Stowe Mountain Resort — Attraction in Stowe

Google encouragement and a old time X resident of Stowe who now abhors the high hotel rates on weekends are responsible for this quick update .

Perhaps because of the start to the changing foliage but we'll ahead of the forthcoming Columbus Day holiday, Stowe was teeming with US visitors hiking,biking and liking to shop and eat while driving gas guzzling cars. There were few Ontario and Quebec car plates with the US dollar at a 38% premium to the Canadian dollar. Traffic was heavy and the Mayo Farm alternative route to Shaw's grocery was an obvious especially as construction on the 100 in front of Shaws was a further impediment to vehicle movement.

Lacrosse tournaments and the previous weekends pumpkin pitch were absent from the Mayo fields. The corn fields were being harvested as the Canadian geese stopped on their long journey to feed on the residuals before flying south to hurricane country.

I avoided the bank in town but I know that Harrison's was full as their menu continues to change with new, finely spiced and creative,offerings. The once popular Bagel looked like a big 0, there was no reason to bake or to make sandwiches. Perhaps the traffic moved literally next door to the Skinny Pancake, previously McCarthy's. Moving North towards Spruce, the Bumble Bee pastry shop was filled with clients who don't count calories while Daedelus appears to be still searching for its mojo. Yoshi Sushi continues to pack clients in . The Cider factory was packed both in front and in the very pleasant backyard garden. This week's musician a guitarist with great vocals was an added plus. Across the parking lot, Flatbread,the old Rusty Nail, was busy. Though I have yet to try the restaurant, judgementally the name, highlighting bread doesn't appeal to me. Until I try it, the sole observation was that that a least 3 parking lot attendants wearing yellow traffic outfits which would be more fitting for a rock concert, were present for this week's opening. Picasso remains busy. I prefer to take out pizza from there because of the interior noise. The hugely successful outdoor dining at Idyltime remains very busy. My last experience there was disappointing as the restaurant was overwhelmed with its own popularity. The Sunday farmers market was mobbed and earlier this year I had been to Top Notch where new ownership has completed a beautiful facelift of the facilities but where food prices enjoy the silly season year round.

On the Williston golf course on Saturday,I had a debate as to the culinary experience at the Matterhorn. Suffice to say that my golf partner preferred the sushi at Yoshi to the Matterhorn.

Finally to my new fav, Aladdin, an Israeli fallafel initiative in the Gale Farm centre across from Picasso and adjacent to the excellent liquor store. Wonderful salads and moist fallafels sandwichs are to be digested over and over again. The brainchild of Joe Fish an X NYC foodie, the operational excellence originates with Oscar who for 3 years trained with his guru Zohar in Brattleboro. Herein, cause I can't do it better, is their description from a narrow vegetarian menu of the Aladdin pita sandwich. Diced Cucumber,Tomatoes,Pickled Red Cabbage,Red Onions w/ Sumac, Kosher Diced Pickles,Sauerkraut, Topped with Parsley, Homemade Tahina and Spicy Sauce to Taste.

Enjoy the foliage, it's...

I've been coming to Stowe for almost 40 years so it will always hold a special spot in my heart. Nostalgia aside, I've also watched it transform over that time; some good like added restaurants, shops, markets, and revitalized lodging accommodations. And then there's the resort itself...

Easily one of my most favorite layouts and terrain in the East. However, what I've witnessed in recent years is a slow erosion of its once stellar reputation. The ticket prices? Absolutely insane. It's like Vail doesn't understand the concept of value for money.

They're still running only 4 lifts on Mt Mansfield (the main mountain), which lately will feature at least one lift being shut down, often the summit lift. They upgraded their mid-mountain lift to a six person high speed chair, but perhaps they should give more attention to the one that gets you all the way up the mountain. You no business charging $30 for parking when your main summit lift is down. It's unconscionable.

Spruce Peak (the smaller mountain, for those just starting out), where Vail has been seemingly dumping all their money, is not even worth it for anyone that is not a true beginner.

The gondola seems to be running slower than ever, and lines are pretty bad all around. Maybe they'd be better if all lifts were operational at the same time but they rarely are. I timed the wait in line and ride up to be about 35-45 minutes on each lift, for a 5-7 minute ride down. Not acceptable given the extortionate lift tickets prices.

Which brings me to the Epic pass itself. This will likely be the last year for me. It's simply not worth it for me anymore. Especially given the fact that there are many other options off network that are doing it better. It is very clear to me that Vail doesn't care about its customers. Soaring ticket prices, longer waits, terrible cafeteria food, decaying equipment, facilities, and infrastructure... Who is piloting this plane? It reeks of corporate greed and the holier-than-thou attitude needs a proverbial slap in the face wake up call.

Treat your loyal customers like dollar signs and we'll have no problem treating you like evil corporation that needs to...

If you’re planning a ski trip in the northeast and deciding between Stowe and another mountain, choose the other mountain. Few reasons that make Stowe less than ideal:

1. The longest lift lines in the east. We skied on a Friday & Saturday on a standard (non-holiday) weekend and waited at least 30 minutes every time, regardless of it was a lift or the gondola. There simply are not enough ways to get up to the top of the mountain, they need another gondala line and more lifts (there are really only 3 on the main mountain). The Spruce Mountain side has quicker lines but those runs are very short and only take about 90 seconds so you’ll get tired of that side real quick.

2. The gondala is SO slow. It takes 15 minutes from base to summit. Add that to the 30 minute wait for the gondala and that’s 45 minutes you spend for a 5-7 minute run back down. The juice ain’t worth the squeeze.

3. I’ve skied at 4 different resorts this year (including some out west) and this was by and far the most expensive lift ticket. $485 for two days is absolutely insane to me. Especially considering how few runs we got in due to the outrageous lift/gondola lines. Not to mention, we rented skis and boots at the mountain (Spruce Rentals) and they were $220 for the two days.

4. All the bars at the base of the mountain close at 5 (except Whistle Pig, which is tiny and easily reaches capacity) which forces you to leave the resort in order to aprés ski. Not cool.

5. Stowe itself (as in the town) is so spread out, you’ll find yourself driving 20 minutes from base to town. So prepare to spend a good chunk of your time if you want to go to dinner or a bar at night.

This is truly the worst run mountain I’ve ever skied at, operationally. Maybe it’s because they sold their souls to Vail?

Because I don’t want this review to be totally negative, I will add that the conditions were great. Stowe is getting some awesome snow this year, leaving the trails full of extremely fresh powder. And another add- the food at the base was pretty solid...