One of the best parts about living in the Northeast is that accessibility to some of the best ski resorts this side of the country has to offer.
My husband Dan and I have always loved to ski—it’s one of those things we genuinely enjoy doing together, and something we hope becomes part of our kids’ lives too. That said, with three kids under six, we’re also very much in a phase where a ski weekend can double as rare, uninterrupted couple time… and we’re not mad about it.
Thanks to a very generous and loving Grandmama and Grandpa, we were able to sneak away for a three-hour drive up north to Vermont to stay at Topnotch Resort—a cozy, centrally located hotel with a ton to offer, not only for couples, but also for families too.
Read: Mom-approved travel essentials
Where Topnotch Resort Is Located (and Why It Works So Well)
One of the biggest advantages of Topnotch Resort is its location—but it’s not just about proximity, it’s about how that proximity feels.
You’re just minutes from Stowe Mountain Resort, which means getting to the lifts is easy and not a whole production, but you’re also slightly removed from the center of town, which gives the whole place a calmer, more relaxed energy.
There’s a complimentary shuttle that runs to both the mountain and the village, which sounds like a small thing until you’re trying to coordinate timing, parking, and gear. It takes a layer of stress off the whole experience.
The Rooms: Spacious, Comfortable—and About to Get a Major Upgrade
Our room was big, clean, had super high ceilings and more than comfortable enough for a family stay. The closet was enormous, which comes in handy when you’ve got skis and equipment.
While the room itself was super clean and nice, it was a little outdated, so I was happy to hear from the concierge that they’re just about to undergo a huge renovation on all of their rooms. I think that’s the spruce-up this place needs to match the wide offerings they have.
The upside is that even in its current state, the rooms are functional, spacious and easy which, with kids, honestly goes a long way. And knowing an upgrade is coming makes it feel like this is only going to get better.
The Spa and Pools Are What Set This Place Apart
This is where Topnotch really separates itself. Because yes, it’s a ski resort, but it’s also very much a resort—and that shows in the spa and pool setup.
There’s a large indoor pool that works perfectly for families (especially in the winter when you need an activity that doesn’t involve snow), plus a heated outdoor pool that feels like a moment in itself. Sitting in a warm pool while it’s cold outside is one of those small luxuries that hits every time.
There’s also an adults-only outdoor pool, which is rare and honestly a game-changer if you’re traveling as parents and want even a short window that feels like a break.
The spa rounds it out with treatments, steam rooms and sauna access—and while we didn’t spend an entire day there, just knowing it’s an option shifts the tone of the trip. It makes it feel less like survival mode and more like something you can actually enjoy.
What We Ate at Topnotch (and What We’d Go Back For)
Food matters on a ski trip more than you expect—mostly because everyone is either starving or exhausted at all times.
Dinner at Flannel
Dinner at Flannel felt like exactly what you want after a long day outside—warm, cozy, slightly elevated but still relaxed enough that you don’t feel out of place coming in from the cold.
It has that modern Vermont vibe—wood, warmth, a little polished but not trying too hard. The kind of place where you can have a real meal, sit for a minute, and feel like an adult again.
Breakfast at The Roost
The Roost is more casual, and honestly, that’s what makes it work.
Easy breakfast, good coffee, quick enough to get you out the door without adding friction to the morning. When you’re trying to get everyone ready for a ski day, convenience is everything—and this delivers.
Skiing at Stowe: Incredible Mountain, Tough Conditions (At Least for Us)
Stowe Mountain has a reputation as one of the best ski destinations in the Northeast—and from a layout, terrain and overall experience standpoint, it definitely lives up to the hype.
The mountain is beautiful, the infrastructure is strong and there’s a real range for different skill levels, which makes it especially appealing for families.
Our conditions when we visited in February however? Brutal. It was so icy that at times it felt less like skiing and more like trying to stay upright with dignity. And I think it’s important to say that out loud, because Northeast skiing can be like that—you can plan everything perfectly and still end up with weather that changes the entire experience.
The takeaway isn’t that Stowe isn’t worth it—it absolutely is. It’s that having a place to come back to after a hard day on the mountain makes all the difference.
Is Topnotch Resort Worth It for a Family Ski Trip?
I think it depends on what kind of trip you’re trying to have.
If you want something ultra-modern and brand new, you may feel the current rooms don’t fully match that expectation—it least not yet.
But if you’re looking for:
- Easy access to Stowe
- Space to breathe (literally and mentally)
- Strong family-friendly amenities
- A setup that makes the logistics of a ski trip feel manageable
Then yes—it’s absolutely worth it.
For us, it was one of those places that made the trip feel smoother, calmer, and more enjoyable—even with less-than-ideal conditions on the mountain.
And honestly, that’s kind of the whole point.
FAQ: Topnotch Resort Stowe
Is Topnotch Resort good for families?
Yes — it’s one of the better family-friendly options near Stowe. The combination of spacious rooms, indoor and outdoor pools, and close proximity to the mountain makes it especially easy with kids.
How far is Topnotch Resort from Stowe Mountain Resort?
Topnotch is about a 5-minute drive from Stowe Mountain Resort. The resort also offers a complimentary shuttle, which is helpful during ski season.
Does Topnotch Resort have a spa?
Yes. The resort has a full-service spa offering massages, facials, and wellness treatments, along with access to steam rooms, saunas, and relaxation areas.
Are there pools at Topnotch Resort?
There are multiple pools, including a large indoor family pool, a heated outdoor pool, and an adults-only outdoor pool.
Is Topnotch Resort worth it in the winter?
Yes—especially if you’re skiing at Stowe. Even if conditions aren’t perfect, the resort’s amenities (spa, pools, dining) make the overall experience feel balanced and enjoyable.
