SHARE THEIR FAVORITE MOUNTAIN MOMENTS.
The clancy family - Concord, MA
How long have you been coming to Spruce Peak?
David attended ski school at Stowe as a kid in the 1980s! There was a base- lodge then...sort of. Decades later, we returned as a young family and were astonished to see a beautiful hotel and future plans for an incredible ski village, which actually materialized! We have been fortunate that it has been our winter-weekend base of operations since 2011.
What do you love about Stowe during the winter?
Spruce Peak plaza: families skating, the smell of firewood and s'mores, that view of Mansfield rising over the hotel, and (to quote the classic song) strings of lights "blinking bright red and green."
What long-standing family traditions have you kept?
We have faithfully observed the holiday known as Thanks-skiing (skiing on Thanksgiving) since the kids were toddlers.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Stowe?
It is impossible to identify one thing, but we seize this opportunity to say that returning to the Club in late November and reuniting with the great team members who are such a helpful, knowledgeable, and fun part of our winter seasons!
Is there a certain place in Stowe that you have particularly fond memories of?
We like to dedicate one of the Spruce Peak Arts evergreen trees to Helen's mom, Gil Kim, who was a great lover of flowers and other growing things (especially grandchildren). We gather at that tree to remember her.
What is your can't-miss ski run?
An internal poll reveals that each of us has a different favorite ski run. Mom and Dad name trails that the kids remember from their toddlerhood. The kids name trails that Mom and Dad either do not know, or fear: specifically, Chin Clip (Josie), Kitchen Wall (Evie), Lower Goat (Ceci) and all of Goat (Maddie). This difference of opinion (and ability) is why our annual Family Ski Day turns out to be a Family Ski Hour.
Thinking back on your years of coming to Stowe, what is the family memory that gives you the most joy?
We have enjoyed being part of a recurring rite of passage—watching and applauding as younger folks (younger sisters, cousins, friends...) learn to ski.
What tradition is unique to your family here at Stowe?
When driving to the Stowebusters program on one of those cold early mornings, we crank our "Busters Mix" which includes "Iron Lion Zion," "Eye of the Tiger," and "I Can't Drive 55." This combination of songs — plus hot chocolate — wakes us up to another great day on the mountain.
The Diorio Family - Redding, CT
How long have you been coming to Spruce Peak?
Eight years
What long-standing family traditions have you kept?
Long family ski vacations in March, Lots of golf at the Mountain Course and Stowe Country Club from June through October. Dinners with lots of friends throughout the year.
What new traditions have you formed?
Snowshoeing at the Mountain Course
What’s your favorite thing to do in Stowe?
Sitting on the bench at the cottage so I can see Sean, Jim, Mike, Greg, Chef Seth, Ana, and Fern. There is nothing better than sitting on that bench and watching the world go by! [We also look forward to] meeting up with all of our Stowe friends when we are here. What makes Stowe so special is the people that make up the community. The wonderful people that live and work at and around Spruce is the reason we committed to making Stowe our home away from home!
What is your favorite summer activity at Stowe?
Any day on the Mountain Course. The beauty and calmness is otherworldly.
Thinking back on your years of coming to Stowe, what is the family memory that gives you the most joy?
Large March snowstorms when Mountain Road closes and there is no noise other than the lifts running.
What tradition is unique to your family here at Stowe?
Frequent trips to the Spa! We have never met such a dedicated and knowledgeable group of people with such great, positive energy in all of our travels. No other spa comes close.
What is your can't-miss winter activity at stowe?
Early morning runs on Mansfield
The Fox family - Stowe, VT
How long have you been coming to Spruce Peak?
I introduced Alison to Spruce Peak 13 years ago during a longtime friend’s birthday party, which is when our true love story with Spruce began. Once we were a family of four, Spruce was the perfect spot to recreate as a family.
What long-standing family traditions have you kept?
Guessing when the first snowfall will happen! We also like to introduce friends to skiing at Spruce Peak, and then in the summer bring them hiking up the same hill they skied down the previous winter.
Is there a certain place in Stowe that you have particularly fond memories of?
There is a spot on Mansfield where Toll Road, Sunrise, and Lord cross. It was here, on one of those “Mansfield Magic” days—with big, beautiful snowflakes falling so hard you can hear them—that we decided to move our family to Stowe and make it our home.
What new traditions have you formed?
New Year’s Eve at Spruce is a special time. The skating rink and lights are magical, and we will be attending the festivities for years to come.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Stowe?
Skiing is the obvious answer, but truly being outside anytime of the year in Stowe is spectacular. The mountain biking is top notch, the Rec path provides a fantastic stretch for families to ride together, and the hiking affords gorgeous views that one can only access by putting the work in. We also have the best restaurants around.
What do you love about Stowe during the holidays?
If someone were to write a storybook about the majesty of a winter day, all they would have to do for an illustration is look at the town of Stowe. Just thinking about the decorations, lights, and smiling faces on everyone you meet during the holiday season brings us a warm feeling.
Thinking back on your years of coming to Stowe, what is the family memory that gives you the most joy?
Standing at the top of the Meadows quad, whether in the winter or the summer, watching the joy on everyone’s faces as they either ski down or run around the wildflowers, with the most incredible panoramic backdrop. It’s uniquely joyful each and every time we do it.
What is your can't miss ski run?
Ridge Glades is where our kids learned how to ski the trees, and it seems that a stash of fresh snow is always hiding somewhere in there.
The Glazer Family - Brookline, MA & Stowe, VT
How long have you been coming to Spruce Peak?
Five to 10 years
What long-standing family traditions have you kept?
We go apple picking each fall at Hunger Mountain Apple Orchard.
What new traditions have you formed?
Hiking all the way up Mansfield and then coming straight back down, waffle in hand.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Stowe?
Be outdoors!
What do you love about being in stowe in the winter?
Skiing and being outdoors with friends and family. It's our home away from home.
Is there a certain place in Stowe that you have particularly fond memories of?
The New Year's Eve party at the Club
What is your can't-miss ski run?
Goat
Thinking back on your years of coming to Stowe, what is the family memory that gives you the most joy?
Just being around the people we love.
The Griffin Family - Peabody, MA
How long have you been coming to Spruce Peak?
Since the Penthouses /Front Four first opened [14 years ago]
What’s your favorite thing to do in Stowe?
The kids love that they can swim in the pool at the Lodge at Spruce Peak when it's snowing; that is a unique experience. We also enjoy walking around downtown Stowe and seeing great concerts and shows at the performing arts center.
What do you love about spruce peak?
Spruce Peak has been our home away from home—the younger grandkids refer to the Lodge as "Papa's Hotel and Spa." They love how silly Papa gets and how much trouble they get Nana into. It's a place they have always recognized as time together and the adventures up here are core memories of their youth. We disconnect from technology and enjoy nature and family game nights. There's a little bit of something for every family member in a one-stop shop.
What long-standing family traditions have you kept?
We love starting our summer with the amazing 4th of July celebration! We wear silly coordinating 4th of July shirts, ride the gondola no less than 50 times, and enjoy hanging out on the green—playing, eating, and watching fireworks!
Thinking back on your years of coming to Stowe, what is the family memory that gives you the most joy?
It's truly the warmth and love provided by the staff! They are very special people and have made us feel like family! We have been warmly greeted every visit!
The Lee Family - Wellesley, MA
What do you love about Stowe during the winter?
While we embrace the warmth and all the activities that summer brings in Stowe, come September we are counting the days until snow and skiing. We love the holidays in Stowe not just because it’s festive — but also because it brings the excitement of a new winter skiing season.
What new traditions have you formed?
One is definitely family golfing! All four of us now play golf, albeit at varying levels. Since joining the club, we love summer afternoons on the Mountain Course. Even if one of us is not having the best round, it’s just great to be on the course enjoying the views. Another emerging traditionbis learning mountaineering skills. A most memorable experience was going ice climbing with Sunrise Mountain Guides which, while cold, was exhilarating!
What’s your favorite thing to do in Stowe?
Some things that top the list are mountain biking, golfing, visiting the Farmer’s Market, and exploring new terrain on the mountain during the winter and summer.
What long-standing family traditions have you kept?
For as long as we can remember, we head out for early morning skiing on New Year’s Day. It’s quiet on the mountain and we love to start the new year by being outside, enjoying the cold, fresh air and doing the sport our whole family is passionate about.
Is there a certain place in Stowe that you have particularly fond memories of?
The green chair on Cady Hill. It reminds us of learning to mountain bike and first exploring Cady Hill.
What is your can't-miss winter activity at Stowe?
When the powder is deep, we love exploring off-piste from the gondola. And it’s great to end the day at the Matterhorn after a run down the Bruce Trail.
Thinking back on your years of coming to Stowe, what is the family memory that gives you the most joy?
Before being homeowners and Club members and when the kids were young, we would visit Stowe virtually every weekend in the winter staying at various properties around town. It gives us joy
to remember all being piled into a room together, just happy to be back in Stowe.
What tradition is unique to your family here at Stowe?
We have been coming to Stowe for more than 30 years. We've spent time here
with grandparents, parents, uncles and aunts, siblings, cousins and now our own children. A tradition that is most unique to our family is spending time in Stowe with extended family year after year.
The Robers Family - South Hamilton, MA
How long have you been coming to Spruce Peak?
Five to 10 years
What long-standing family traditions have you kept?
Every New Year’s Eve we are sure to be at Spruce Peak with family and close friends. Having a family sledding day
with an igloo serving as our home base is always a treat. The fireworks, fire pits, and WhistlePig drinks are a must in helping to create such magical moments. We consider ourselves very blessed to be able to end and start each year up on the mountain peaks of the best resort on the East Coast.
What new traditions have you formed?
Ice skating, s’mores, and an annual trip to Hill Farmstead for Edward beer!
What do you love about Stowe during winter?
The decorations, the fireplaces being lit, the bourbon, and seeing the smiles on my children’s faces.
Thinking back on your years of coming to Stowe, what is the family memory that gives you the most joy?
We had my mom’s 75th birthday up at Stowe and stayed in the Penthouses. All of our family was together and we shared many laughs and stories on the village green. Really, the best memories were just being around a table enjoying a nice meal and beverage while overlooking the stunning views.
What is your can't-miss ski run?
Our kids are still so young that we are mostly on the beginning trails—but we love Toll Road, the long windy loop that brings you past the mountain chapel.
What tradition is unique to your family here at Stowe?
We always stop for cider donuts at Cold Hollow Cider Mill.
The Worden Family - Old Greenwich, CT
How long have you been coming to Spruce Peak?
Although mom started coming to Stowe in the ‘90s, we’ve come together as a family since 2013 and expanded from two to four to six of us.
What new traditions have you formed?
Street-tails! That’s when all our neighbors gather on our street for evening BYO cocktails, and we share stories about our day’s adventures while kids run around and burn off more of their (endless) energy.
What’s your favorite thing to do in Stowe?
Finding new side country or tree runs we can do as a family, as the kids get better and bolder (thank you Stowe Ski School and Green Mountain Academy)! We also enjoy a soak in the Lodge’s or Club’s hot tub—especially when it’s snowing.
What's your can't-miss ski run?
We each have our favorites, including anything that ends at the Matterhorn, Nosedive Glades, and Goat Woods. We always check out Spruce Line via Whirlaway and Sunrise Glades to the Chapel!
What do you love about Stowe during the winter?
Ice skating under the sparkling lights in the Village rink and roasting marshmallows by the outdoor fires. Somehow it always feels like a holiday on the Village Green! We love to hike or snowshoe the Notch Road, and find sledding spots on the Mountain Course with unrivaled vistas.
Thinking back on your years of coming to Stowe, what is the family memory that gives you the most joy?
One winter with some of their Spruce Peak pals, the kids explored the woodsy paths around Spruce Peak, built a village out of fallen branches and stones, and dubbed it Camp Goat. Whenever we walk these paths we’re reminded of the great time the kids have with friends and the simple, beautiful fun we have on Spruce Peak.
What tradition is unique to your family here at Stowe?
Spruce Peak isn’t just about the ski season. We visit year-round and spend every August here because there is so much to do - hiking, camping, paddling, biking, swimming holes and reservoirs, horseback riding, and long treks in search of wildlife. Stowe is amazing and Spruce Peak is our happy place!