Trapp Family Lodge Outdoor Center
Trapp Family Lodge Outdoor Center
4.5
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
About
At the Trapp Family Lodge Outdoor Center the question isn’t what to do. The question is, where do you start? From sunrise to sunset, and in every season, there is an invigorating adventure or relaxing activity waiting for you at every turn. The Trapp Family Lodge is a 2,500 acre mecca for the outdoor and nature enthusiast. In the Winter there is cross country skiing, back country skiing and snowshoeing. In the Summer there is mountain biking, disc golf, hiking,Nordic walking and even concerts in our meadow. The lists go on and on for people of all ages!
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
555 reviews
Excellent
340
Very good
143
Average
47
Poor
16
Terrible
9
Bob27
Saint Louis, MO19 contributions
Aug 2021
When my wife and I grew up in the 60s and 70s, The Sound of Music was one of the "classic" movies for families. The movie's story and the music were interwoven into our childhood. When we found out (on Trip Advisors) that the REAL Von Trapp Family had, eventually, emigrated to the Stowe, Vermont area, we knew we had to visit! We spent 4 hours at the Von Trapp Family Lodge, and were thrilled to attend the "Von Trapp History Tour!" The tour included a 30-45 minute overview which provided an excellent summary of the "actual" Von Trapp family history...and the presenter made sure to emphasize the part of their history that was not the same as the fictional storyline that we had seen many times in the Sound of Music film. We were also shown a BBC film that featured actual footage of Maria Von Trapp returning (as an older lady) to Austria and seeing her old friends. The History Tour concluded with a brief presentation by Georg and Maria's grandson, Sam, who lives in Stowe and he shared his experiences and he also conducted a question and answer session.
After the tour, we enjoyed a very delicious lunch at the Von Trapp outdoor cafe. Our group of four included two of our adult children and we all really enjoyed this memorable visit to the current family home of this famous family.
After the tour, we enjoyed a very delicious lunch at the Von Trapp outdoor cafe. Our group of four included two of our adult children and we all really enjoyed this memorable visit to the current family home of this famous family.
Written September 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Darlene B
St. Petersburg, FL97 contributions
Sep 2022
We decided to do the family history tour. The speaker was very good. His stories about the family and the movie were very enlightening. We visited the small cemetery then went into the lodge to see the documentary about Maria. One of the family members came after the show and told a bit about the family and answered questions. My friends and I walked up to the chapel. I would recommend this tour for visitors. We did not stay at the lodge.
Written September 18, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
StephenV
Sarasota, FL3 contributions
Feb 2021
We are beginner XC Skiiers and had an amazing time at the Trapp Family Lodge. They had affordable rentals and well groomed trail with friendly staff there to assist with trail picking and directions. Parking is easy to find as well. Once you're done you can head to the beerhall which has great lunch and beer!
Written February 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NYTangoTraveller
New York City, NY12 contributions
Jan 2022
Nice terrain for New England (thought not the best) Appears designed mostly for skaters who can go far distances, not so much for beginner traditional XC skiiers whose trail is more limited. The Center is an old fashioned non-corporation developed business for locals and weekend skiiers. Trails were well groomed, forest was pretty and not too crowded if somewhat developed.
A note for the COVID wary this location is not designed for it. Although masks are required with sign postings, the traffic/flow through the "outdoor center" is horrific on the inside esp during busy weekends (such as MLK weekend) and is completely unmanaged by the overwhelmed staff of 2-3. This leads to very high concentration of poorly masked crowds in a unventilated tiny rental/return area. Also the online rental must be done the day before (it's only purpose to make sure you have a reservation for a pair of skiis) but doesn't speed things up as you still have to wait in the standard rental line where everyone pays (even though you already did) so they can check your online rental verification on a hand written clipboard (old school right?). So you made it all this way, what's one more crowd? Why worry about COVID now? Take the risk right? Ugh, this is a terrible dilemma for the immunocompromised (and those with cancer) in what would be a healthy outdoor weekend that could be easily managed with better signage, longer lines and a larger and stricter staff.
A note for the COVID wary this location is not designed for it. Although masks are required with sign postings, the traffic/flow through the "outdoor center" is horrific on the inside esp during busy weekends (such as MLK weekend) and is completely unmanaged by the overwhelmed staff of 2-3. This leads to very high concentration of poorly masked crowds in a unventilated tiny rental/return area. Also the online rental must be done the day before (it's only purpose to make sure you have a reservation for a pair of skiis) but doesn't speed things up as you still have to wait in the standard rental line where everyone pays (even though you already did) so they can check your online rental verification on a hand written clipboard (old school right?). So you made it all this way, what's one more crowd? Why worry about COVID now? Take the risk right? Ugh, this is a terrible dilemma for the immunocompromised (and those with cancer) in what would be a healthy outdoor weekend that could be easily managed with better signage, longer lines and a larger and stricter staff.
Written February 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
L C
13 contributions
Feb 2020
My friend & I were looking for a place with groomed trails since we're not very experienced nordic skiers. The locals highly recommended this location and it was definitely a great option. We asked about the trails for novices and were given a map with the routes shown. We had mentioned we weren't very experienced and I thought we would be asked if we wanted pointers but nothing was offered so we decided to just go on past knowledge (and a quick you tube review!). I was surprised that much of the trail we went on had only one set of marked lines. I had to leave the tracks quite a bit when I saw someone approaching from the opposite direction on the same side. I was also surprised that the trail (Sugar Hill) was not more clearly marked, but it is possible that I missed a sign along the way! All in all, it was a great experience. I am glad we chose this location.
Written February 24, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sharrongeg
Henderson, NV3,822 contributions
Sep 2021
As a native German speaking American, yet a lover of movies, I really wanted to love this place. A. No one spoke German. B. Hospitality was not their primary concern.
We did not have dinner reservations and were told, flat out, forget it. Sat in the bar area and ordered 2 beers and 2 pretzels. Ok….pricey, but expected. When we had the audacity to move a bar stool. Head “male hostess”“ came over and told us in a stern voice not to move the stools. Really? It is cold and raining on a late September afternoon…and we just moved a stool.
Not exactly Gemütlich.
We did not have dinner reservations and were told, flat out, forget it. Sat in the bar area and ordered 2 beers and 2 pretzels. Ok….pricey, but expected. When we had the audacity to move a bar stool. Head “male hostess”“ came over and told us in a stern voice not to move the stools. Really? It is cold and raining on a late September afternoon…and we just moved a stool.
Not exactly Gemütlich.
Written October 3, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Minnesota42
Osseo, MN226 contributions
Sep 2023 • Couples
We wanted to see the family history and photos which turned out to be located on the lower floor of the beautiful main lodge. If you choose to walk the ground a pass is required. You can rent sports equipment if you choose as well. It was interesting to see the family history after they left Austria and the photos of their touring and the family helping to construct the lodge.
Written September 27, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Elizabeth S
3 contributions
Sep 2024 • Family
We visited late September, 2024.
This was the favorite place for everyone in our family group. We didn't stay at the lodge but we spent an entire day there.
Our first stop that morning was the Kafffehaus where we had coffee and treats. Everything was fresh and wonderfully tasty. The desserts aren't sugar laden, either!!!
Next, we went on the von Trapp History Tour. This was our favorite part. Since it was raining, the majority of the history tour was conducted in the yert, outside the outdoor center. It was informative and I learned a lot of things that I never knew about the von Trapp family. We left the yert and hiked up a short hill to the family cemetery. After that we all gathered in a basement room at the main lodge, where one of the von Trapp granddaughters told us more about her family and answered questions!!! The history tour was absolutely wonderful.
Once the history tour concluded, we had reservations at the von Trapp Bierhall, for lunch. We had the sausage platter and ordered a couple additional sides to go with it. Oh, my! The flavor!! Everything was over-the-top good and one of the group favorites was the sauerkraut mashed potatoes. Outstanding!! We had plenty left over to take with us, for dinner that night, as well.
After lunch, we decided to burn off some calories by climbing the mountain trail to the chapel. By that time the rain had stopped. It was a cool, misty, slightly foggy day and perfect for the hike. My 82 year old mother and I took our time and we made it all the way to the top. I rang the chapel bell one time for each of us!
After our descent, of course, we had to visit the gift shop. We all bought a few souvenirs to remind us of that most PERFECT day!!
Even if you're not a fan of the musical, this is a wonderful place to visit. Everyone is so incredibly nice, thoughtful and welcoming. We will fondly remember this experience for the rest of our lives.
This was the favorite place for everyone in our family group. We didn't stay at the lodge but we spent an entire day there.
Our first stop that morning was the Kafffehaus where we had coffee and treats. Everything was fresh and wonderfully tasty. The desserts aren't sugar laden, either!!!
Next, we went on the von Trapp History Tour. This was our favorite part. Since it was raining, the majority of the history tour was conducted in the yert, outside the outdoor center. It was informative and I learned a lot of things that I never knew about the von Trapp family. We left the yert and hiked up a short hill to the family cemetery. After that we all gathered in a basement room at the main lodge, where one of the von Trapp granddaughters told us more about her family and answered questions!!! The history tour was absolutely wonderful.
Once the history tour concluded, we had reservations at the von Trapp Bierhall, for lunch. We had the sausage platter and ordered a couple additional sides to go with it. Oh, my! The flavor!! Everything was over-the-top good and one of the group favorites was the sauerkraut mashed potatoes. Outstanding!! We had plenty left over to take with us, for dinner that night, as well.
After lunch, we decided to burn off some calories by climbing the mountain trail to the chapel. By that time the rain had stopped. It was a cool, misty, slightly foggy day and perfect for the hike. My 82 year old mother and I took our time and we made it all the way to the top. I rang the chapel bell one time for each of us!
After our descent, of course, we had to visit the gift shop. We all bought a few souvenirs to remind us of that most PERFECT day!!
Even if you're not a fan of the musical, this is a wonderful place to visit. Everyone is so incredibly nice, thoughtful and welcoming. We will fondly remember this experience for the rest of our lives.
Written October 15, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jtg1961
Ocala, FL190 contributions
Sep 2022
Having been on the Sound of Music tour in Austria, this rates as close second. The Alpine setting here is very similar to Austria and you can see why the Von Trapp family felt at home here. We were given a lecture by the granddaughter of Maria and she was very articulate and informative, a wealth of knowledge and information on the history of the family lodge. There is a restaurant on site and plenty of hiking trails. Make sure you come on a sunny day as a rainy day put a damper on our visit to the outdoor areas and hiking trails.
Written October 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Teammilitello
Des Moines, IA2,839 contributions
Aug 2021 • Family
The trails were not well-maintained. Two of my four kids left bruised up after separate wipeouts. Either large rocks, long grass, muddy holes, or maple tubes were hard to go around at fast speeds.
We had no idea where we were most of the time because the trail map was awful and the few signs on the trail don’t match them. How about adding a “You are here,” to signs along the way?! We were done after 2 hours.
For 6 bikes, for a 4-hr. rental, I thought paying almost $350 was too much.
We had no idea where we were most of the time because the trail map was awful and the few signs on the trail don’t match them. How about adding a “You are here,” to signs along the way?! We were done after 2 hours.
For 6 bikes, for a 4-hr. rental, I thought paying almost $350 was too much.
Written August 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Can you walk around the grounds without participating in a tour? Do you have to pay just to walk the grounds?
Written August 25, 2022
Hi Ashie,
You have to pay for a day pass to walk the grounds and gardens, which goes towards the beautification of the grounds by our trails and gardens teams.
Thanks!
Written November 28, 2023
When does the snow start in this area for skiing?
Written February 22, 2021
Do they offer tours for people tourists that are not staying at the Lodge?
Written July 21, 2019
EDH
Stowe, Vermont
Yes, most of our tours are open to day visitors, see our website calendar for details
Written August 6, 2019
What is there to do in a late May visit, other than walking/hiking?
Written March 27, 2019
I have never been there at this time of the year, but would think that the mountain biking trails would be open. For this activity I would recommend you go to the trappfamily website/outdoor center to confirm. You can also look at on their May activity calendar on the website. I'd would love to try some spring fishing in the streams there. They also have a great brewery, if you like beer, with lots of good German/Austrian food. Its realy nice to just take the time to relax and just sit with a glass of wine in the afternoon/evening and see the scenery looking at Mount Worchester. Nice relaxing shopping in the small stores in the town of Stowe.
Written March 29, 2019
How far away is Stowe mountain for downhill skiing? Is there a shuttle available from the hotel?
Written January 30, 2019
Has anyone gone on the dog mushing your??
Written January 24, 2019
No, we did not do the dog sledding...weather conditons were not good for it. There had been a freeze thaw.
Written January 24, 2019
I will be possibly staying at the resort and will have a senior citizen with some physical limitations. Are the tours of the grounds very physical. Are there activities suitable for this demographic? Please advise.
Christina
Written November 18, 2018
Hello Christina,
I was there in June of this year (2018). The location is on a mountain designed for skiing and mountain biking. I think you may find it challenging to accommodate a senior citizen with physical limitations, however the efforts you put forth will be worth what you see and do. It is a beautiful and elegant place to be, with a rich history and legacy, combined with a somewhat upscale vibe. Were I you, I would take the chance.
Written November 19, 2018
Good morning, my daughter and I will be driving through on June 1st or 2nd and I was wondering if we have not booked to stay, can we still visit the grounds
Thanks
Written May 23, 2018
No you do not have to be staying at the lodge to visit it. You are welcomed to visit the gift shop downstairs as I did. The family cemetery is right off the two lane road going past the lodge. If you want to use their trails & outdoor activities then you need to go to their visitor building. It is worth the visit if you are a fan of this incredible family. It is very close to downtown Stowe.
Written January 25, 2019
Does this place have any real connection to the movie The Sound of Music?
Written December 7, 2017
Sort of. The vonTrapp family were the subject of the movie Sound of Music. Some of the children lived in the Stowe area. Once, 40 or so years ago, Maria von Trapp came to another Stowe restaurant where I was working as a waitress. So, yes, they were there.
Written December 7, 2017
A Tripadvisor member
Our von Trapp History tours are available on Wednesdays and Saturdays at 11am. Please check at the Front Desk of the lodge for information on where tours begin and where to purchase passes for the tour
Written October 27, 2016
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