Photo Credit: Lauren Stagnetti
Vermont is filled with many firsts when it comes to the ski industry. The ski patrol, the rope tow, snowboarding, they all got their start in the green mountain state and are the inspiration behind Ski Vermont's tagline, Skiing in its original state. Not to be outdone by any of these famous firsts, is the Trapp Family Lodge which opened America's first dedicated cross country ski center in Vermont in 1968. Located on a 2,500 acre piece of property in Stowe, Vermont, the lodge is currently run by the third generation von Trapps whose ancestors fled from Austria and were the inspiration behind the famous movie, The Sound of Music. The Trapp family lodge is so much more than a cross country ski center though. It is more like a mini village that includes a 97 room inn, chalets and villas, a sugarhouse, concert meadows, brewery and an upscale Austrian flavored restaurant. You can also mountain bike on their expansive network of trails, play disc golf, hike and visit their top-notch spa when you are done to help those aching muscles recover. Now this incredible lodge is turning 50 years old and is throwing one hell of a party to celebrate.
Trapp Family Lodge Hosts Week-Long Celebration for its 50th Anniversary
Photo Credit: Trapp Family Lodge
In commemoration of Trapp Family Lodge's founder Johannes von Trapp vision to establish an Austrian inspired lodge in Vermont, they will host a series of events kicking off Friday, January 19 and running through the 26th. Activities are set in and around the cross country ski center and will include a wide variety of dining and drinking experiences, cross country skiing excursions and receptions/presentations. For a full list of the events visit them at their 50th Anniversary site.
Traditional Keg Tap to Kickoff Trapp Family Lodge 50th Anniversary
Photo Credit: Trapp Family Lodge
To kick off the celebration on Friday, the von Trapps will call upon their Austrian heritage and beer making expertise by tapping a keg filled with their newly released 50th Anniversary lager from the on-site brewery. What began as a small brewery in the basement of the bakery in 2010 has evolved significantly over the last eight years and now includes an authentic Austrian bierhall. This beautifully constructed, open-space facility, complete with wooden beams and tall windows that allow patrons to take in the beautiful wooded scenery is where many of the anniversary celebrations will take place, most notably the keg tapping. To toast the first 50 years of lodge and its accomplishments, von Trapp brewery has brewed a special Natur Helles.
Photo Credit: Trapp Family Lodge
Von Trapp brews all of their beers on site using the resources from around the lodge and their Natur Helles is no different. An unfiltered lager, often referred to as "Hell Naturtrub" in Europe, it is brewed colder and longer than a traditional style helles. This changes the taste slightly from a customary helles adding a bit more complexity to the brew. As a huge fan of their Golden Helles, I was excited to try this special 50th anniversary version and in no way did it disappoint. The pour was a bright yellow in color with about an inch of foam and the aroma was a biscuit-like with a touch of floral hoppiness. The taste had a nice bready flavor to it with a crisp finish and given the medium bodied nature and low abv, had me craving more. Can't wait to see what they brew for their 100th anniversary.
