What makes Stowe the most romantic ski spot in New England? Is it the charming New England town, the farmhouse boutiques and restaurants along the animated Mountain Road, the wonderful lodges offering guests a reprieve of old fashioned fireplaced Vermont hospitality? Or is it the skiing at this legendary, original ski mountain?

Perhaps I am biased, my husband and I had our first ski date at this classic Vermont ski mountain (nearly two decades ago), but I cannot imagine a more idyllic setting for a romantic weekend, without kids or cares – a kind of “rekindle our love affair” destination.

As we drove into Stowe on Friday, the twinkling white lights down Main Street mesmerized us. Freshly fallen snow draped the classy inns and craft shops; the fabled church glowed with a wintry welcome.

Driving up the Mountain Road, we passed so many inviting lodges, chic boutiques with baubles (note to self: stop there later) and enticing cafes and pubs. We continued on, towards the top – Topnotch that is.

One of the closest resorts to Stowe’s slopes, Topnotch is posh, but perfectly cozy. Three doormen welcomed us, but it was the massive moose in the alpine lobby that really made me feel like I had arrived at these 4 diamond digs.

Our Overlook unit was spacious and opulent – gas fireplaces in the living room and master bedroom, a luxurious four-poster bed and a Jacuzzi for two. We toasted our good fortune, and glimpsed Stowe’s torchlight parade and fireworks from our hillside haven.

We wandered down the hill to find Trattoria La Festa, where we were transported from Stowe to Tuscany for the evening. Owner Antonio Devito told us he is as passionate about food as he is skiing (he skis 130 days a season). Our consummate Italian host made sure we dined in flickering candlelight, savoring an earthy red wine from the cellar, shared antipasto, captivating cuisine, and heavenly Tiramisu. Trattorio La Festa puts the “Rome” in romantic food.

Saturday morning we enjoyed an early but elegant breakfast at Maxwell’s before heading to Stowe’s “great 48” trails. We made early morning tracks together down Lord to well-named Sunrise. I can see how skiing at Stowe is inspirational, just you and your loved one carving the crystal cord along the twisty, tourney trails.

Stowe has plenty of spectacular scenes to propose or profess your love amongst shimmering white birch, against the backdrop of 4,395’ Mt Mansfield, Vermont’s highest peak. You can even ski your sweetie to the Mountain Chapel, along the scenic Toll Road trail.

We stopped at the Octagon at the top of the Four Runner Quad, a panoramic place to de-glaze while you gaze into your lover’s goggle eyes over a steamy hot chocolate or gourmet coffee.

Then we headed for the Gondola, and I found Perry Merrill to be the perfectly pitched and therefore romantic ski run, and Gondolier under the bright red Stowe gondi cars. Of course, my better half preferred the serious steeps of the renowned Front Four, particularly the crazy pitches of Starr and Goat with our hearts thumping in tandem.

Even our lunch at Stowe was romantic, riding the picturesque Gondola to the Cliff House, where we had wait serviced dining looking up at Mansfield’s chilly cliffs and out over the sweeping Vermont valley. Add a bubbling pot of cheesy fondue, and you have yourself a Swiss-like setting in New England.

What better romantic après ski than a spa treatment? We all need to be kneaded. The Spa at Topnotch is top shelf; named among the best 10 spas in the US. With over 140 tantalizing treatments, we decided to go with the most native niceties. While my loved one was massage with Vermont river rocks, I was scrubbed with Vermont maple sugar and steeped in wildflower wraps.

The Spa’s fantastic indoor pool with cascading waterfall is worth wading for too – though we opted for the Jacuzzi tub for two in our room.

Concierge Jack was on call, happy to suggest additional romantic amusements. He said it would be his absolute pleasure to cue up a horse drawn sleigh, a dog sled through the Vermont woods, a couple’s massage at The Spa, or reserve the best table of the house.

We dined that night at Topnotch’s four-diamond Maxwell’s, it was elegant and extremely delicious. Stowe rivals Aspen when it comes to epicurean talents found in one ski town.

Topnotch’s Mountain Romance package maps out a pretty sweet weekend if you need coaching with Cupid details, including breakfast and dinner at Maxell’s, spa treatments, champagne and chocolates, candles and massage oils (ooh la la) delivered to your room.

To complete our romantic interlude, we walked hand in hand along the winter wonderland of downtown Stowe's snowy sidewalks, downright dreamy.

The towering Church Steeple is the place to seal the deal, which is just what we did 17 years before. Now I think Stowe should be an anniversary event. Never did stop for that bauble – so we must go back next year.

Whether you are looking to pop the question, rekindle a rusty relationship or just celebrate Valentine’s Day in a sparkling snowy setting – Stowe is romance central for skiers.

Ski Photos: Stowe l Okemo Mountain Resort  l Smugglers Notch l Stratton Mountain l Sugarbush

Vermont Ski Reviews: Stowe Mountain Lodge l Sugarbush's Pitcher Inn lClay Brook Inn
The Castle - Okemo l  Stowe's Top Notch l Woodstock Inn l Stratton