet, inviting you to explore, relax, and rejuvenate in a setting that’s both luxurious and deeply connected to the natural splendor of the Green Mountains.
So make your reservation for a winter escape to Stowe, Vermont, right in the shadow of Mount Mansfield, and take advantage of soul-soothing hospitality and a wonderfully auspicious location here at the country inn of Edson Hill!