Chase the Light

Townies know the best way to maneuver the mountain for optimal conditions is to follow the sun, as it rises over Mansfield in the east, and sets over Spruce Peak to the west. A trail that’s firm and crusty in the shade can soften up beautifully under the sun’s warm rays. Try this locals-approved game plan: Start with runs up the Sunrise six-pack or FourRunner Quad in the morning. Mid-day, work your way over to the Gondola. Then take the Over-Easy and finish on the Spruce Peak side.

Max Out a Powder Day

Folks tend to head to the woods after a big snowfall, but the iconic groomed trails are often the best. Take your first runs down Nosedive or Hayride to get unbelievable fall line powder, linking together flowy, uninterrupted turns all the way to the bottom. Once the classic trails are skied off, you’ll invariably be able to find powder in the woods.

Understand the Grooming Report

When it has snowed a few inches overnight, set your sights on trails that were groomed at night as opposed to in the morning. Those off the FourRunner Quad are typically groomed first, right after lifts close. Any new snow will fall on top of a fresh corderuoy surface, so you’ll score some pretty sweet runs. Meanwhile, trails off the Gondola are groomed after midnight, meaning there’s less time for powder to accumulate. Check the grooming report on stowe.com before you head out or the Epic app, and keep an eye out for surprise runs. Steep trails like Hayride, Center Line, and Chin Clip are not often groomed, but when they are, seek them out.

Tree-Skiing Down Mansfield

Here’s where Stowe-ites go to take off-piste turns.

The local common wisdom is that once the Stowe snowstake measures at least 50 inches—enough to cover hazards like rocks and fallen logs—you can venture back country. Check the snow report at stowe. com and always go with a friend. Tree skiing is not for beginners.