Hey guys,

First it was the Honeymoon, now it's this. How did I become the official vacation planner of the family?! Like last time (Honeymoon in Maui) I have come for your help, again.

I've booked a 3 day 3 night stay at the Green Mountain Inn in Stowe, Vermont. I beautiful (and expensive) room with a fireplace and a inroom double jacuzzi. Big screen TV with surround sound -- pretty much the works. This room is actually costing more than my one week stay at a cottage in Maui.

Anyhow, I've never skiied, she on the other hand has some experience (she's Canadian, their gym class was snowshoeing!). Anyhow, since I blew all this money on the lodging I need to skimp out on the activities a bit -- which means no more dog sledding. Dang those huskies look good!

Anyhow, I'm planning to take it easy (real easy) on the slopes with a day of skiing and lessons. Is one day enough (out of a 3day trip to ski?) Day 2, would be ice skating and tubing. Day 3... dunno yet.

Anyone have any suggestions because my planning looks really weak as you can tell. I need some guidance, Oh Master Vacationers!

3 Days, 3 Nights (Dec 28)

Hit me with some ideas!

Thanks,
Sam I am

Rent snowshoes and/or Nordic skiis and use them on the Stowe Recreation Path. The path starts behind the white church just down the street from the Green Mtn. Inn. Also visit the Vermont Ski Museum a few doors down.
As far as skiing is concerned, keep in mind since it's Xmas week, it'll be pretty darn crowded up there. Take a lesson your first day and take it from there. You may like it so much you'll want to ski all three days!
You'll have a great time and there should be plenty of snow-we've got another 2 feet possible coming our way tomorrow night!

Hi Sam; Head south on route 100 to Ben and Jerry's for a tour of their factory and samples {yum}, then over to Burlington for dining, shopping and nightlife. Take a stroll of the downtime marketplace which is closed off to cars. Watching the sun set over the water would be romantic {there's a lovely walk overlooking the harbor if it's not too cold}.Nice small city on Lake Champlain, plenty to do.

Or, if just can't get enough of the outdoors, crosscountry is fun, and much easier than downhill IMO; I don't downhill either.

Have a good one!

Snow -- so I've heard (and soon be driving in). BM, thanks for the advice -- I didn't know the trail was so close. What exactly is the Ski Museum?

Thanks Molly, I need look into that a bit more.

Hmm... do I need to rent a 4x4 to get around?

Thanks,
Sam I Am

Sam,
The ski museum chronicles the history of skiing in Vermont and america.
http://www.vermontskimuseum.org/
As for the 4x4 situation...it's up to you. I live here and don't have one. I have front wheel drive w/snow tires have no problems getting around. Just take your time and you'll be fun. Have fun!

Goodness! Havent had my coffee yet! Last line should read...just take your time and you'll be fine!

Some of the high Vermont mountain roads can get rather nasty in inclement weather. I get by just fine with front-wheel drive ,snow tires, and a dose of caution. Many accidents or near-accidents here are caused by inexperienced drivers driving too slow or too fast for the conditions. And,if road conditions are truely awful, the best advice is to stay warm, cozy and safe in your jacuzzi! {:

Your room and trip sounds great!

Great advice. If the road is plowed then there's no problem.

I'll keep you guys updated of what I plan to do.

Thanks again,
Sam I Am

I would second the recommendation for nordic skiing, or snow shoeing. Both are lots of fun, and a great workout. Nordic skiing is a bit more difficult than snowshoeing, but more fun once you get the hang of it. However, I prefer skiing, my wife prefers snowshoeing, so whatever.
One day of downhill skiing will just be enough to give you a small taste. You may be able to do some small hills by the end of the day. Just realize you will feel totally inept for the first hour or so - everyone does.
As for a 4x4, if no storms are predicted, you should be fine in a regular car rental with good winter tires. If there's a chance of some bad weather, however I would choose a 4x4, just for my own peace of mind. Just realize that 4wd is great for getting thru snow, but you can skid on ice just as easily as with a 4wd!