We are often asked by people with a wide range of disabilities how best to manage a ski or ride day at Stowe Mountain Resort. To help you plan your visit, we’ve put together this short guide along with an accompanying map. The accessibility map appears at the bottom of this page and was created by Harrison Jacobus in 2024.
🅿️ Parking & Entry
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The resort has designated accessible parking in several lots (Mansfield Lodge base, Gondola base, Spruce Peak areas). some with direct snow access for adaptive skiers — important if transferring from a wheelchair to adaptive equipment.
- Parking is free for handicap parking placard holders.
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ADA-compliant ramps connect parking lots lodge entrances. The Mansfield Lodge is by far the most accessible building for independent sit-skiers with the a fairly flat parking, and ramps for wheelchair users.
🏠 Buildings & Facilities
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ADA-accessible entrances and bathrooms are available in key lodge buildings.
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Ticket desks and some restaurants (like the Cliff House at the top of the gondola ride) have ADA sections.
🚡 Lift Access
- All Chairlifts at Stowe Mountain Resort can accommodate sit skiers. The detachable chairlifts are typically easier to load. The lifties are well trained and helpful. Give them your favorite loading and unloading instructions, and they will happily see that your needs are met.
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The Skyride Gondola is wheelchair accessible from the adjacent parking — guests can ride up with minimal barriers and staff can assist as needed.
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The Over Easy Gondola is only wheelchair accessible from the Spruce Peak side — a long set of stairs is the only access from the parking lot at Mt. Mansfield.
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For adaptive skiers who wish to ski at the Skyride Gondola using sit skis, it is preferable to contact Green Mountain Adaptive Sports a week before your visit so we can connect with Stowe and see that a snow bridge is created to load, and unload the Skyride Gondola. Your ski needs to be shorter than 180cm to be able to load while sitting in your sit-ski.
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The Four Runner Quad and the Sunrise Six Pack are our preferred lifts and easier options on the mountain side.
🎿 Adaptive Skiing & Programs
🧑🦽 On-Snow Adaptive Options
Stowe partners with Green Mountain Adaptive Sports to provide structured support for athletes with disabilities:
- Adaptive lessons & equipment: The Stowe Ski and Snowboard School offers customized one-on-one instruction with professionally trained PSIA certified instructors for guests with disabilities.
- Adaptive ski and ride lessons are booked through the Stowe Ski and Snowboard School. We suggest to connect a few weeks ahead of your visit to ensure the best experience and gear availability.
- Vermont residents can apply to receive an Adaptive Ski and Ride Program scholarship from Green Mountain Adaptive Sports to ski or ride at Stowe, or at Smugglers’ Notch Resort. This program is supported in parts by the Vail Resorts Epic Promise Foundation, and private donations and grants. Registration for this program opens early-September and ends October 15th. Only full-time Vermont residents can apply and request private lessons, a day pass, or a Stowe Local Adaptive ski pass.
- Green Mountain Adaptive Sports manages the TetraSki and Snow’Kart program — program and equipment designed for people with complex disabilities and limited balance or coordination. Lessons for this specific program are booked directly through GMAS. Contact us a few weeks ahead of your visit, demand for this program is high and space is limited, and not guaranteed.
- The Stowe Monoski Camp is organized by Green Mountain Adaptive Sports and takes place at the resort, bringing experienced coaches and adaptive athletes together for 2 days of learning, skiing, and networking.
🧠 Practical Tips for Planning
Before you go:
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Get situated using our accessibility map on the bottom of this page. For hotels and accommodations in Stowe, check our recommendations here.
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Reach out in advance to book adaptive ski and snowboard lessons.
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If needed, ask resort guest services about specific accessible routes from parking to lift areas (snow conditions vary).
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If independent skiing is your goal (e.g., with a sit ski), confirm flat snow access points where you can unload and transfer to your equipment.
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We strongly recommend using the parking lot across from the Mansfield Lodge and starting your day at the Sunrise Six Pack (see map) – Intermediate and Expert terrain only.
- For beginners and novice sit-skiers or people with mobility impairments, we recommend skiing at Spruce Peak. Use the handicap parking at the Adventure Center, and if needed, ask the parking attendants for assistance bringing your ski equipment to the snow. You can use the elevator to access the Spruce Camp — located on the side of the building near the Over Easy Gondola.
Terrain considerations:
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Stowe is known for a wide variety of terrain. Gentle beginner areas and accessible gondolas help, but not all runs (especially steep sections) are suitable for adaptive skiing without instruction and support.
🧩 Summary: Accessibility at Stowe Mountain Resort
Strengths
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Good foundational ADA infrastructure around lodges, parking, and lifts.
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Wheelchair-accessible gondolas make mountain access easier.
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Active adaptive skiing lessons with specialized equipment are available through the resort’s ski school and Green Mountain Adaptive Sports.
Challenges
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Independent adaptive skiing still requires planning — flat transfer snow access points and suitable terrain are key.
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Adaptive equipment and lessons need prior arrangements.
♿ Questions
- If you have more questions to plan an adaptive ski experience at Stowe Mountain Resort, please contact us at info@greenmtnadaptive.org.
