Sugarbush Resort: Mad River Valley, Vermont

Welcome back to Skiing Through Life! In this post we’re going to explore my favorite Vermont ski location, Sugarbush Ski Resort in Warren, VT. Sugarbush is located in Northern Vermont’s Mad River Valley which comprises many different popular ski areas. Having skied in Vermont multiple times, Sugarbush is my personal favorite because it has so many trails and the emphasis they have on fun and safety! Keeping in mind the 5 review categories, let’s get started!

Level of Difficulty

Sugarbush Resort’s tallest peak stands at about 4,000 feet making for some steep lines, but also less challenging ones where the mountain bottoms out. With 111 trails and wooded areas, Sugarbush Resort is spread over 6 different peaks: Mt. Ellen (the tallest), Lincoln Peak, Castlerock Peak, North Lynx Peak, Gadd Peak, and Inverness Peak. Of these ski trails, 38 of them are black/double black diamond and 73 of them are blue and green trails. Considering this ratio, Sugarbush definitely offers a great variety if you’re skiing with a mixed group of skiers! If double black diamonds aren’t challenging enough, Sugarbush also offers 97 acres (28 “trails”) of wooded area for skiing between trees. In addition to groomed trails and wooded areas, Sugarbush has three different terrain parks with new features added every year. It’s certain that wherever you are on the mountain, you won’t be bored! 

Family-Friendliness

Group Ski Lesson

Sugarbush resort has multiple amenities for families. One of the features of Sugarbush is that it has 26 green trails for kids that are just starting out or even adults that are trying skiing for the first time. At the bottom of the main mountain, and on the lower half of Mt. Ellen, Sugarbush even has green trails that are designated as slow and controlled skiing areas. As for lessons, Sugarbush offers many different programs such as group ski and snowboard lessons, private ski and snowboard lessons, lessons specifically taught for first time skiers, a first timer to life timer program, and a special ski and ride school for young children. In the ski and ride program kids in group lessons are always accompanied by two or more instructors and lift staff are always there to help kids get on the ski lifts. Within the terrain parks there are also designated areas with smaller features for younger skiers/snowboarders to try out.

Apres Ski Activities

Sugarbush Village

At sugarbush, one of the best apres ski activities are going out to their restaurants. Some of the mountain’s most popular places are Rumble’s Kitchen, Hogan’s Pub, and Fit to be Thai’d. Another option for meals is to visit the Paradise Market, a small grocery shop perfect for picking up a few things for breakfast, lunch, or dinner. For those that love shopping, taking a quick ride into town will bring you to shops such as The Collection, Warren Store, The Store, and Alpine Options. Many of the stores on the way up to the mountain will have ski rentals on hand which is great if you don’t want to rent skis or snowboards at the resort. Other activities on the mountain include adventures like sunset groomer rides or first tracks, provided by Cabin Cat Adventures. Through outside companies, guests can also do guided snowshoe tours through Sugarbush’s backcountry and woods.

Weather/Snowfall

Last year Sugarbush’s snow totals reached about 16 feet during their 2017-2018 winter season. This winter is projected to be a snowy one, predicted by the Farmer’s Almanac. Last winter, the resort had 54 total days of snowfall and their biggest snowfall was 23 inches! Their base stays at an average of 3 inches of snow and their summit it usually coverage in an average of 41 inches of snow. The resort is set to open around November 22nd and close for the spring on May 3rd. Usually Vermont has a bit of spring skiing, but it’s rare that they keep trails open past the end of April.

Accessibility 

Sugarbush Mountain

From State College, Sugarbush Resort is about eight hours away, and from my home in NJ, the drive is about six hours. The mountain is very accessible especially because it is located in a valley. The drive down into town is a maximum of 20 minutes from the housing farthest away from the main access roads. The drive into Sugarbush is very beautiful especially if you’re driving in the valley around dusk on a snowy day. There’s beautiful wide open land with the mountain sitting right in front of you and once you enter the town of Warren, you’ll drive the 15 minute climb up to the resort.

Sugarbush holds a special place in my heart as it’s one of my family’s favorite resorts. There’s a great balance of beginner and advanced trails and tons of activities to do during the day or even after skiing.

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