Gentle Giants Sleigh Rides

The horses at Gentle Giants live up to the name. These Belgian and Percheron draft horses are big, strong, and famously calm, and their steady pace makes every ride feel wonderfully unhurried. In winter, they pull sleighs along snowy trails while you settle in under a warm blanket and listen to the bells. The rest of the year, wagon rides follow Stowe’s scenic trails, with covered options for rainy days and some of the best fall foliage viewing you can do sitting down. Rides are private, so it’s just your group, the horses, and a driver who knows the trails well and enjoys sharing stories along the way.

Gentle Giants is just steps from Topnotch, so you can walk over for your ride and leave the car parked. Rides depend on the weather and fill up quickly around the holidays, so call ahead or check their Facebook page for current availability, or ask the Topnotch front desk to help you plan. Afterward, stroll back to warm up in the indoor jacuzzi, with rosy cheeks and the sound of sleigh bells still in your ears.