Vermont Ski Museum

So, what made those first alpine pioneers decide it was a good idea to strap two boards to their feet and hurl themselves down a mountainside? You might not find the answer to that question at the Vermont Ski Museum (1 S. Main St., 802/253-9911, www.vermontskimuseum.org [1], noon–5 p.m. Wed.–Mon., donations accepted), but you will gain a greater appreciation for the lunacy of the early practitioners of the sport, as well as an appreciation for modern equipment, lifts, and clothing.

Located in Stowe’s [2] former town hall, the museum has several rooms of exhibits, a plasma screen with ski videos, and a Hall of Fame of great names in Vermont [3] skiing history.