Von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort in Stowe is home to the first commercial cross-country ski center in the United States, established in 1968 by Johannes von Trapp and Per Sorli, and remains the largest Nordic center in Stowe. The trail network covers more than 60 kilometers of groomed Nordic ski trails, with additional access to backcountry terrain suited to skiers of all ages and abilities.
The Outdoor Center serves as the hub for passes, rentals, lessons, and retail. Mid-trail, the Slayton Pasture Cabin offers a warm-up stop with a fireplace and a menu of homemade soup, sandwiches, and hot chocolate. Snowshoeing and sleigh rides round out the winter offerings on the property.
The resort operates year-round across 2,600 acres. In warmer months, the trail network opens for hiking and mountain biking, with over 65 kilometers of trails and 20 miles of dedicated singletrack. Horse-drawn carriage rides, an 18-hole disc golf course, tennis, pickleball, yoga, massage, and guided history and nature tours fill out the calendar. The on-site brewery and Bierhall are open year-round.
The resort was built by the von Trapp family, whose escape from Austria in 1938 inspired The Sound of Music. Johannes von Trapp, who designed the Nordic center, continues to live on the property alongside his family, with his daughter Kristina helping run the lodge today.
Every morning at von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort starts with a Vermont-style buffet breakfast in The Dining Room. Evenings bring an elegant dinner service with live music and a selection of award-winning von Trapp Brewing lagers and wines. Dessert is worth saving room for.
The von Trapp Bierhall is attached to von Trapp Brewing and serves lunch and dinner with an Austrian flair. It's the only place in Stowe to try new test batches of von Trapp Brewing lagers alongside local hard cider, in a setting built for lingering with friends.
The Kaffeehaus opens at 7 a.m. with coffee and breakfast pastries, and carries through the day with gourmet sandwiches, homemade soups, lunch specials, custom cakes, and cold von Trapp Brewing lagers.
The Lounge sits adjacent to the main dining room and serves breakfast, lunch, and dinner alongside daily afternoon tea. The menu covers Austrian specialties like Bratwurst and Wiener Schnitzel alongside American favorites, with desserts, specialty coffee drinks, and a selection of dessert wines, cognac, and scotch. The patio looks out over the Worcester Range, with some of the best mountain views in Stowe.