Chairlift in VT - Foliage
#2

Joined: Jan 2003
Posts: 35,152
Likes: 0
I'd go to Stowe as I think it's about the highest peak in VT. I wouldn't go to Killington, I didn't even like skiing there as I thought there weren't enough trees, the mountain just seemed kind of bare but I have seen photos of that foliage gondola and they look okay, so could be fine. I'd try to figure out the rest of my trip, to be honest, where you want to go and stay. Lots of good places to stay around Stowe, even Burlington. For Killington, i wouldn't want to stay near the mountain, you can stay in Rutland (which is what I did). I think you have nicer choices up near Stowe. Those the the two tallest peaks in the state.
Have you been on a chairlift before? Because some are only chair lifts and some have enclosed gondolas, like Stowe and Killington.
It really depends where you will be, I wouldn't travel all over the state up to Stowe if you are in the southern part just for that, for example. then maybe Mt Snow, it's not a gondola but a chair lift. Sounds like you already have an itinerary though.
you can see for yourself
https://www.mountsnow.com/our-media/live-cams/
https://www.killington.com/the-mount...n/peak-360-cam
killington not looking so great
https://www.stowe.com/the-mountain/m...tain-cams.aspx
all resorts don't do that but all the bigger ones in VT do, I think. Stratton does.
Have you been on a chairlift before? Because some are only chair lifts and some have enclosed gondolas, like Stowe and Killington.
It really depends where you will be, I wouldn't travel all over the state up to Stowe if you are in the southern part just for that, for example. then maybe Mt Snow, it's not a gondola but a chair lift. Sounds like you already have an itinerary though.
you can see for yourself
https://www.mountsnow.com/our-media/live-cams/
https://www.killington.com/the-mount...n/peak-360-cam
killington not looking so great
https://www.stowe.com/the-mountain/m...tain-cams.aspx
all resorts don't do that but all the bigger ones in VT do, I think. Stratton does.
#3
Original Poster
Joined: Mar 2018
Posts: 22
Likes: 0
We'll be staying in Burlington, so I think Stowe is probably the best bet. We rode the chairlift to the top of Beech Mountain in NC - they've got a yurt bar and lookout at the top - and really enjoyed that so we were hoping for something similar. Looks like Stowe will be close.
Thanks for the rec!
Thanks for the rec!
#5

Joined: Mar 2007
Posts: 21,935
Likes: 0
I have never ridden any of the gondolas but the Stowe one seems like a good choice for you if you are going to be in Burlington. There is a restaurant on top. We know one of the bar tenders and she says she loves her commute.
I live not too far from Stowe and color here should be really nice next week. Be sure to take some time on scenic roads. The color will be more advanced in the mountainous areas than along Lake Champlain. You can get current conditions when you are here.
https://www.vermont.com/foliage.cfm
I live not too far from Stowe and color here should be really nice next week. Be sure to take some time on scenic roads. The color will be more advanced in the mountainous areas than along Lake Champlain. You can get current conditions when you are here.
https://www.vermont.com/foliage.cfm
#6

Joined: Aug 2007
Posts: 3,636
Likes: 17
Mt. Mansfield (a lot of good hikes once you get to the top), Bolton Valley and Smugglers Notch, (you can hike to the top of Smugglers via Sterling Pond Trail)
Further away is Jay Peak, some of the best foliage in Vt is in that area, lots of covered bridges as well.
Further away is Jay Peak, some of the best foliage in Vt is in that area, lots of covered bridges as well.



