Is Stowe Safe? Crime Rates & Safety Report

Stowe, Vermont, stuns in all four seasons and ranks as one of the top ski destinations in New England.

The town of 5,200 people balloons annually with 750,000 visitors, making it feel much larger.

The Green Mountains getaway has been captivating visitors for generations.

While Stowe started as a quiet farming community, it transformed into a ski destination in the 1930s when the first trails were cut on Mount Mansfield.

Since then, it’s become known as the “Ski Capital of the East,” drawing winter sports enthusiasts globally.

Then you add to that the fall foliage that brings large crowds to enjoy the leaf-peeping season, fall harvest celebrations at local farms, and Halloween activities.

Spring and summer attract peak-bagging hikers who want to top the highest mountain in Vermont at 4,395 feet.

Downtown Stowe is a postcard-perfect Vermont village, with its white-steepled church and quaint shops along Main Street.

You’ll find everything from artisanal crafts to gourmet local foods.

Accommodations run the gamut from luxurious resorts like the Trapp Family Lodge (yes, the von Trapp family that inspired The Sound of Music) to cozy B&Bs and vacation rentals.

Warnings & Dangers in Stowe

OVERALL RISK: LOW

There's a low risk in Stowe and plenty of outdoor adventures, historical sites, and charming village amenities.

TRANSPORT & TAXIS RISK: LOW

Green Mountain Transit provides several routes through Stowe. Taxis and rideshares are available, but not as many as you'd find in places like Vail, Colorado. A rental car is the best way to get around on your own timeline and see more places.

PICKPOCKETS RISK: LOW

This is a low risk, with not a single pickpocket or purse snatching reported in the past decade. However, you shouldn't let that cause you to put your guard down.

NATURAL DISASTERS RISK: LOW

Depending on how you feel about major snow storms, the risk could be low or medium. However, since most people come here in winter to enjoy the snow, the risk is low. Another concern is flooding from spring thaws. While earthquakes and tornadoes are rare, visitors should still be prepared and stay weather-aware.

MUGGING RISK: LOW

No muggings have been reported in Stowe over the past decade, making this another low risk. For various safety reasons, including extreme winter cold, don't go walking around at night alone.

TERRORISM RISK: LOW

This is another low risk, with no reason to be concerned that an act of international terrorism could happen here. However, no city is safe from domestic terrorism or gun violence, so always stay aware of your surroundings and report anything suspicious.

SCAMS RISK: LOW

Check local law enforcement social media sites for the latest scams. The local Better Business Bureau office and the state Attorney General’s office will have common scam tactics and protection advice. Learn the risks of rental scams, and be sure you rent a place from a reliable and permitted source. The risk is low, but knowing the tactics helps keep it that way.

WOMEN TRAVELERS RISK: LOW

Nothing in the crime data or recent headlines suggests women are at a higher risk than men. This is a safe place for women of all ages to explore, but going into the wilderness alone is frowned upon for everyone. Traveling in groups of three is ideal.

TAP WATER RISK: LOW

The U.S. has strict standards for tap water per the Safe Water Drinking Act. Communities are required to provide a Water Quality Report (Consumer Confidence Report) once a year by July 1. The 2022 report is the most recent one published for Stowe, and it shows full compliance and no violations. A project in 2024 was expected to fix the standby power issues at several pumps.

Safest Places to Visit in Stowe

The website gostowe.com is the official tourism website for the city.

Bookmark the Plan Your Trip section for logistical and resource planning tools.

A travel planner is available to download without having to give sensitive personal information.

It also helps to understand the layout of Stowe, as New England is famous for its cities and towns, which have villages within its borders.

• Stowe Village: This is the historic center of Stowe, located along Main Street. It features quaint shops, restaurants, and galleries housed in traditional New England-style buildings. This is also where the Stowe Historical Society is located.
• Stowe Hollow: A scenic and rural area just north of Stowe Village, known for its beautiful landscapes and historic homes.
• Waterbury Center: Located just south of Stowe Village, this area offers recreational opportunities and access to nearby Waterbury and its attractions, including the Ben & Jerry’s Factory.
• Moscow: A small village within Stowe known for its rural character and proximity to Mount Mansfield State Forest.
• West Branch: Another small community within Stowe, known for its natural beauty and outdoor recreational opportunities.

Stowe Mountain Resort is the crown jewel of the town, attracting skiers and snowboarders from around the world.

With its diverse terrain and modern amenities, it’s a must-visit destination for winter sports enthusiasts.

Slide into the rich history of skiing and snowboarding in Vermont at the Vermont Ski and Snowboard Museum.

Learn about the evolution of winter sports and the impact they’ve had on the state’s culture.

For those seeking a more leisurely experience, the Stowe Recreation Path is a 5.3-mile paved trail that winds through scenic landscapes.

Perfect for walking, biking, or simply enjoying the views, it’s a favorite among locals and visitors alike.

The Trapp Family Lodge, founded by the von Trapp family of “The Sound of Music” fame, offers not only a glimpse into history but also stunning views of the surrounding mountains.

It’s a great spot for lodging, dining, and experiencing Vermont hospitality.

While you can stay at the lodge, you don’t have to be an overnight guest to enjoy places like the brewery and the family farm.

Historic Stowe Village also has several art galleries, a theater, and lantern-lit walking tours during the holiday season.

In the list of things to do in Stowe on the tourism site, you’ll find several dozen outdoor options.

Some of the most unique are dog-sledding, climbs (ice and rock), helicopter tours, and ziplines.

That’s in addition to traditional activities like kayaking, mountain biking, and fishing.

Places to Avoid in Stowe

You don’t need to worry about bad neighborhoods or dangerous parts of town.

Stowe is spread out among its villages, and even downtown only has three square blocks.

As someone who has bagged peaks of 10,000+ in the West, I sort of chuckled at Mount Mansfield being “only” 4,400 feet.

Please know that the elevation does not showcase just how hard the hike is, with bouldering, scrambling, and steep slopes in tricky parts of the path.

With so many rocky parts of the hike, it’s imperative that you bring hiking boots with good drip and micro spikes in winter.

Tennis shoes will make this trip even more challenging, if not downright dangerous.

Safety Tips for Traveling to Stowe

So... How Safe Is Stowe Really?

Stowe hasn’t seen more than seven violent crimes in a year, and the last time the number was that high was 2002.

Most years average between two and three violent crimes.

Over the past decade, just 27% of violent crimes were against strangers, with raw data showing that averages less than one per year.

Only about six thefts happen each month on average, with the theft rate still about 10% higher than the national average.

However, that rate doesn’t include the three-quarters of a million people who visit each year.

When you add the visitors in, the rate is 99% lower than the national average.

Most news articles about Stowe focus more on how it’s one of the most charming/best ski towns/idyllic getaways in the country.

Finding a crime headline is all but impossible, aside from a few burglaries or fatal car accidents.

While Vermont has seen some concerning crime rate increases over the past few years, it’s more of an issue that would shock a local.

Vermont is still the safest state in the country.

Outdoor safety is where concerns should be focused, and that largely relies on your education, preparation, and execution of your chosen activity.

If you go hiking in the snow wearing tennis shoes and a hoodie, you won’t be very safe.

If you climb a waterfall, you’re at a much greater risk of an accident.

Common sense and outdoor education go a long way to having a safe time in Stowe, Vermont.

How Does Stowe Compare?

Useful Information

Visas

All international visitors need either a visa defining the purpose of the trip (tourist, work, school, etc.) or a visa waiver. Start the process using the Visa Wizard module on the U.S. State Department website. You’ll quickly find out which one you need. Also, keep in mind that your passport must be valid for at least six months after our trip, or you’ll need to apply for a new one.

Currency

Only the U.S. Dollar (USD) is accepted in the United States. Your home bank offers the lowest fees, but TD Bank in Vermont also offers those services. For those using credit cards, check to see if there’s a foreign transaction fee before you start racking up charges.

Weather

Winters are cold and snowy, with almost 19 feet of snow on average each winter and spring. Between October and April, low temperatures get below freezing. Summers are mild, if not slightly cool, with highs only getting into the mid-60s (F). Bring layers of clothing with insulation and waterproof outer layers.

Airports

The closest commercial airport is Burlington International Airport (BTV), about 40 minutes from Stowe. The closest major airport is Boston Logan International, about three and a half hours away.

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance goes into effect as soon as you purchase it, which helps if you need to cancel at the last minute. Comprehensive insurance offers the best protection and peace of mind. You'll also waive liability at any ski resort, so be sure you have emergency health or accident coverage.

Stowe Weather Averages (Temperatures)

Average High/Low Temperature

Vermont - Safety by City