Agreed on the businesses being lovely and kind even during rush time. I just got back from what I admit was a very poorly-timed couple of days in Stowe (we're not even skiers, please don't ask what we were thinking), and it was definitely mobbed but our experience all weekend was that as long as we cheerfully accepted the crowds and erratic holiday hours, places cheerfully did their best to accommodate us. Ask nicely, wait patiently, tip well. It's so easy!