A day trip to the Trapp Family Lodge in Stowe, VT, is perfect for any season. Outdoor activities abound, and the views high above Stowe make the Trapp Family Lodge a magical and peaceful place. In the winter, many visitors to Stowe can be found at Stowe Mountain Resort, but a day trip for cross country skiing on the trails surrounding the Trapp Lodge take you to a simpler, quieter Stowe. You’ll get lost in the scenery while gliding past the maple trees and catching amazing views of the surrounding mountains.
Cross country skiing is a distinctly European sport. It has gained a lot of participants over the years in the US, and has become increasingly popular in the last few years. I joined the hordes of people who took up the sport during the COVID-19 pandemic, so I started looking for ways to incorporate the sport into a vacation. I based myself in Waterbury, just down the road from Stowe, for a couple of days. I decided to ski at the Trapp Family Lodge for a day because of all the property has to offer and to see for myself why the property is beloved my so many, including the Von Trapp family who still run the lodge.
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von Trapp Family History
You may be familiar with the von Trapp family from the Sound of Music. The family fled Nazi-occupied Austria and eventually settled in Stowe, VT. The property in Stowe was chosen because it reminded the von Trapps of the villages in Austria. Hence the phrase you see everywhere at the lodge- “A little of Austria… a lot of Vermont”.
Cross Country Skiing at Trapp Family Lodge
The cross country ski center on the grounds of the lodge was the very first cross country ski center in the US, so you know it’s going to be a good day on the trails. The elevation of the property and location in northern Vermont help ensure there is plenty of fresh snow. The 40 miles of groomed trails allow for both classic and skate skiing. There is also backcountry skiing terrain if that’s your style. Stop by the Outdoor Center located just beyond the lodge on the same side of the road to get set up with a trail pass and rental equipment if needed.
Grab a trail map before heading out, especially if you’re unfamiliar with the trails. They are fairly well marked but if you’re like me and tend to wander off to a trail where there suddenly aren’t many people, it’s good to have a map. The map will also help you get out to the Slayton Pasture cabin where you can take a break to warm up by the fire and refuel with soup and a sandwich.
Coffeehouse
A day trip to the Trapp Family Lodge should most certainly involve a stop at the onsite coffeehouse, or Kaffehaus, as its called. On a cold day you can cozy up at a table near the fireplace with a hot cup of coffee and a cup of soup for lunch. And no one would blame you for sampling one of the many delicious pastries!
If it fits your schedule, try to plan your day trip for a Friday when you can take part in the Kaffehaus’ weekly Friday Fondue event. Seatings begin at 5 and typically sell out, so make reservations early.
von Trapp Brewery
Vermont is famous for their craft beer and huge amount of breweries. You can’t blame the von Trapp family for wanting to get in on the action. I’m glad they did since we get to reap the rewards. It’s always nice to sip a cold beer after a day of outdoor fun, whether its cross country skiing or hiking and mountain biking in the warmer weather.
The brewery is just a short drive from the Trapp Family Lodge. Or, you can take one of the cross country trails that leads right to the brewery’s front door. True to the family’s Austrian roots, the tasting room is similar to a traditional European beer hall, with high ceilings and wood-lined walls. Lunch and dinner are served in the bierhall, but I visited in that “tweener” time between lunch and dinner so I was happy to just enjoy the crisp and refreshing lager.
Of the three days I spent in the Stowe and Waterbury area I was happiest with my day trip to the Trapp Family Lodge. It’s dripping with history, yet quaint enough to be a hospitable and welcoming place to all. Outdoor and nature lovers will love the property. I’m already planning a trip back there during the summer months to explore the trails I missed out on.
