Mount Mansfield holds some great personal memories of learning to ski on long wide trails full of unique markers like a tiny, wooden chapel half way down the pike.
It is different than most of the “big time” ski resorts in New England with an old world european feeling that is fostered throughout the town.
Dutch Pancakes or Fondue (great at Stowehof) are not easy to find in the States. They also have an excellent sushi spot and the finest farm to table dining.
Killington may have the best college parties and Sunday River the best natural glades but there is a quiet sophistication to Stowe that is more appreciated by frequent travelers over 30. Of course it is a matter of taste, but who can resist visiting the famed Von Trapp lodge (excellent cross country skiing) or Ben&Jerry’s after a day on the trails. No, no one can argue against it being a tiny piece of heaven in Vermont.
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———Letter from the Von Trapp Villas 2013
Greetings from our snowy mountaintop,
There are a lot of happy faces here at the Trapp Family Lodge right now. With 100% of our trails open and a great forecast leading up to Christmas, we are celebrating a phenomenal start to the ski season. Those who make the ski or snowshoe up to the Slayton Pasture Cabin are rewarded by the stone fireplace and hot soup, sandwiches, mulled cider, and goodies from our bakery. In anticipation of hosting the Junior National Championships of Cross Country Skiing in early March we are putting forth an even greater effort to ensure phenomenal trail conditions all winter long, and our snowmaking team is off to its most productive start ever. Mount Mansfield has great alpine skiing right now as well, and many of our guests have been returning from the mountain with rosy cheeks and big smiles.
As construction of the new Trapp Brewery continues to progress rapidly, we are enjoying the seasonal Trösten Bier, which goes well with John Cassel’s piano music at the end of the day. Chef Cody recently rolled out a sumptuous new menu, and he continues to relish preparing our grass fed, apple sweetened beef and pork raised right here in our pastures. Our chickens are enjoying their greenhouse style hoop-house, as evidenced by their continued generosity with their eggs in spite of the shorter winter days.
Our winter wonderland rewards more than just the outdoor enthusiasts. I love to see guests relaxing near the Lodge windows where they can enjoy the view along with a good book or conversation, or enjoying the outdoor hot tub while watching the alpenglow on the Worcester Range. If you’ve been looking for an excuse to return to the Trapp Family Lodge, take advantage of the great conditions and come visit us this winter! I’m off to check in with our hard-working trail groomers now…
Sam von Trapp