I have been skiing at Stowe since the early seventies. I have also skied Colorado, Utah and Montana. Say what you will about other aspects of Stowe, but the the terrain is matchless. How many other areas can you ski multiple two thousand foot verts with consistent pitch and no flat spots. Almost none! Even out West! Those reviewers who gave Stowe less than a four for terrain should have their heads examined. They can't be actual skiers.

Maybe Stowe is a little behind the times (to me a virtue), but as far as snow and ski terrain, it is surely the best Eastern mountain and ranks with the very best in the USA. Come on reviewers, get real.

Simply the best skiign experience in the east. The town is great with so many wonderful places to stay and eat. The runs are challenging and fun for the most part. The crowds know ski ettiquette for the most part. The obnxious wanna-bes tend to go to Mount Snow and Killington.

We were at Stowe January 25- 27, 2008. We have been there many other times also, and plan to go back at least 2 - 3 more times this year. Frankly, I believe it is the best mountain in New England. They blow away everyone to the south for natural snow. I have skied at Killington, Pico, Okemo, Stratton, Ascutney, Mt Snow, and Haystack, and there is no comparison in my mind. People say it is too far, but coming from CT, it is 1/2 hour further to drive then Killington and a world apart. The weekend in January the conditions were terrific, the sun was out, there was fresh powder and no crowds on the trails. True, the main quad on Mansfield does get backed up pretty badly on a Saturday. You can get around that by riding the triple chair (slower but often faster to the top), or getting in the singles line. It is worth it once you get there. Amazing views, amazing variety of long long trails. Every time we go we find something new. People are polite and considerate. This mountain is populated by real skiers/riders who love the sport and not a bunch of rude, loud, and pushy people like some VT mountains. It is not uncommon to have amazing trails almost to yourself on a Saturday even. I am not constantly having to watch out for people cutting me off or getting in my way like some mountains. There are conjested areas of course like everywhere, but you can avoid most of them, or only have to deal with them for a short time, not constantly. Outside of skiing, there are wonderful restaurants. We love The Whip, Trattoria La Festa, and breakfast at the Gables Inn. I would like to see some more apre ski entertainment options. Plenty at late night, but not too much for earlier. Also, people at the restaurants, hotels, etc, tend to be very friendly and helpful and are locals usually. Not a bunch of imports just there for the season. BTW, 2 years ago I attended their "Women in Motion" 3 day clinic. It was the best and I learned so much. I highly recommend it.

We arrived thursday night 2-8-08
stayed at top notch resort- a 5 minute drive from slopes
we ate at- cliffhouse (great views, great service, limited menu) on top of stowe mountain, normas at top notch and some tavern in the town, and Piecasso-great pizza
we also went to rusty nail saturday at 730 pm- was empty no live music and poll tables were out of order.
we snowboarded stowe and spruce friday and staurday and mt. mansifeld sunday. amazing conditions since we arrived after a good snowpile and it snowed while we were there. very friendly people. alot of locals from burlington which was relief being from transient florida. contrary to reviews the workers always checked my lift passes and if lift tickets were any cheaper the place would be a dangerous zoo worse than a rollerink.as a snowbaorder i get bored fast but this place had a alot of variety in trails and terrain. can't wait to go back

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Sure their lift tickets are expensive but in terms of finding a better resort on the east coast...good luck (no extortion there). The prices are worth it and considering they're only in peak operation from december-march, obviously the prices are going to be high especially so they can pay for this expansion. If you think Stowe's prices are high go out west and you'll find the same prices. Sorry skiing's an expensive sport but if you're just going to complain about it go ice skating or something.