Sugarbush Ski Resort Vermont is located in the scenic Mad River Valley. The valley retains an authentic New England charm that is carried over to Sugarbush Ski Resort.
Sugarbush Ski Resort Vermont was founded in 1958. In 1979, the resort obtained next-door Mount Ellen ski area. To this day, Sugarbush Ski Resort has two base areas: Lincoln Peak (part of the original Sugarbush ski area) and Mount Ellen. The two are connected by a 10-minute ride on a high-speed quad chair through a dividing canyon.
For much of the 1990s, the huge ski corporation American Skiing Company owned Sugarbush Ski Resort Vermont. The corporation did much to update the mountain, but refrained from changing its classic New England ambience. Sugarbush Ski Resort now has extensive snowmaking capabilities and several high-speed lifts, but the slopeside accommodation has a rustic charm and the runs are steep and narrow. A trip to ski Sugarbush Vermont is old-time New England at its best.
Trails at Sugarbush Ski Area are nicely balanced for all abilities. The area served by Castlerock lift on Lincoln Peak is a paradise for experts — the long Castlerock run is a perennial favorite, Liftline under the lift is the most challenging slope in the area. Ripcord and Paradise off the Heaven’s Gate lift are good for mogul lovers. Nearby Organgrinder is a longer, wider steep slope that runs almost the Lincoln Peak base.
Mount Ellen has some challenging black runs at its peak, but most of this area is best for intermediates. Rim Run takes a nice meandering path from the very peak of Mount Ellen.
On Lincoln Peak at Sugarbush Ski Area, intermediates will find some enjoyable blue runs from the top of the Super Bravo chair and the Gate House Express. Jester run, which begins at the peak off Heaven’s Gate lift, meanders almost the entire 2,650-foot vertical drop of Sugarbush Ski Area.
Beginners will also find much to make them want to ski Sugarbush Vermont. On Lincoln Peak, begin with Easy Rider off the Village Double lift then head to Pushover off the Gate House Express. On Mount Ellen, try the runs around the Sunshine lift then head to Walt’s Trail off the Inverness lift.
The Mad River Valley is home to some of Vermont’s best bed and breakfasts and inns. Try the much recommended Round Barn Farm B&B or West Hill House B&B. For an authentic New England ski lodge, visit Mad River Barn Inn. The Inn is also close to Mad River Glen Ski Area, a smaller but more laid-back resort in the Mad River Valley.
Sugarbush Ski Resort Vermont is about 20 miles south of Waterbury Vermont off Route 100. The international airport at Burlington is about an hour away. Taking a trip to ski Sugarbush Vermont is a chance to see authentic New England ski resorts and stay in quaint Vermont inns.
