Stowe and snow ...

Stowe in Vermont is a 200 year-old village lying at the foot of Mount Mansfield, Vermont's highest peak at 4,395 feet. This secret getaway is nestled between the states of New York and New Hampshire, easily accessible by car from any of the New York airports, Portland or Boston and within an easy drive of Montreal to the north. Who would believe that a ski resort that rivals Europe's best could be within a couple of hours of the coast and the big cities?

Stowe lies in a wide, green valley that sits under Mt. Mansfield and the soaring peaks of the Green Mountains in the west while to the east there is the Worcester Range, also known as the Hogback Mountains on the east. The Waterbury or Little River flows southward and empties into the large reservoir created by the Flood Control Dam.

During the summer months, this oasis of streams, lakes and mountains is perfect for walking, above or below the treeline, mountain biking, kayaking, fishing and horse riding. In the autumn or Fall, Vermont is world famous for the incredible colours of the New England foliage and many climbers brave the faces of Smugglers Notch. But the resort truly comes into its own in the winter.

Skiers and snowboarders come from all over the world each winter to take on Mt. Mansfield's ski terrain, which ascends in storeys. Stowe is one of North America's most highly acclaimed cross-country skiing resorts and also offers sleigh and dog-sledding, snowmobiling, ice skating and snowshoeing. The snow resort has no less than forty restaurants and the wonderful, award-winning Stowe Mountain Lodge. This alpine-style resort opened in 2008, setting a new standard of luxury for Stowe. It has consistently been recognised by Conde Nast in its travel awards, including being declared the top golf resort in the northern USA. For a bit of pampering after your winter sports (or indeed a round of golf in the summer), there is a spa and wellness centre and a great restaurant with a 'farm-to-table' ethos. Or you can choose from over forty other restaurants in the town.

The Trapp Family Lodge is also a firm favourite with visitors from all over the world. This is an Austrian-inspired lodge with villas available as well as 96 rooms in the main building, set in 2,500 acres on the mountain. The Lodge offers horse-drawn sleigh rides when it's time to give your legs a rest! You could also choose to take a ride with the Gentle Giants, through the woodland in an old-fashioned, romantic carriage. These four Percheron and Belgian Draft horses are simply huge but extremely gentle, and parties of up to twelve people can be accommodated on any one ride. There are also two equestrian centres for those who want to ride over the meadows, past pristine lakes and sparking streams.

For the experienced or beginning skier, there is everything you need here. There are 116 ski trails giving 39 miles of skiing and 13 lifts able to transport over 15,500 passengers ever hour. A gondola now connects Mount Mansfield to the nearby Spruce Peak. With over 330 inches of snow each year AND snowmaking coverage on ninety percent of the ski runs, you will not be disappointed. In addition, there are hundreds of kilometres of cross-country skiing trails, both groomed and natural, for which the resort is justifiably renowned. Families can choose from shorter trails at around five miles in length to the legendary Catamount Trail. This well maintained, fully joined up 300 mile trail spans the entire state of Vermont.

There are four winter outfitters renting all the equipment you will need including downhill skis, snowboards, cross country skis, telemark equipment, snowshoes, boots, helmets, outdoor weather clothing, skates and sleds.