The world celebrates the 60th anniversary of The Sound of Music, today March 2nd, 2025— the beloved film that brought the story of the von Trapp family to the silver screen. Released in 1965, the movie has since become a timeless classic, enchanting audiences with its music and the picturesque landscapes of Salzburg, Austria.

 

The Sound of Music, The von Trapp Lodge and Milestones Made

 

The name “von Trapp” immediately evokes memories of delightful music from Rodgers and Hammerstein. The Sound of Music is based on a true story, and its preceding musical won multiple awards, shaping musical styles and imaginations. But like most pop culture phenomena, there’s more to the story than the award-winning presentation.

The von Trapp family’s journey from Austria to the United States is a testament to their resilience and musical talent. After fleeing Austria, they settled in Stowe, Vermont, where they established the Trapp Family Lodge (now called the von Trapp Family Lodge and Resort), a tribute to their musical heritage. The family’s story continues to inspire, with descendants maintaining the lodge and sharing their rich history with visitors.

The Trapp Family Lodge recently celebrated 75 years in business — with sustainability at its core from the very beginning. Protecting and caring for the land has always been both a fundamental value and essential business practice for the family.

The lodge is renowned not just for its picturesque location but also for its fascinating history. Founded by the von Trapp family, famously depicted in The Sound of Music, the lodge’s backstory adds an extra layer of charm and intrigue.

As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of The Sound of Music, we also honor the von Trapp family’s enduring legacy and the film’s lasting impact on audiences worldwide.

To mark this special anniversary, we are delighted to share some key points of our Zoom call in early February with Kristina von Trapp, Director & Executive Vice President of the von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort.  She is granddaughter of the real Maria von Trapp and the Captain, and lives in Stowe, Vermont with her family. With her father, Johannes and brother, Sam, she owns and operates the von Trapp Family Lodge that Maria established when the family first settled in Vermont.  

 

THE LODGE 

To quote their website:

The von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort is a unique, four-season resort specializing in European-style accommodations and cuisine, spectacular mountain vistas, upscale amenities, and outdoor activities. Situated on 2,600 acres overlooking the classic New England village of Stowe, Vermont, von Trapp Family Lodge & Resort is the perfect setting for a vacation during any season.

Nestled in the scenic town of Stowe, the von Trapp Family Lodge is preparing to embrace its heritage by officially restoring the “von” to the Trapp name in its branding. The logo and color palette, including the patterns used in carpets and furnishings, are undergoing a custom redesign. What remains unchanged is the sense of tradition and hospitality for which the lodge is renowned.

DINING

The von Trapp Family Lodge offers numerous dining options both at the lodge and in the surrounding Stowe area. From the Dining Room and Lounge to the award-winning brewery and a traditional Kaffeehaus, each venue offers a thoughtfully curated menu designed to delight visitors.

Don’t miss your chance to visit during our Christmas in Vermont tour, departing December 2 and December 9 in 2025! The resort blends Austrian-inspired architecture with comfortable American and European furnishings on a beautiful, 2,600-acre property offering an Austrian experience in Vermont. Truly a winter wonderland experience! 

As a founding member, Johannes set aside roughly 1,500 of the family’s 2,500 acres for conservation under the Stowe Land Trust. Guests are encouraged to explore the property’s 60 miles of ski, bike, and hiking trails and contribute to conservation with a $1-per-night trust donation built into each reservation. The land also supports a maple sugaring operation and rotating timber harvests to create a healthy forest and provide wood to heat the lodge. 

Kristina kindly shared the credo of the core values of the lodge and what guides their approach to the property.

The land has its own charisma – Kristina von Trapp 

 

 

AMENITIES

The Lodge has remained focused on growing the property and its natural amenities. Originating as a farm, the property has grown into far more with skiing, indoor and outdoor swimming, hiking, brewing, dining and other forms of recreation, the Lodge has become an ideal destination for any season.  

While initially chosen as a sanctuary for the family, the proximity to the Stowe Ski Resort, the rolling fields of pasture and tree-lines and the natural trails within made for an exceptional location to establish cross country skiing trails that could also work for scenic trips to nature during warmer months. In the late 60’s the family decided to add Ski Trails to the amenities offered on property. Now Recognized as one of the Best Cross Country Skiing locations in the United States, the Von Trapp Lodge has grown this favorite amenity into one of the best there is. Currently there are 67 kilometers (42 mi) of groomed trails and 100 kilometers (62 mi) of un-groomed trails throughout the Trapp Family Lodge property.  

But what about warmer times and months?   

With a warming climate and winter snows notoriously hard to predict, the family has ensured that winters are not focused only on the ski trails.  Be it horse drawn carriage rides to Summer Concerts on the Meadow, the Lodge offers a regular host of activities to entertain those who visit. In warmer seasons, the same ski trails offer hikers and Bird Watchers a premier view of the natural beauty the area is known for.  

A PROFESSIONAL DESTINATION

While a lot of attention has been made to the individual travelers, the destination itself has become a perfect meeting place for professionals of multiple faculties. While speaking with the Kristina Von Trapp, she was delighted to share a host of professional groups that will be hosting their conventions and organizations on their property.  With the property hosting both outdoor events and a 6,000 sq/ft meeting space, multiple groups and brands are proud to host their get-togethers at the home Maria made.  

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re visiting to celebrate The Sound of Music, explore the natural beauty of Vermont, or enjoy Austrian hospitality in the heart of New England, the von Trapp Family Lodge offers something special for every guest. As the legacy of Maria, the Captain, and the von Trapp family continues, the lodge remains a living tribute to their spirit — where music, nature, and hospitality harmonize beautifully.