Skiing in Stowe Vermont

  I recently returned from a ski vacation in Stowe Vermont, this was my second trip back having last skied there in March of last year. 

  Stowe offers up some great skiing and snowboarding for persons of all levels so I can highly recommend it as an ideal family destination for various ski and snowboarding abilities.  The resort is nestled at the base of Mt Mansfield which at 4,395' is the highest peak in Vermont.  Vermont in itself is a beautiful state with the "Green Mountains" stretching as far as the eye can see.  The entire state has a population of just over 625,000 according to the last U.S. census making Vermont 45th out of the 50 states in terms of area and is 49th in terms of population.  Wyoming is the only state with fewer people.

  Seemingly, one of the more notable runs at Stowe and rated as one of the best ski runs in the U.S. is called "Nosedive."  Frequently when riding up the gondola, fellow passengers would ask "have you skied Nosedive today?"  As the name implies, Nosedive which first opened in 1935 has a fairly steep pitch which then flattens out part way down to an intermediate rated slope.  The tricky part is near the top where a steep narrow chute takes you down to the main part of the hill.  My first run down Nosedive last year found the chute portion to be glare ice with a couple of inches of powder snow on top requiring some deft edging of the skis to navigate your way down. This year despite yet another below average amount of snow in Vermont this winter, conditions were vastly improved with 6" or 8" of fresh powder to enjoy on the first day.
  One of the many great attractions in the village of Stowe is a fabulous ski museum.  It features an outstanding array of ski gear, clothing and even lifts from years gone by.  How we skied and survived using some of that equipment is almost beyond comprehension.
For more photos of Stowe visit my Pinterest page.