Stowe Gondola SkyRide
Ascend Vermont's highest peak via the Stowe Gondola SkyRide for breathtaking panoramic views, especially stunning during fall foliage season.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, shorter waits
Stowe Gondola SkyRide
Best Time
Fewer crowds, shorter waits
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Ascend Vermont's highest peak via the Stowe Gondola SkyRide for breathtaking panoramic views, especially stunning during fall foliage season.
"The views were spectacular. All staff were incredibly friendly and helpful."
🎯 Book Tickets in Advance
Secure your spot and potentially skip lines by purchasing tickets online before your visit. :admission_tickets:
👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll want sturdy footwear for exploring the summit area and any optional short hikes. :athletic_shoe:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic Mountain Views
Summit of Mount Mansfield
Soar to Vermont's highest peak for unparalleled vistas of colorful autumn landscapes.
Mount Mansfield Summit
Top of the Gondola Ride
Explore the summit area with photo opportunities, a gift shop, and dining options.
Scenic Gondola Ride
Ascending Mount Mansfield
Enjoy a comfortable 15-minute ride up the mountain, perfect for all ages and abilities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Peak Foliage
Gondola Tickets & Logistics
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Tickets in Advance
Secure your spot and potentially skip lines by purchasing tickets online before your visit.
:admission_tickets:👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll want sturdy footwear for exploring the summit area and any optional short hikes.
:athletic_shoe:📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera or phone to document the stunning fall foliage and panoramic scenery.
:iphone:⏳ Allow Ample Time
Factor in potential traffic and wait times, especially during peak season.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Tickets in Advance
Secure your spot and potentially skip lines by purchasing tickets online before your visit.
:admission_tickets:👟 Wear Comfortable Shoes
You'll want sturdy footwear for exploring the summit area and any optional short hikes.
:athletic_shoe:📸 Capture the Views
Bring your camera or phone to document the stunning fall foliage and panoramic scenery.
:iphone:⏳ Allow Ample Time
Factor in potential traffic and wait times, especially during peak season.
🐶 Pet-Friendly Summit
Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the gondola and at the summit, making it a great outing for furry friends.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the spectacular views from the Stowe Gondola SkyRide, especially during peak fall foliage season. The friendly and accommodating staff enhance the experience for all ages. However, some find the ticket prices high and have encountered significant traffic and logistical issues during busy periods.
"Love love love this place!! We tried to time it right with peak fall season. The ticket prices are a bit high ($42/person). But the views were spectacular. All staff were incredibly friendly and helpful. We got our tickets and hopped on a gondola with no wait on a Wednesday afternoon despite there being a lot of people there. The ride took about 15 to get to the top (30 round trip). We stayed up there to enjoy the views and take pictures. They had a restaurant but we did not go. There were restrooms at the top as well that were pretty clean. So glad we made this part of our trip!"
Rachel Corvington
"Great item on your todo list when visiting Stowe! It’s about a fifteen minute ride up to the top. Price is a little pricey in my opinion at about $45 pp but a great experience. You can have waffles at a stand or eat at the Cliffside restaurant."
Marty Premer
"Okay, state at the outset, it's not cheap. That said, it's wonderful in every other way. Staff was outstanding. Helped us in and out of cars at both ends and provided information about how best to enjoy the time near the summit. Wonderful views and photo ops and a gift shop, waffle house, and seating near the top. Didn't climb to the summit, but met hikers who said it took about 40 additional minutes one way and involved some clambering, so don't do the additional hike unless you have hiking shoes, poles, water, and rain/weather gear. And plan your day so you have enough time to hike and get the gondola back down. Really enjoyed the experience."
Caitlin Augusta
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Stowe Gondola SkyRide is located at Stowe Mountain Resort, 7416 Mountain Rd, Stowe, VT 05672. It's accessible by car, and parking is available on-site.
Yes, parking is available at Stowe Mountain Resort. However, be aware that traffic and parking can become congested during peak fall foliage season.
While direct public transport to the gondola itself might be limited, you can explore local shuttle services or ride-sharing options within Stowe to reach the resort.
Visiting on a weekday, especially in the morning, can help you avoid the worst of the traffic. Arriving early is key.
Yes, the gondola is generally accessible, and staff are very accommodating, even stopping the gondola for easier boarding and disembarking for elderly guests or those with mobility challenges.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but expect them to be around $42-$45 per person. It's advisable to check the official Stowe Mountain Resort website for the most current pricing.
Yes, purchasing tickets online in advance is highly recommended to save time and potentially secure your spot, especially during peak season.
While specific coupons are not always readily available, keep an eye on the resort's website or local tourism sites for potential package deals or seasonal offers.
Operating hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the Stowe Mountain Resort's official website for the most up-to-date operating schedule, especially during fall foliage season.
In some cases, customer service may allow you to use your ticket on the correct date if you contact them promptly. It's always best to call the resort directly to inquire about your specific situation.
📸 📸 Photography & Views
The summit of Mount Mansfield offers breathtaking panoramic views, especially during fall foliage season. The gondola ride itself also provides excellent photo opportunities.
Morning light can be beautiful for photography, offering clear skies and softer light. Late afternoon can also provide stunning golden hour views.
Yes, you can hike to the true summit from the gondola's upper station. However, this requires additional time (about 40 minutes one way) and appropriate hiking gear.
A standard camera or smartphone is sufficient for most visitors. If you plan on hiking to the summit, consider a camera with good low-light performance and a wide-angle lens.
The views from the gondola itself and the summit are the main attractions. The surrounding mountain landscape during fall is the iconic backdrop.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant at the Cliffside and a waffle shack at the summit, offering various dining options for visitors.
The Cliffside restaurant typically offers a sit-down dining experience with mountain views. The waffle shack provides quicker, casual options.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally acceptable to bring snacks and water, especially if you plan on hiking. However, purchasing from the on-site vendors supports the resort.
There are usually concessions and cafes at the base of the gondola where you can grab coffee or snacks before your ascent.
Options may vary. It's best to check the menu at the Cliffside restaurant or inquire at the waffle shack for current offerings.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
For a more complete family adventure, combine the gondola ride with a visit to nearby attractions like Smugglers' Notch State Park or a local cider mill. This ensures a full day of fun and memorable experiences for everyone.
💰 Budget Travelers
To maximize value, consider packing your own snacks and water to avoid purchasing them at the summit. If you're on a tight budget, you might opt for the gondola ride as a single splurge activity and focus on free or low-cost activities in the surrounding Stowe area, such as scenic drives or exploring the charming downtown.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
While the gondola ride itself is scenic, don't miss the chance to explore the summit area for unique perspectives. If you're adventurous, consider the hike to the true summit for even more dramatic shots, but be sure to bring appropriate gear. A wide-angle lens can be beneficial for capturing the expansive landscapes.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing Fall Foliage in Stowe
While the gondola ride itself provides stunning views, consider exploring other nearby attractions for a comprehensive fall foliage experience. Smugglers' Notch State Park offers a scenic drive through a narrow mountain pass lined with colorful trees. Visiting a local maple syrup farm can also add a sweet touch to your autumn adventure.
It's important to note that the intensity of the foliage can vary year to year. Some years may experience less vibrant colors due to weather conditions. However, even in less-than-ideal years, the mountain scenery and the charm of Stowe make for a memorable trip.
Navigating Crowds and Logistics
To mitigate these issues, several strategies are recommended. Purchasing tickets in advance is crucial to streamline the entry process. Visiting on a weekday, particularly in the morning, can significantly reduce wait times compared to weekends. Being prepared for potential traffic delays and allowing ample time for your visit is also essential.
Some visitors have suggested that the resort could improve its logistics by better managing parking, limiting ticket sales to control volume, and providing clearer signage. While the experience itself is often praised, the operational aspects can detract from the overall enjoyment for some.
Accessibility and Family-Friendliness
At the summit, there are plenty of seating options available in both sunny and shaded areas, making it a pleasant place to relax and enjoy the views. The presence of a gift shop, a waffle shack, and a sit-down restaurant at the top caters to various needs and preferences, ensuring that everyone can find something to enjoy.
For those with furry companions, the Stowe Gondola SkyRide is also a pet-friendly option. Well-behaved dogs are welcome on the gondola and at the summit, allowing the whole family, including pets, to share in the experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit