Stowe Spruce Peak Trail Permit Issued After October 6 Comment Period

Update — October 11, 2026

Vermont’s Act 250 Land Use Review Board record now shows that a decision was issued October 7 and lists the project’s current status as “Permit.” The permit authorizes the described clearing for two trails. This updates the original October 3 report, which accurately described the application as pending at that time.

Official record: Vermont Act 250 project 5L1338(Altered)-44.

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Published October 3, 2026. Source reporting was published October 1, 2026.

Stowe Mountain Resort has asked Vermont regulators for approval to create two groomable trails through the Meadows East Glade on Spruce Peak. The proposal is still pending; it is not a completed expansion.

What the application proposes

According to VTDigger’s republication of reporting by the Stowe Reporter, the project would clear about 0.36 acres within the existing canopy and remove 64 trees averaging 5.6 inches in diameter. Each proposed trail would be approximately 350 feet long and 22 feet wide.

The report says an environmental review found no significant wildlife habitat, protected or uncommon plant species, or direct wetland impacts at the site. Application materials noted that tricolored bats may use the area.

Public comment closed October 6

The public-comment period closed October 6, 2026. Vermont’s official Act 250 record shows a decision was issued October 7 and lists the current status as “Permit.”

Stowe’s explanation

A Stowe spokesperson said the trails are intended to give beginners a more approachable route into glade terrain, provide additional ski-school terrain and improve emergency access. The resort says the remaining tree canopy would stay available for skiers and riders who prefer an off-piste line.

The same report says Stowe has purchased a TetraSki and a Snow’Kart for its adaptive-equipment rental program. That accessibility addition is separate from the land-use approval question.

Why this matters

For Stowe users, this proposal involves a tradeoff between easier, groomable glade access and additional clearing inside an existing wooded area. The state review and public-comment process—not the resort’s announcement alone—will determine whether the project can proceed.

Source: VTDigger / Stowe Reporter, October 1, 2026.

Vermont Act 250 application record.

Editorial note: This article reports a pending proposal and the resort’s stated rationale. It does not claim that the project has been approved or completed. Vail Resorts Sucks is independent and unaffiliated with Vail Resorts.