Empty Trails, Fresh Powder, and the Incredible Winter Continues here in Stowe

 

A cute, Vermont town, with a frozen river running through it, getting snowed on.

It has been a winter to remember here in the small mountain town of Stowe, Vermont. We've had over 200 inches of snow this winter up on our ski mountain, Mount Mansfield. But the amazing thing, is that over the months of January and February, the temperatures have remained below freezing, so the snow has accumulated. A couple of inches here, and a couple more there have really started to add up. With the temperatures remaining so low, the snow coverage coats just about everything, giving off the vibe of a winter wonderland.

The rivers are mostly frozen and covered in snow, and the cute little towns, with their main streets and tall, steepled churches remain covered with a white blanket as well. Everywhere I look, it is like I'm staring into a painting. I imagine this will all bring a heck of a mud season later, when it does all finally melt, but I am going to enjoy it for all its worth now. I'm taking photos left and right, spending a lot of time on Mount Mansfield, and soaking in the beautiful winter landscapes.

Communication towers on top of Mount Mansfield.

Skiers head down from the top of the gondola on Mount Mansfield at Stowe Mountain Resort.

A view of a secret trail on a sunny, cold day. Winter activities like skiing, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing are easy to motivate to do when your views are like this.

I had to stop and take a photo here, on the edge of the cliff heading down one of Stowe's famous black diamond runs. I think I inspired the guy in front of me to stop and take a photo as well.

I had passed this sign many time as I zipped by on my snowboard, but on this beauiful, sunny winter day I had to stop and take a selfie. This is at the top of the gondola at Stowe.

This is looking down one of the terrain parks, where jumps and rails have been created for some different snowboarding challenges. The lodge at Spruce Peak can be seen at the bottom. There are a few restaurants, an ice skating rink, and a wondering heated pool down there.

As I get more comfortable on my snowboard, the places and trails I go seem to get more and more beautiful. There is just something about getting away from the crowds and finding some untracked fresh powder like this.

Atop another black diamond run, choosing which path I'll take down.

The ride up the quad can be a bit chilly if there is any wind, but once you are at the top and strapped in, you forget all about it!

Looks pretty steep.

Every once in a while the sun will come out and I'll stop and take a photo like this.

I love this view on clear days like this. Sometimes you can see all the way to Mount Washington from here.

Ontop of the quad lift on Mount Mansfield.

The evergreen trees near the summit of Mount Mansfield are just caked in pillowy snow.

No easy option here.

Getting deep into the powder and trees here.

Beautiful, Vermont winter day.

If you know where to look, you can have runs all to yourself. Pretty crazy on a day like this!

Heading down into this amazing winter wonderland.