Early December felt like the right time to escape into winter, and Vermont made sure we got the full experience. The last hour of our drive into Stowe turned into steady snowfall, unplowed roads, and cars sliding into ditches. By the time we arrived, the wind was howling and the snow was coming down hard. It was chaotic and a little stressful, but it was also the moment the trip truly began.
Why we chose Stowe for this trip
This trip is something we look forward to every year. It started as my sister’s annual ski trip, centered around her husband’s love of skiing and a tradition of meeting up with friends in the mountains. Over time, it’s become just as much about the kids and the rest of us getting better on the snow.
Early December worked well for timing, but it’s worth noting that this was still very much peak season. While Thursday and Friday felt manageable and less crowded, the mountain became noticeably busier by Saturday and Sunday. That said, the timing still made sense for our group. Some of the kids are still learning, my sister included, and my husband is a beginner snowboarder. Staying somewhere ski-in/ski-out made the whole idea feel far more doable, especially with kids ranging from ages 3 to 12 and multiple families traveling together.
Where we stayed and why it worked so well for families
We stayed at The Lodge at Spruce Peak, and the rooms were genuinely beautiful. We had one studio room with a king-size bed and a sofa bed, along with a penthouse suite that offered more space overall, including higher ceilings, a larger living area, and a much more spacious bathroom. Both rooms were thoughtfully designed and very comfortable, especially after long, cold days outside.
Every room had a fireplace and a well-equipped kitchen, which made a big difference when traveling with kids. The kitchen included a microwave, mini fridge, small stove, dishwasher, pots and pans, utensils, plates, cups, wine glasses, paper towels, dish soap, sponge, and all the basic essentials you’d need. There was also a Keurig with K-cups, Coffee Mate liquid creamer, sugar, salt, and pepper. This made mornings easier and gave us flexibility for quick meals, snacks, and warm drinks without constantly leaving the room.
What really stood out was how easy everything was because we were right on the property. Our mother came with us on the trip, even though she doesn’t ski. When the kids needed a break from skiing, it was simple to meet up, bring them back to the room, or spend time together elsewhere in the lodge. We often hung out in the dining hall or the main lobby, which had plenty of couches, fireplaces, and rocking chairs. There was never a sense of scrambling or rushing, which is rare on a ski trip with kids.
Being slopeside took so much pressure off the day. There was no packing up cars, no long walks in ski boots, and no stress if plans changed last minute. For a group trip with multiple families and kids of different ages, that level of convenience made a noticeable difference and allowed everyone to actually enjoy the time together.
What our days actually looked like
Our days naturally split into two rhythms. The skiers and snowboarders were up early, gearing up and heading out for when the slopes opened around 8:30am. The rest of us took things slower. Since only my mother and I don’t ski, along with my three-year-old son, we slept in a bit and eased into the mornings.
Once we were up, we’d make coffee, put together a light breakfast in the room, and take in the mountain views while trying to keep a toddler entertained. Around that time, my nephew, who is still learning and mostly sticks to the bunny hills, would usually be completely wiped and ready for a break. He’d come back to our room to hang out, warm up, and reset before heading back out again.
When everyone needed a midday break, we’d all meet up at the dining hall right next to the slopes to grab something quick to eat. There’s also a bar there, although the drinks were definitely pricey. A simple mimosa was $20. You could tell the kids were exhausted during these breaks, red-cheeked and quiet for a moment, but as soon as they were back on the slopes, they were right back to having the time of their lives.
Evenings were a mix of plans and going with the flow. The night we arrived, we had dinner at Alpine Hall, which was perfect given the blizzard conditions outside. The food was really good, but the drinks were just average. We shamelessly sent our first seasonal cocktails back and ordered espresso martinis instead. They were kind enough to remove the cocktails from the bill.
The second night, we went out to Von Trapp Brewery. The menu is fairly limited, but everything we ordered was delicious. The third night was much more low-key. We ordered pizza and ate in the lobby. You’re allowed to drink alcohol in the lobby after 9pm, once the restaurant in the building closes. Supposedly, it’s a Vermont law, and we were more than happy to take advantage of it.
On the first two nights, we tried to end the day at the large outdoor heated pool. The first night was tough. It was still very windy and snowing hard, and while the kids usually do fine in cold weather, it just didn’t work that evening. They headed back to the room with our mom instead. The second night had much better weather, and everyone got to enjoy the pool and hot tub, which felt like a small victory after a long day.
One afternoon, we went up to the Cliff House Restaurant, which is always one of our favorite Stowe experiences. The restaurant sits right at the top of the mountain.
For non-skiers, the only way up is by gondola, which is a scenic ride up Mount Mansfield that brings you right to the Cliff House. It gives you access to the summit views and the full dining experience without needing to ski. Skiers can take the gondola up using their ski pass, but non-skiers have to pay separately. The cost has gone up significantly and was $64 per adult this trip, which felt steep considering it was closer to $40 not too long ago. Perhaps it depends on the timing.
The food was solid, but the real draw is the view. Going up, we couldn’t see much because the gondola windows were frozen from the cold. Once at the top, though, we were able to walk around and take in the scenery, which was incredible. My eight-year-old niece and brother-in-law skied back down, while the rest of us took the gondola. We still couldn’t see much, but we managed to get some great videos through a small open window.
This trip was especially meaningful because it was my toddler’s first time in Stowe. My sister had saved the same tiny skis my niece used when she was two or three, and later my nephew when he was about three, and on this trip they were passed down to my son. Seeing him on those skis was incredibly cute, especially since he and my nephew were together the whole time. He tried to copy everything my nephew did, from pizza to french fries, completely determined to keep up.
That moment was easily the highlight of the trip for us. Of course, we waited until the last day to do it, so he didn’t get much time on the snow, but it was still one of those memories that sticks.
Trips like this are why we keep coming back to Stowe. It’s not just about skiing or snowboarding, but about being together, watching the kids grow into things year after year, and creating traditions that naturally evolve over time. Between the early mornings, cozy nights, unpredictable weather, and small moments that end up standing out the most, this trip felt like the kind of memory we’ll all look back on for a long time. And it’s exactly the kind of story we love sharing through Every Trip Tells a Story.
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