Are you looking to reach the peak of Mount Mansfield without having to hike or take the imposing toll road to the top? Look no further than the Gondola SkyRide in Stowe. The Gondola SkyRide, operated by Stowe Mountain Resort, is one of the best activities in Stowe, VT. This gondola ride allows you to reach the peak of Mount Mansfield with a fun and scenic ride to the top. On a cloudy day, you feel like you are floating through the clouds, and on a clear day, you are rewarded with expansive views of the surrounding area. It is an activity that you must add to your visit to Stowe.
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About the Gondola SkyRide Stowe 2024
Gondola SkyRide Stowe Tickets
Tickets to ride the Gondola SkyRide are $40 per person. Tickets for children (accompanied by an adult) are $26. This price includes a round-trip gondola ride. While this price may seem steep, it is well worth it.
If you are traveling as a family, there are family packs available. The family pack includes two adults and two children for $113. This is by far the best deal. Scroll down on the ticketing website to find the option to purchase the family ticket.
The Gondola SkyRide is available from June to October and is especially busy during peak Fall foliage. This is one of the most popular attractions in Stowe and is likely to sell out during the high season. Buying your ticket in advance is recommended if you are visiting during October. You can reserve your tickets online here.
The tickets are dated, yet they are not timed. Plan accordingly, so you have plenty of time at the top of the mountain. You may have to wait in line, regardless if you have tickets.
Stowe Gondola Hours
Daily: Saturday, June 15, 2024 – Sunday, October 20, 2024
Hours: 10:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.; last cabin up at 4:15 p.m.
To make the most of your experience, try to arrive at least an hour before closing. If you arrive too late, you won’t have much time to enjoy the view from the top of Mount Mansfield.
How Long is the Stowe Gondola Ride?
The gondola ride is approximately 20 minutes each way. While this may seem long, the ride is breathtakingly scenic, so it will feel like it flew by.
This time does not include the time spent waiting in line. You may need to wait on a busy day before you can board your gondola.
Can You Ride the Stowe Gondola Down for Free?
Yes! The Stowe gondola cost includes your trip up and down Mount Mansfield. The ride down on the gondola is complimentary if you hiked Mount Mansfield.
Where do you Park for the Stowe Gondola?
There is a large parking lot where you will find plenty of free parking.
Is the Stowe Gondola Worth it? Stowe Gondola SkyRide Review
Before I delve into my experience riding this gondola, you’re probably wondering if the Gondola Skyride is worth the price. At $40 per adult, this is an expensive experience. That being said, I rode the Stowe Gondola on a Vermont trip a few years ago and still think about the experience to this day. This was truly one of my favorite and most memorable travel experiences. If I were to visit Stowe again in the fall, I would consider riding the gondola again.
The views at the top of the mountain are incredible, especially in the fall. However, I’m unsure if I would pay $40 in the summer months. For me, the fall foliage makes the trip more worth it. But in the Fall, I couldn’t recommend this activity enough!
If you have a jam-packed itinerary and think you’ll be able to squeeze in the Stowe Gondola in an hour, I wouldn’t recommend this experience for you.
Stowe Gondola SkyRide Experience
After finding parking, you will head to the ticket booth. Even if you bought your ticket ahead, you would still need to get in line to have your tickets scanned. However, there are separate lines for those who have and do not have tickets. While the tickets are dated, they are not timed. So you may still need to wait in line if you are visiting the Gondola SkyRide at a busy time in the day.
Once it is your turn, you will join the queue to grab your gondola to Mount Mansfield. If you have never ridden on a gondola before, you may be surprised that it doesn’t stop to let you on. The gondola continues to move slowly, and you have to jump on it while it’s going. That being said, the gondola did stop a couple of times while we were riding it. It appears that they will stop it if someone requires more assistance getting on.
The gondola ride is incredible. It is relatively slow-moving, allowing you plenty of time to take in the view as you go. The ride is between 15 to 20 minutes, and the higher you ride, the more impressive the view becomes.
There are windows on each side of the gondola, and there is no shortage of stunning views the entire ride. You may choose to carefully move about the gondola to see the views in different directions. However, avoid moving around if you or anyone in your party is prone to motion sickness. Instead, I suggest switching seats on your way down, so you get a different view going up and down.
Once you reach the top of Mount Mansfield, you have the opportunity to get out and spend some time on the top of the mountain. While the gondola ride is an incredible, fun, scenic experience, the views from the peak of Mount Mansfield are even better.
At the Top of Mount Mansfield
After reaching the top via the Mount Mansfield gondola ride, you can spend as much or as little time as you’d like at the top of the mountain. Here are a few ways you can spend your time:
Take in the View
The view from the top of Mount Mansfield is incredible! There are plenty of spots to check out the sweeping view. Additionally, some Adirondack chairs are scattered around if you want to sit back, relax and take in the view.
Get a Treat at The Waffle
If you’re looking for a sweet treat at the top of Mount Mansfield, head to The Waffle. This to-go stand sells warm drinks (hot cocoa, tea, and coffee), snacks, and fresh, warm waffles. The waffles are such a great treat to eat while enjoying the view.
Dine at Cliff House Restaurant
For an incredible dining experience, make lunch reservations at Cliff House Restaurant. This restaurant is only open when the Stowe Gondola SkyRide is in operation. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning alpine views and outdoor seating when the weather permits. Make sure to make reservations in advance to dine at the Cliff House Restaurant.
Take a Hike
You may have taken the gondola up to Mount Mansfield, but that doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy some hiking. The Gondola SkyRide provides mountain-top access to the hiking trails.
Stowe Gondola in Fall
One of the best and busiest times of the year to ride the gondola in Stowe is in Fall. Riding the Gondola SkyRide is one of the best ways to experience the Fall Foliage in Stowe, Vermont. The Stowe Gondola SkyRide offers incredible views, which are even more beautiful with the vibrant Fall foliage. Once you reach the top of Mount Mansfield, you can see the multitude of colors on display in Vermont in the Fall. However, keep in mind that the Gondola SkyRide in Stowe only operates until October 16th. If you visit Stowe after peak foliage (later in the month), you will not be able to ride the gondola.
Riding the Gondola SkyRide in Stowe: Wrap-up
The Gondola SkyRide is one of the best attractions in Stowe. Riding the gondola in Stowe was one of the most memorable experiences of my trip to Vermont. While the price may seem expensive, it is well worth it. If you are going to pay for one activity while on your trip to Stowe, this is the one you should choose.
For more travel inspiration, check out these posts:
🍁 10 Things to do in Stowe in the Fall
🚗 Stunning Fall Foliage on Smugglers’ Notch
🍁 10+ Things to do in Woodstock Vermont in Fall
🛖 Best Hotels Near Smugglers’ Notch for your Dream Trip to Stowe
⛪ Stowe Church Viewpoint: How to Get to this Iconic Photo Spot
📷 The Best Photo Spots in Stowe, VT Year Round
For more New York travel, check out my Vermont section!
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