Boston Common - Niche Media - A side of Boston that's anything but common.
Issue link: http://digital.greengale.com/i/753327
108 BOSTONCOMMON-MAGAZINE.COM PHOTOGRAPHY COURTESY OF STOWE MOUNTAIN RESORT (MOUNTAIN); BY PETER CIRILLI (HEN OF THE WOOD, FOOD) Snow in Stowe: "Stowe is a different animal," says resort staffer Jeff Wise. "It's a real mountain." In town, always-booked Hen of the Wood (below left) serves up seasonal fare from land and sea, such as grilled octopus and house-made capicola (below right). During winter, the "Green Mountain State" of Vermont is anything but: It is, quite literally, snow- white. And that is a good thing. Killington, Stowe, and Sugarbush resorts, all in Vermont, offer some of the best skiing and premier winter amenities this side of Aspen, and all under three and a half hours from Boston by car. Here we take a look at the skiing but also the shopping, lodging, eating, drinking—that is, not just skiing but living the ski life. STOWE MOUNTAIN RESORT Stowe provides the whole package: five-star accom- modations, renowned restaurants, and, of course, fabulous skiing. "Stowe is a different animal," says resort staffer and longtime skier Jeff Wise. "It's a real mountain, a real town." Stay: Stowe Mountain Lodge (7412 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT, 802-253- 3560; destinationhotels.com) boasts a grand community lobby, top-tier luxury suites, a wellness center and spa, and ski-in and -out access. Ski: Goat for experts, Ridgefield for cruisers. Shop: Gear up in the newest Kjus and Bogner ski wear at First Chair Alpine Company (Spruce Peak, 7320 Mountain Road, Stowe, VT, 877-977-7823; sprucepeak.com). Eat: From hanger steak to coriander-roasted cauli- flower, Hen of the Wood (92 Stowe St., Waterbury, VT, 802-244-7300; henofthewood.com) is an exemplar of sustainable, farm-to-table fare. Warning: Book now! WHITE MOUNTAIN STATE MASSACHUSETTS'S BEST SKIING? IT'S IN VERMONT. BY FALON MORAN SPACE SWEAT