Spring Skiing in Vermont

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Sugarbush Resort is in the scenic Mad River Valley of Vermont, and averages 250 inches of snow a year. That means, no matter how warm the weather or how little snow there is elsewhere, there’s still plenty of mountain snow here for anyone looking for a spring skiing or boarding fling. In fact, the resort typically stays open until the first weekend in May!

With the highest vertical drop at 2,600 feet, and 16 lifts connecting a whopping 111 different trails, from beginner greens to expert black double-diamonds, there’s something for everyone no matter what level. That is one of the best things about skiing here – you don’t have to be an expert to experience downward slopes at high elevations, as each peak is accessible via intermediate blue runs.

Two Mountains

The resort is spread out over 4,000 acres and two separate mountain ranges, Lincoln Peak and Mt. Ellen. Although it was the first resort to have a gondola in the US, today that’s gone and there are just old-fashioned chairlifts. The staggered system with separated summit and base lifts makes for a better experience on busy days, when crowds can be dispersed between the upper or lower system of slopes. The two distinct ski areas are connected via shuttle bus or by the over two-mile long quad Slide Brook Express chairlift, an experience in itself, spanning 11,012 feet, the longest and fastest detachable quad in the world. Interestingly, High Times magazine once referred to it as “the best chairlift to smoke a joint on.”

Lincoln Peak is the more accessible of the two mountains, offering the most runs with something for everyone, including lessons for first-timers. It’s also where Castlerock Peak is located, which is best left to the experienced, with steep and winding narrow trails meandering down to the base. Accommodations, restaurants, rentals and other facilities are all located there.

Mt. Ellen is the third highest peak in Vermont and is serviced by the highest chairlift in the state. It has a 2,600 ft. vertical drop from the summit which towers above at over 4,000 feet and can be reached via a network of chair lifts. From there, skiers and boarders can opt for the blue Rim Run or the more experienced can jump on the black double-diamond runs to make their way down. These runs are all quite a bit wider, less busy, and have amazing views. There’s also a terrain park here for more adventurous types.

The 2.000 square ft Side Brook Basin is nestled between the two mountains, and isn’t trail marked on the official map, meaning you’re primarily doing this on your own making tracks as you wind your way through the wild treeline.  For those attempting this, however, you aren’t completely on your own, as there’s a shuttle pick up at the bottom that takes you back to base camp. Snowshoeing is available, either self-guided or on designated terrain with guided tours into Slide Brook Basin. Although not available here, cross-country skiing is offered at a variety of other places in Mad River Valley, as are Fat Bike rentals.

The Town of Waitsfield

Waitsfield is a small town located 15 minutes from Sugarbush where there’s are a variety of fast food and full-service restaurants. Clearwater Sports there is where you should head for all your outdoor adventure needs. Although on the small side, currently there are three different craft breweries there. The largest is Lawson’s Finest Liquids, which recently opened a tap room for sampling, along with a wonderful snack selection. The other two, Collaborative Brewing & Cousins Brewing are much smaller and simpler but are definitely worth a stop for a brew.

Mad River Distillers is also here but doesn’t allow visitors to their production plant right now. Those interested in sampling should visit Mad River Taste Place, a unique concept that allows visitors to try before they buy, offering a wide range of products from booze to chocolates, preserves, and a great selection of Vermont cheeses from one of the nearly 50 farms and creameries producing locally. Try the Barr Hill craft distilled gins and vodka by Caledonia Spirits out of Montpelier.

Other Mountain Offerings

Not far from Sugarbush is Mad River Glen, a skier-owned cooperative originally opened in 1948 with a single chairlift and one of the first major ski areas in Vermont. Today, that single chairlift is the last remaining in the country, with three double chairlifts added since. Trails here were formed to follow the mountain’s natural contours and are coated with only real snow. On the one hand skiers can descend the entire 2,037 feet of vertical on true expert terrain with absolutely no runouts, or there are plenty of blue and green options for others.  Sorry, but no boarding here.

As well, Bolton Valley is a great little mountain range offering downhill, snowshoeing, Nordic back-country skiing and fat biking, and is one of the only slopes with night skiing. There’s also an indoor skating and biking park, pool, sauna, hot tub, and gym to enjoy off the hills.