Stowe, VT, Tests Snow Guns Ahead of Winter Season

It’s nearly that time at Vermont’s Stowe Mountain Resort. 

To go along with the arrival of the fall colors, crews at Stowe have officially begun testing snow guns across the resort. With fall in full swing, winter is officially on the clock in Vermont. And soon, Stowe’s skiers and snowboarders will be able to take to the slopes for their first turns of the 2026-27 season.

“It’s just a test… but man, does this get us excited for winter,” the resort wrote in its Facebook post with snow guns hard at work in the background. 

• Related: Loveland Snowmaking Set to Start as Ski Area Targets a Mid-October to Early-November Opening

Testing snow guns is a critical part of preseason preparations at ski resorts. Snow gun tests typically include inspections, part replacements if necessary, and pumping pressurized water through the gun to make the artificial snow resorts use. Ensuring snow guns work properly is essential for early-season operations when resorts need to begin building a base and preparing terrain for opening day. With each snow gun ready to go, Stowe can fully fire up its snowmaking system in mid-to-late November to capitalize on ideal temperatures when it is cold enough. That way, the resort can begin to build its base early to open as much terrain as possible when the season begins.

Stowe’s scheduled opening date currently sits on Friday, November 20, so long as conditions permit. With its opening date less than two months away, the resort is quickly getting things ready to host its first skiers of the 2026-27 season.

• Related: Mammoth Mountain, CA, Sees First Snow of 2026-27 Ahead of November 13 Opening

While winter may be at the forefront of the resort’s mind, its fall operations still have a lot to offer guests visiting Stowe. Foodies can visit the Cliff House Restaurant or The Waffle for various seasonal dishes. Guests looking for an outdoor experience can enjoy a scenic lift ride up Mount Mansfield for aerial views of the resort. Guests can even take in the views from the comfort of their cars on a drive up the historic mountain road. 

Right now, the views at Stowe are some of the best. The mountain’s fall colors are really beginning to pop, with the leaves turning vibrant shades of orange, red, and yellow. Chairlift riders can look behind them for pristine views of the valley, soaking in the colors miles in the distance. And to make the experience even more enticing, crisp fall weather is beginning to blanket the resort, moving away from muggy, humid summer weather in favor of a soft breeze with fresh dew on the ground.

With fall in full swing and winter well on its way, Stowe is currently in the middle of one of the most exciting times of the year. Its snow guns are being tested and will be ready to go once temperatures drop, and until then, guests at the resort can enjoy the beautiful fall foliage with scenic rides and drives.