What age is recommended for the tour?

Children age 6 and older can comfortably participate with adult supervision.

Are snowshoes provided?

Yes, snowshoes and headlamps are included in the tour package.

How difficult is the snowshoe hike?

The hike is moderate and designed to be accessible to most fitness levels with minimal snowshoe experience.

What should I bring besides what is provided?

Bring layered warm clothing, insulated boots, gloves, and a camera if you'd like to capture the scenery.

Is the fondue dinner suitable for dietary restrictions?

Please contact the tour provider directly to discuss specific dietary needs.

Can the tour accommodate small groups or private bookings?

Group size is capped at 14; inquire with the operator for private group options.

Experience Vermont’s Winter Wilderness on a Gourmet Fondue Snowshoe Tour in Stowe | Guided Tour | Food Tour

Stowe, Vermont, invites winter adventurers to explore its pristine snowy forests on the Gourmet Fondue Snowshoe Tour, a three-and-a-half-hour evening journey combining wilderness trekking with an indulgent culinary finale. This unique experience kicks off at the Field Guide Lodge, perched amid Stowe’s iconic mountain landscape, where expert guides outfit participants with snowshoes and headlamps for a nighttime trek into the quiet woods. Wrapped in layers against the chill, snow crunching beneath your boots, you’ll navigate moonlit trails that reveal the subtle signs of local wildlife—tracks of deer, foxes, and maybe elusive snowshoe hares imprint soft patterns in the powder. The setting is classic Vermont: towering evergreens dusted with snow, the crisp pinetree scent filling the cold air, and the peaceful hush of a forest in winter. The snowshoe route unravels amid gentle slopes and twists that balance serene silence with engaging exploration, perfect for anyone wanting to connect deeply with the outdoors but at a relaxed pace.

The tour culminates back inside the cozy warmth of Field Guide Lodge, where a three-course fondue dinner awaits. The menu is a celebration of local Vermont flavors, starring Cabot Cheese fondue renowned throughout the region, paired with a rich, velvety Lake Champlain chocolate fondue for dessert. This intimate dining experience feels like a reward for traversing the peaceful winter landscape—comfort food elevated by its delivery and setting, shared with fellow outdoor enthusiasts. Your guide’s knowledge adds enriching layers, offering insight into Vermont’s ecology, animal habits, and the conservation efforts that keep these wild places vibrant.

What makes this tour stand out in the Northeast are the seamless blends of gentle adventure, close wildlife observation, and gourmet food, all wrapped in a sustainable, low-impact approach that respects the fragile winter environment. Stowe itself is a winter icon, from ski resorts to quiet trails, and this snowshoe fondue tour presents a special way to see a softer, quieter side of its winter outdoor culture. Families, couples, and solo travelers with moderate fitness levels find it accessible and memorable.

Be sure to dress in insulated, moisture-wicking layers, bring good winter boots, and don’t forget a camera—the ethereal winter light and glowing-lamp-lit forest create photo opportunities as magical as the food. With a maximum group size of 14, the experience feels personal and unhurried, an inviting immersion into Vermont’s winter woods that ends with a feast as rich as the terrain is beautiful.

About Umiak Outdoor Outfitters

Umiak Outdoor Outfitters is an outdoor recreation company based in Stowe, Vermont, offering guided adventures and equipment rentals across the region.

The company runs seasonal experiences including evening dogsled rides at Ryder Brook Golf Club, guided gourmet fondue snowshoe tours with dining at the Field Guide Lodge, car-top boat rentals in Stowe, tube rentals on the Richmond River, and paddling trips on the Winooski and Lamoille rivers. Trips include an evening Dog Sled Ride, a Gourmet Fondue Snowshoe Tour, a 9 Mile River Upper Gorge on the Winooski River for advanced paddlers, and 4 Mile River paddles on both the Winooski and Lamoille rivers suitable for beginners and families. Rental choices feature solo kayaks, tandem canoes, and standup paddleboards.

Guides provide route information, safety briefings, and local knowledge about Vermont wildlife, river conditions, and historic landmarks such as covered bridges and nearby Camel's Hump. Equipment is supplied for guided tours and rentals, including paddlecraft and safety gear. Evening tours combine outdoor activity with culinary experiences at local venues, and the dogsled offering includes a short 15-minute ride and clubhouse dining options. Umiak Outdoor Outfitters emphasizes clear trip descriptions, straightforward booking, and coordination with local facilities. Visitors to Stowe can choose high-adrenaline whitewater runs or gentle paddles past farmland and mountain views. Umiak supports responsible use of waterways and trails and connects guests with authentic Vermont outdoor experiences.

Scheduling and availability vary by season; reservations are recommended for seasonal experiences to secure preferred dates. Guests should check current river conditions beforehand.