Mountain Review
The Beast of the East: Stowe

By Bill Bing

If you don't know where Stowe is, you should. Stowe is one of the most challenging mountains on the east coast, and if you're not careful you could easily get in over your head. Stowe is a gem located on Mount Mansfield in northern Vermont, which for those of you who don't know is the tallest peak in Vermont.

The terrain of Mount Mansfield is what makes Stowe so special. Stowe has also won many accolades from the skiing community this year. Both Skiing and Skier Magazine have both named Stowe as one of the top ten resorts in the country. Also, ski film legend Warren Miller has called Stowe one of the best mountains in the world.

Stowe is known for its steep trails and excellent glade runs. The mountain terrain is steeper than average, and its 3,000 vertical feet make the runs long and beautiful. On my most recent visit most of the steeper trails had moguls on them, but that's partially because its spring time and grooming slows down. Everything else was groomed to perfection, and the long steep cruising runs are some of the best trails Vermont has to offer. There is even night riding here all winter long, and the best part is the gondola is the lift running at night.

As far as the woods riding goes, Stowe has some of the best you can find on the East Coast. The marked glades are nice and tight, and there was plenty of snow to shred. Most of the glades are steep, which is a helps on deep powder days where speed is at a minimum. As if this isn't enough, you can hike from the top of the gondola to the very top of Mount Mansfield, which gives you the big mountain feeling while cruising down a wide-open bowl. This out of bounds riding is not for everyone, and it is suggested that if you do wander out of bounds that you should bring a local along with you. Unfortunately, that was made very serious this year when a skier died trying to descend the bowl for a video shoot.

For parks and pipes, Stowe remains very competitive. There are three different size terrain parks for all ability levels, which seems to be the new industry standard, as well as a well maintained super pipe. The smaller parks have an assortment of rails, jumps, boxes, berms, and rollers for any ability level to enjoy. The laid back atmosphere of snow also helps to make learning a much more enjoyable experience.

The Tyro Terrain Park is Stowe's largest and most difficult park. It offers a wide variety of jumps rails and boxes that are sure to challenge even the experienced riders. This park has two lines running through it, so one side is bug and the other side is bigger. This is a nice feature because many parks lack a choice of lines running through them. At the bottom of the super pipe there is also a small jib park featuring a long s-rails and a big flat-to-down rail. Stowe's park are well maintained and worth the trip to go ride them.

This mountain is located on route 108 north, which is located just southeast of Burlington. So if you think you'd like to check this place out, just head toward Killington, hang a left on 100 north, and follow that all the way to Stowe. When you see Sugarbush and Mad River Glen, don't slow down Stowe's long, steep runs are just waiting for you a little further north. It is definitely worth the trip.