The presence of family made each event memorable, but the new snowfall each evening made the morning activity beautiful. We went downhill skiing at Mt. Mansfield as well as cross-country skiing on the Stowe Recreation Path near our timeshare (it runs through Stowe) and even if it didn't have snow, it was a beautiful venture along the Little River. I was introduced to snowshoeing by the Action Outfitters gear rental shop and a sister who took me to Wiesner's Woods, Cotton Brook, and Mansfield Lake at the Trout Club up at the end of Nebraska Valley Road. We also rented snowmobiles from the Umiak shop and, with our guides, went on a night ride into the hills around the Waterbury Reservoir.
Casual eating with a group of 50, 30, and 20 year olds was fun at the Shed, where we tasted samples of 'home brew' and had a great lunch. Ben and Jerry's ice cream factory and to Burlington to the Magic Hat Brewery. The Trapp Family Lodge for lunch and a spectatular view. I visited the Moscow general store and post office where I picked up a sandwich to go and mailed my postcards.
Quick Tips:
1. From the Mountainside Resort to 100 south, take Luce road to Barrows road (past the high school) and then Moscow Road (where the general store is) to route 100, south of Stowe. This avoids the 108 and 100 intersection in the middle of town.
2. Two grocery stores on Rt. 100, Shaws is a bit bigger and will give you a temporary discout card (ask).
3. Avoid trying to get 'downtown' or through it from 3:30 to 4:30 pm. This is when the mountain empties and the mountain road (108) is bumper to bumper.
4. Remember that Stowe is a 'pedestrian first' community. If they want to cross - you stop!
Best Way To Get Around:
Stowe offers a transit bus from the major hotels and downtown to the Mountain. Car traffic was not bad and if you avoided the "Mountain Rush", it was fluid. Best mode of transportation: snowshoes, cross-country skis, and hiking boots. Things are not that far apart.