The Mamas Favorite Summer Moments

Last summer the All Mountain Mamas visited Smugglers’ Notch and Stowe Mountain Resort together, not only to try new summer activities, but to connect as a team of writers, travelers and moms. Here are some of our favorite memories from the trip.

Mara

There are few places better suited to a girls getaway weekend than Smuggs and Stowe. I loved relaxing over my delicious berry-prosecco cocktail at the Hearth and Candle and chatting with my Mama friends. Running on Smuggs’ snowshoeing trails early in the morning and following that up with a peaceful group yoga class was the perfect way to start my day.

Flying down the face of Mount Mansfield with incredible views of my beloved Vermont spread before me wasn’t just the highlight of our weekend in the Stowe area – it was a highlight of my summer. The Stowe Mountain Resort zip line is the most fun you can have on a mountain without putting on a pair of skis and is a phenomenal way to experience this iconic resort. And on the opposite side of the adrenaline spectrum, what could be better than a deep-tissue massage, a sit by the pool, or a chance to sip wine around the fire pit after dinner?

Erica

A two-night summer getaway with my fellow Mamas is exactly what this Mama needed. It was my first overnight trip without my four-year-old daughter in tow. Mountain biking at Smugglers’ Notch was a particular highlight for me. The trails were a perfect combination of easy and rugged, narrow and wide. It had been at least a few years since I mountain biked on an actual mountain, and I had forgotten what it was like to be out there. After wiping out twice — once on an obstacle course and once on a tree-lined trail — my body was sore and bruised. Luckily, Smugglers’ Notch offers yoga, which gave my body the stretching and soothing it badly needed after the ride. Even though my limbs ached and muscles hurt, I felt strong, happy, and somehow, rested. Who could ask for anything more?

Gina

As someone who spends the majority of her travel time with kids in tow, our summer girls’ only retreat gave me the unique opportunity to connect with the dynamic women behind the magic of All Mountain Mamas in a truly meaningful way. Not only did we get to put our heads together for some essential shop talk–brainstorming ways to continue writing about our mutual love for Vermont–we also experienced some of the fabulous outdoor offerings at Smuggs and Stowe.

And though we sometimes found ourselves outside of our comfort levels a bit, whether that was leaping down from a platform high in the trees at Smuggs’ Arbortrek or flying down Stowe Mountain on a zip line at 60 mph, we were there to encourage and support one another–sharing some good laughs and good cocktails along the way. The retreat connected us in a way we hadn’t been before–personally and professionally–and that connection is sure to come through in our work as the All Mountain Mamas.

Dana

Last summer I had an opportunity to try out the new ZipTour adventure at Stowe with my fellow Mamas. I am not an adrenaline junkie nor do I care for heights. Knowing that, you would think that I would have opted out of something that required me to launch myself off of the top Mt. Mansfield and fly down the mountain 130 feet off the ground over rugged terrain. But I didn’t bolt because I had done the demo trainer at the base of the mountain (only 10 feet up) and felt extremely safe and secure in my harness and in the safety training I received. The equipment provided allows you to control the speed at which you fly down the mountain. While you can get up to 60 mph, you certainly don’t have to.

Unfortunately I did not have my teens with me this time, but I assure you I will be back with them. Not just because I want them to experience it, but because the views are unbelievable and it was truly an awesome experience.