In December I revisited the Stowe Mountain Lodge – one of North America’s top luxury ski resorts – in Stowe, Vermont. I wrote about the lodge and the picturesque village of Stowe three years ago (in French), but this time I went back with my guy and my schnauzer, Mac for a weekend of ski, good food and relaxation. Here’s why I think you should go before winter is over…
Not without my dog
Mac is an important part of my life and for those dog lovers like me who would like to have a getaway in a chalet-hotel where the staff and the guests love dogs – Stowe is the place to go! At Stowe Mountain Lodge, Mac was treated like canine-royalty with his own gift bag upon arrival and his own bed and set of dog bowls (full of treats) in our room. Since last fall, the hotel even has a graveled path that skirts the entire premises (it takes about an hour to walk) and is open to both hotel guests and locals. The Spruce Loop is even outfitted with special trash containers and bags for your dog’s toilet-needs. Mac made tons of new friends in the lobby and in the hallways and not once did I feel like he was a bother. You can read about our stay from Mac’s point of view here.
For the ski-convenience
Stowe Mountain Lodge is the ski resort closest to the skiing in Stowe. All you have to do is step out of the hotel, walk 100 metres and you’re at the lifts. Not only that, the concierge service keeps your skis and boots warm and ready, just call down before you leave your room and they will be set out for you. The rental service is also right next to the ski lifts.
Hot chocolate for two
After skiing the day away, I wanted to upload a few photos from the ski runs, so we headed to the main lounge in our ski pants and ordered a couple of hot chocolates from the bar. With two fireplaces and tons of comfy sofas and arm chairs, the lounge is the best place to hang out and to warm up.
When hunger strikes
At Solstice (the hotel’s restaurant) one eats very well. The team has changed since my last visit and now Josh Berry is the executive chef. Josh suggested we try the grilled scallops and leg of lamb – both were excellent. I still can’t get over the over-the-border portions, even when it comes to cocktails. My martini was more than generous and the perfect poison to kick off a hearty meal.
Après-ski spa
The spa offers all kinds of spa services and after a day of sport, it’s a very welcome part of the lodge. We each did the water circuit: hot tub, steam room and sauna (men and women are separate, which is quite common in the States) and then met in the relaxation area in our robes. There’s also a gym, an outdoor pool and hot tub connected to the spa. The pool is my favourite part because since it’s outside, you can swim under the stars and catch snowflakes on your tongue.
Not without the kids
Children are just as popular as pets at Stowe Mountain Lodge. There were a lot of families there during our stay, but not once did I feel like it was a nuisance. I think it’s great that parents can bring their kids along and take them skiing, or have them looked after in the “Adventure Centre.” I was told that guided snowshoe tours are one of the fun activities that families enjoy.
At SML you feel at home
For some, Stowe Mountain Lodge is home, for most of the suites are condos that the hotel group rents out when the owners aren’t there. Even though it’s considered a luxury resort, we never felt that it was over-the-top or pretentious. Our suite had its own little kitchenette so we were happy to be able to make our own coffee in the morning or to have a picnic on the night we arrived so we could just enjoy being alone. If you bring your own wine and groceries, you’d never have to leave the hotel! With the silky luxury sheets and the cozy fireplace, the hardest part is leaving.
For more info on Stowe Mountain Lodge:
Carrie was invited by Stowe Mountain Lodge.
