May 15, 2020 - by Ian Stalker
Vermont’s famed Trapp Family Lodge is not only renowned as a pioneer in introducing North Americans to cross-country skiing. The incredible 4-star cross-country ski resort, the first of its kind in the USA, has also built a reputation for its craft brewery called von Trapp Brewing established on its 2,500 acres in 2010.
Winter skiers and summer mountain bikers can relax at the Austrian-style Bierhall adjoining the brewery, conveniently situated on the cross-country ski and mountain bike trails about a mile from the main lodge, to enjoy a refreshing lager beer and a selection of freshly prepared Austrian lunch and dinner selections cooked on the wood-fired Parrilla grill that is the showcase feature of the Bierhall.
“That’s one of the nice benefits. It’s justifiable drinking,” says Sam von Trapp, grandson of family matriarch Maria von Trapp, whose family’s story was told in the movie The Sound of Music. “Most skiers and and mountain bikers are very excited about being able to visit our brewery since it’s a unique experience.”
Four of its beers – bearing such names as Vienna Style Lager and Bohemian Pilsner – are brewed year-round, four others are seasonal and there are four specialty beers, with von Trapp praising all the suds as “healthy beer” that contains “very clean ingredients.”
The lagers have won numerous awards, including being multiple award winners at the 2018 New York International Beer Competition. They’re are also available throughout Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Maine, Rhode Island, New York, Connecticut, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Virginia.
Iconic Trapp Family Lodge now has 65 kilometers of groomed ski trails, with skiers able to hear the von Trapp story while getting some exercise in. “We can tell you about the history while you’re skiing,” von Trapp says.
Backcountry ski lovers can enjoy The Stowe Traverse, a day-long tour that’s part of the Catamount Trail from Sterling Valley to the von Trapp Brewery & Bierhall. Ideal for lower-intermediate and advanced skiers, what better way to end a day on skis than with a Trapp lager and some of chef Jack Pickett’s great food?
“I think this may be the only place where you can ski world-class trails to a world-class brewery,” added von Trapp.
Check their web site for more information and their expansive summer/winter Activities Calendar which hopes to resume again following temporary suspensions due to the pandemic.
