I skied Stowe 70 days last year. I'd say 90-80 percent of the trails are intermediate. If you are looking to learn how to ski, Stowe and Smuggs are probably the best places in the area. A powder day is a powder day, but of all the places I've skied, the crown for the longest lift lines goes to Stowe. If you're looking for $92/day worth of skiing, go out West. In Vermont, Jay; Mad River Glen and Sugarbush offer a better experience with fewer people.

There is a "but" though. If you're looking to ski the backcountry, Stowe is the town to be in. You are in the middle of three mountain ranges, all of which offer excellent touring for turns style skiing. Mansfield gets crowded, but offers excellent off-piste terrain. If you are looking for a more guided backcountry experience, head over to the Trapp Family Lodge, they have excellent instructors and trails, not to mention other offerings.

Both the Worcester Range and the Sterling Range have a good system of trails on them that you might just want to explore too.