Has all of this snow in NYC lately made you want to embark on a winter adventure? Between the creeping cabin fever and the undeniable magic of the city under a fresh blanket of white, it’s hard not to start daydreaming about a true snowy escape.
Luckily, you don’t have to go far—or even step foot in an airport—to make it happen.
Departing right from Manhattan, a scenic 10.5-hour train journey winds through five states, gliding past more than 100 historic covered bridges and frozen rivers, all from the comfort of a window seat. This legendary Amtrak route doesn’t just take you toward the mountains, it delivers you straight into a picturesque ski village that feels like the “Aspen of the East Coast.”
🚂 The Journey: Amtrak Vermonter
Your adventure begins at Moynihan Train Hall, where you’ll board the Amtrak Vermonter. The ride is a 10.5 hour “slow travel” odyssey that has gained for being one of the most scenic routes in North America. The train departs daily in the morning, meaning you’ll have peak daylight to watch the transition from the skyline of Manhattan to a stunning, snow-dusted wilderness.
Schedules: Because times can vary by season and day, always check Amtrak’s official schedule before you go — but expect daily service with typical departures in the morning.
Booking: Tickets can be purchased on Amtrak’s official website, through the Amtrak app, or at the station.
Our tip: Consider grabbing a seat on the right side of the train when heading north — many travelers say that’s where some of the most picturesque winter scenery unfolds as you leave the city and ascend into New England’s forests and hills. (And don’t forget your camera!)
❄️ What You’ll See
As the train glides through Connecticut, Massachusetts, and into the heart of the Green Mountains, the views are nothing short of cinematic. Keep your phone charged for:
- 100+ Covered Bridges: The route is famous for passing near dozens of historic wooden bridges that look like they’ve been plucked from a holiday card.
- Frozen River Vistas: Much of the track hugs the Connecticut River, which transforms into a jagged, icy mosaic during the peak of winter.
- The “White-Out” Woods: Once you cross the Vermont border, the elevation rises, and you’ll find yourself surrounded by towering evergreens heavy with fresh powder.
🗻 The Destination: Stowe
While the train goes all the way to St. Albans, the “sweet spot” for NYC escapees is Waterbury-Stowe. Once you step off the platform, you’re only about 15 minutes away from the heart of the action. You don’t even need a car—a local shuttle (the Route 100 Connector) or a quick taxi will whisk you from the station into the legendary village of Stowe.
⛷️ Skiing And Snowboarding
Home to Stowe Mountain Resort, this is the holy grail for East Coast riders. With a massive vertical drop and two distinct mountains—Mount Mansfield (Vermont’s highest peak) and Spruce Peak—there is terrain for everyone from experts to “bunny hill” beginners.
Even better? The Amtrak Vermonter allows passengers to bring skis or snowboards free of charge as part of their carry-on allowance, sparing travelers the oversized baggage fees and airport hassles.
And even if skiing isn’t your thing, the adventure doesn’t stop there—you can hop on the gondola to the summit for a mountaintop lunch with sweeping views that stretch all the way to Lake Champlain.
⛸️ Ice Skating
For a true “main character” moment, head straight to Spruce Peak Village Center, where a massive outdoor ice rink sits at the heart of a picture-perfect alpine scene.
Twinkling string lights glow overhead, fire pits crackle nearby, and the surrounding architecture feels plucked straight from a European ski town.
It’s a literal winter wonderland—you can glide across the ice while live music plays, then slip into one of the cozy ski-in/ski-out bars to warm up afterward. Even better, skating is free if you bring your own blades, or you can rent a professional-grade pair right on-site.
☃️ Know Before You Go!
Distance & Travel: The journey from New York City to Stowe, Vermont — where Stowe Mountain Resort sits — covers roughly 336 miles by road (about 541 km). If you’re traveling by train on the Amtrak Vermonter, the trip typically takes around 10–10½ hours from Manhattan to the Waterbury-Stowe station, giving you plenty of daylight to enjoy the winter scenery as the city fades behind you.
Lift Tickets & Passes: Lift tickets and passes for Stowe can be purchased directly through the resort’s official site — where you can buy daily tickets and often save by booking early or taking advantage of Epic Pass deals.
Lodging: Stowe’s website lists a wide range of lodging options, from cozy inns and cabins along Mountain Road to luxury ski-in/ski-out properties, making it easy to find the right base for your trip. Booking early — especially around peak winter weekends and holidays — can help secure better rates and availability.
To learn more about the journey, visit Amtrak and Stowe’s official websites.