Stowe has four distinct seasons, each with its own appeal. Winter (December to March) is peak season for skiing; expect higher prices, crowded slopes on weekends, and book accommodation well in advance for holiday periods. The conditions on Mount Mansfield are reliable and often excellent — it sits high enough to hold snow well.
Autumn (September and October) is equally busy for different reasons: the fall foliage in the Green Mountains is among the most spectacular in New England, and leaf-peepers fill the roads and inns. Peak color usually falls in early to mid-October, but varies year to year. Summer is quieter and pleasant, with good hiking, cycling, and the full resort activities open. Prices drop. Spring (April–May) is mud season in Vermont — the trails are wet, the snow is gone, and many facilities are between seasons. Not the best time to visit.