STOWE SKI + RIDE HISTORY
Since 1936, the Stowe Ski & Ride School has been helping guests discover the joy of skiing and riding.
As one of the oldest and most respected ski schools in the United States, Stowe has a long tradition of developing exceptional instructors and creating unforgettable guest experiences. Nestled in the heart of Vermont's Green Mountains, Stowe is home to the state's highest peak, Mount Mansfield, and is widely recognized as the birthplace of destination skiing in the East.
For generations, instructors at Stowe have shared their passion for the mountains with guests from around the world. From introducing children to their first turns on snow to helping advanced skiers and riders reach new goals, our instructors play a central role in creating the experiences that make Stowe special.
Today, the Stowe Ski & Ride School combines nearly 90 years of tradition with modern teaching methods, ongoing training opportunities, and a strong culture of mentorship. Our team includes first-year instructors, experienced professionals, trainers, examiners, and industry leaders who are committed to helping one another grow.
When you join the Stowe Ski & Ride School, you're not just taking a winter job—you're becoming part of a community that values mountain culture, professional development, and a shared passion for snowsports. You'll spend your winter on the slopes of Mount Mansfield, working alongside a team that has helped define ski instruction for nearly a century.
Come be part of the next chapter in the Stowe story.
THE BEGINING
In the early 1930s, Stowe began to establish itself as one of the premier skiing destinations in the eastern United States. The opening of the Mount Mansfield Ski Trail and the development of organized skiing opportunities attracted visitors from across New England and beyond.
As interest in skiing grew, instructors and guides played an increasingly important role in helping guests safely explore the mountain. These early pioneers laid the foundation for what would eventually become the Stowe Ski & Ride School. Their commitment to sharing the sport, developing new skiers, and creating memorable mountain experiences established traditions that continue today.
The construction of the original Mount Mansfield lift marked a significant milestone in Stowe's development, making the mountain more accessible and helping transform the area into a destination resort. What began as a small mountain community with a passion for skiing would grow into one of the most respected snowsports schools in North America.
EXPANSION
By the mid-20th century, Stowe had grown from a small New England ski destination into one of the premier mountain resorts in the East. Improvements to lift infrastructure, trail networks, snowmaking, and guest services helped make skiing more accessible and enjoyable for visitors of all ability levels.
As the resort expanded, so did the Stowe Ski School. Instructors were no longer simply introducing guests to the sport—they were helping generations of skiers develop their skills, pursue certification, and build lifelong connections to the mountain. Training programs became more structured, teaching methods evolved, and Stowe earned a reputation for producing highly skilled instructors and coaches.
During this period, Stowe strengthened its position as a leader in Eastern skiing. The resort attracted visitors from across the country, while the Ski School continued to grow into a respected organization known for professionalism, innovation, and a commitment to guest experience.
STOWE MOUNTAIN RESORT
In the decades following its founding, Stowe Mountain Resort continued to invest in infrastructure, innovation, and guest experience. New lifts, expanded terrain, improved snowmaking, and modern facilities helped transform Stowe into one of the premier ski destinations in North America.
The iconic Mansfield Gondola became a symbol of the resort's growth, providing guests with greater access to Vermont's highest peak and breathtaking views of the Green Mountains. As the resort evolved, it attracted skiers and riders from around the world while maintaining the character and mountain culture that made Stowe unique.
Throughout these changes, the Ski & Ride School remained at the heart of the guest experience. Generations of instructors helped visitors build confidence, develop new skills, and create lasting memories on the slopes of Mount Mansfield and Spruce Peak.
Today, Stowe Mountain Resort continues to blend nearly a century of history with modern amenities, world-class terrain, and a commitment to delivering exceptional mountain experiences.
The Stowe Ski & Ride School Today
Nearly 90 years after its founding, the Stowe Ski & Ride School continues to build on the traditions established by the generations of instructors who came before. What began as a small group of passionate skiers helping guests explore Mount Mansfield has grown into one of the most respected snowsports schools in North America.
Today, the Ski & Ride School is home to hundreds of instructors, coaches, trainers, and industry leaders who share a commitment to professional development, guest experience, and a lifelong love of skiing and riding. From first-time guests taking their very first lesson to advanced athletes pursuing new goals, our instructors help create the experiences that define a Stowe vacation.
The school's culture is built on mentorship, continuous learning, and a passion for sharing the sport. Through training programs, certification opportunities, and a supportive community, instructors continue to develop their skills while carrying forward the values that have shaped the organization for nearly a century.
As Stowe looks toward the future, the mission remains unchanged: helping guests build confidence, discover the mountain, and create memories that last a lifetime. The next chapter of the Stowe Ski & Ride School is being written every day by the instructors, coaches, and leaders who continue this proud tradition.
Celebrating more than 90 years of teaching, learning, and sharing the joy of snow sports.
