Stowe vs Sugarbush
One calibrated, SNOTEL-backed look at snowfall, forecast accuracy, and access — so you know which to ski.
Stowe
VT · 4,393 ft
pending
Sugarbush
VT · 4,135 ft
pending
Side-by-Side
| Metric | Stowe | Sugarbush |
|---|---|---|
| Region | Vermont VT | Vermont VT |
| Summit elevation | 4,393 ft 1,380 ft base | 4,135 ft 1,483 ft base |
| NWS accuracy grade | Pending limited verified storms | Pending limited verified storms |
| Calibrated season snowfall | 26" 25 storms | 11" 22 storms |
| Avg storm-day rate | 0.7"/day | 0.5"/day |
| Best storm | 62/100 Major | 40/100 Significant |
| Verified storms | 0 SNOTEL-verified | 0 SNOTEL-verified |
| Community reports | 24 TGR posts | 11 TGR posts |
| Nearest airport | BTV | BTV |
| Drive time | 0.75h 36 mi · BTV | 1h 50 mi · BTV |
| Access difficulty | Easy | Easy |
| Pass | Epic | Ikon |
Snowfall totals and NWS grades come from the same SNOTEL-verified data on each resort's own page. Blank or “pending” cells mean the data is still being verified — we never fill them with estimates.
The Verdict
NWS accuracy grades are pending for both Stowe and Sugarbush — few verified storms so far. Each earns a grade as StormDrop verifies more storms against SNOTEL.
Stowe got more snow this season — 26" of calibrated snowfall versus 11" at Sugarbush. Stowe also averaged 0.7"/storm-day.
Stowe is the easier trip — about 0.75h from BTV (Burlington), versus 1h from BTV for Sugarbush.
Best for
Stowe — chasing the biggest totals — it out-snowed Sugarbush this season.
Best for
Sugarbush — Ikon pass holders who want calibrated numbers before booking.
Local Knowledge
TGR Community IntelStowe
Whiteout/low-visibility days excellent for BC skiing (described as 'like being inside a ping pong ball' but with fantastic conditions).
Sugarbush
Sugarbush receives and retains more natural snow than Sunday River, Cannon, and Loon; good powder day destination
FAQ
Does Stowe or Sugarbush get more snow?
Stowe got more snow this season — 26" of calibrated snowfall versus 11" at Sugarbush. Stowe also averaged 0.7"/storm-day.
Is Stowe or Sugarbush easier to get to?
Stowe is the easier trip — about 0.75h from BTV (Burlington), versus 1h from BTV for Sugarbush.
Which has the more accurate snow forecast, Stowe or Sugarbush?
NWS accuracy grades are pending for both Stowe and Sugarbush — few verified storms so far. Each earns a grade as StormDrop verifies more storms against SNOTEL.
Keep Exploring
Full resort reports
Don't book the wrong mountain
Calibrated forecasts · Storm alerts · Access planning · Local knowledge — for Stowe, Sugarbush, and 74 other resorts.
Start 7-Day Free Trial — $500/yearNo card required to start · Cancel anytime