For many families, this hill is the foundation upon which many special ski memories are built. For diehards, Mad River Glen will always be a skier’s mountain—a rite of passage for any Vermonter who considers him or herself a true skier.

Ask a Mad River skier to sum up what makes the resort so special, and you get a laundry-list: genuinely challenging terrain highlighted by playful tree runs, cliff drops, and fast groomers; the best service imaginable thanks to employees who truly love their jobs; affordable lift tickets that aren’t scanned by robotic gates; hearty food and Sip of Sunshine IPAs at the legendary General Stark’s Pub; and a real sense of simplicity and continuity in the ever-changing climate of the American ski industry.

To summarize, this small-but-mighty ski area serves up a thrilling yet refreshing experience—a trip back in time, some would say—that’s arguably impossible to find elsewhere these days. Hop on the single chair, take in the scenery, shred the fall line, beam with joy, and repeat. – Connor W. Davis

Resort Guide 2022—Mad River Glen, Vt.

Mad River Glen Mountain Stats

Mad River Glen Pass Info

Mad River Glen is not on any multi-resort passes. Info about MRG season passes can be found here.

Trip Planning

From lodging and and dining to off-slope activities and local tips, here are the SKI editors’ picks for what to do in Mad River Glen, Vt.

Mandatory Run

The single chair gets all the hype, and for good reason, but the abutting Sunnyside Chair has plenty of goods to offer as well. Ride it to the top, hop off left, and pop into Gazelle Glades on skier’s right for some of Vermont’s best tree skiing, filled with playful knolls and natural features.

Local Tip

If you have snow tires—and you better if you’re going skiing in Vermont—take some time to aimlessly drive the backroads of Warren and Waitsfi eld. They’ll transport you to a very happy place, guaranteed.

Good Value

Every year, Mad River Glen honors its original, 1949 lift ticket prices for one day, and one day only. This season’s event takes place on January 28, 2020. Full-access day tickets are—no joke—$3.50.

Best Breakfast

Stop into the Big Picture Cafe in Waitsfield. This. Place. Rules. Killer sit-down breakfast (lunch and dinner, too) seven days a week.

Challenge

Legit vert, even by Western standards, can be found here. Try Paradise, a steep and narrow glade, and Lift Line, a feature-filled run below the iconic single chair.

Local Flavor

Make it your business to stop into The Sweet Spot in Waitsfield for a cone of maple ice cream.

Value

Score free season passes for kids 12 and under with the purchase of a Family Mad Card or Adult Season Pass.

Bragging Rights

Prove yourself in the chutes of Paradise, which might be considered ice-climbing routes at less core mountains.

On-Hill Eats 

General Stark’s Pub serves up soup, local beers, and a heavy dose of MRG history in the photos plastered to the walls.

Don’t Miss

Full-moon snowshoe and beer tasting with celebrity brewer Sean Lawson, who is also one of MRG’s staff naturalists.

Mad River Glen’s Website