A rich alpine heritage

Fifteen years in the making, Spruce Peak at Stowe is the culmination of extensive collaboration between industry and civic leaders, townspeople and environmentalists, and a remarkable vision.

Hospitality and environmental stewardship is not new to the area. Long before there was skiing, Mount Mansfield was a tourist destination. In 1858, entrepreneur William H.H. Bingham built a grand hotel, the Summit House, atop Vermont's highest peak. Some of the most influential people in history were among its guests, including the Roosevelts, Vanderbilts, and Rothschilds.

With the advent of American skiing-founded by visionary men right here at Stowe-winter tourism put Stowe on the global map. For example, formed in 1934, the Mount Mansfield Ski Patrol (MMSP) is one of the oldest ski patrols in North America-arguably the oldest. The 1938 U. S. National Downhill and Slalom races became a showcase for the fledgling unit and thereby became the model for the National Ski Patrol. And ever since the 1930s, locals and visitors alike have enjoyed a true mountain experience among these peaks.

Today, the Stowe citizenry — just as they have done since 1797 — attend town meetings and work hard to preserve the character and heritage of this mountain community — one steeped in history and beauty ... and poised to keep it.