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16. Sugarbush Resort, Vermont
In a state known for rural beauty, Sugarbush may have the prettiest corner of any ski area. In the bucolic Mad River Valley, residents find a way to embrace tourism without spoiling the natural beauty that attracts tourists. Along with beautiful views, Sugarbush has an often under-appreciated variety of charismatic terrain. Skiers rave about Castlerock, of course, with its ungroomed steeps and throwback fixed-grip vibe.
Over at Mt. Ellen, Sugarbush’s whole other ski area connected by commuter lift and the huge tracts of Slide Brook sidecountry, there’s more of the real-Vermonty feel on trails like Black Diamond, Exterminator, Tumbler, and Hammerhead. That said, the resort’s finer things don’t go neglected. Visitors praise the dining experiences both on and off-mountain, the tastefulness of Lincoln Peak’s base-area architecture, and the resort’s bold decision to offer Vermont-only beers from its taps.
The one criticism of Sugarbush: it’s a little hard to get to. Of all the ways to get to the mountain, none perfect, Route 100 is certainly the prettiest. The stretch connecting Killington and Sugarbush might be one of the most scenic drives in all of Vermont. – Joe Cutts
No. 16 in the East: Sugarbush Resort, Vt.
Sugarbush Mountain Stats
| Average Snowfall | Acres | Lifts | Trails |
| 250″ | 481 | 16 | 111 |
Sugarbush Pass Info
Sugarbush is on the Ikon Pass and the Mountain Collective. Ikon Pass holders get 7 days at the resort; Ikon Base pass holders get 5 blackout-restricted days. Mountain Collective pass holders get 2 days at the resort, plus 50 percent off additional days.
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 Sugarbush, Vt.
Après Spot
Perennial faves include The Hydeaway (local flavor) and Lawson’s Finest Liquids (beer worship), but the Green Mountain Lounge at Mt. Ellen is a true classic.
Best Brews
If you came for the beer, you’re in the right place. The Bush exclusively serves Vermont brews, including Sip of Sunshine, which is brewed locally and is also available at the Lawson’s Finest taproom in town.
Dinner Pick
American Flatbread still rules the food scene, and it’s still worth the wait. But there’s a tasty boom of new and newish restaurants in Waitsfield: Check out The Sweet Spot, Sage Restaurant, Toast & Eggs, and Stoke Ramen Bar.
Gathering Place
The Castle Rock Pub’s patio, already a cool spot, gets a little warmer with outdoor fireplaces in addition to the wood-fired oven.
Good Value
Getting old has its perks: starting at age 65, you’re eligible for the Boomer Pass. Unlimited midweek skiing, plus discounts on blackout days, starting at $139.
Challenge
Try Black Diamond, off the summit at Mt. Ellen, and Ripcord, off Heaven’s Gate at Lincoln Peak, and compare for yourself.
Bragging Rights
Castlerock is plenty tough, and better known. But the toughest runs are at Mount Ellen: Black Diamond and FIS.
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How Sugarbush is Evolving in the Age of IKON
Everything changes. Vermont's Sugarbush is no stranger to that concept. So when Alterra Mountain Company bought the resort late last year, the locals let out a collective sigh. What would this mean for their beloved ski mecca, “the Vermontiest of Vermont ski resorts?” Turns out, change isn’t always to be feared.
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Resort Guide 2013: #11 Sugarbush
“Authentic, classic Vermont ski experience with a nice blend of modern amenities.”
Ski Resort Disc Golf
At these resorts the lifts run through the summer to access some of the best high-altitude disc-golf courses in the country.
Inside Line: Sugarbush, VT
A new base village and a growing emphasis on steep, powder-stuffed glades have made Sugarbush one of Vermont’s top resorts. The ski area offers 111 trails, served by 16 lifts, spread across three peaks, each with its own distinct flavor. For manicured steeps and fat bumps, hit Lincoln Peak. For no-bullshit, rowdy terrain, schralp Castlerock. For underutilized glades and meandering cruisers, there’s always Mount Ellen. Here’s how to make the most of all three.
Weekends: Sugarbush, Vt.
Long-awaited slopeside niceties complement the terrain at this Vermont resort.
Blueberry Lake Cross Country Center
An old fashioned place devoted to simple snow fun.
Alta Day Spa
Stop by after a day on the slopes.
The Skatium
We finally found a way to enjoy all of that New England ice.
Allyn's Lodge
Enjoy a ride on the Lincoln Limo.
Timbers Restaurant
Enjoy local food in a Vermont round barn, post and beam restaurant.
The Best Runs at Sugarbush
You unload from the lift, tighten your boots, and secure your poles, now what? Sugarbush has challenging trails for intermediates through experts from all three high peak lifts.
Purple Moon Pub
They have a late night food menu. Enough said.
The Spa at The Sugarbush Health and Racquet Club
A variety of massages delivered to your doorstep.
Big Picture Theater and Cafe
More entertainment than a theater, and more party than a cafe.
Your Authentic Self
A day spa and wellness center that revives and rejuvenates.
Icelandic Horse Farm
View Vermont from the saddle.
Extreme Sledding
Buy local. The Mad River Rocket Sled was invented in the valley, and is still manufactured right in Warren.
Ben and Jerry’s Winter Festival
Ice cream in winter? A great new tradition.
Cold Hollow Cider Mill
Hot apple cider, local wine, and fresh fudge made under one roof.
MINT
If the word vegetarian makes you shudder, and you can’t go a day without a hamburger, then you’ve clearly never been to MINT.
The Warren Store
Small town Vermont charm meets big city bistro fare.
The Inn at the Mad River Barn
The coziest barn you'll ever sleep in.
West Hill House
Local wines, a mountain-themed room, and a three-course breakfast, if those three things aren’t enough to make you feel warm inside, the crackling fire will be.
Castlerock Pub
With drinks that taste like desserts, this après-ski hot spot will almost make you want to quit early. Almost.
American Flatbread
When the line to get in resembles the lift line on a powder day, you know you've chosen the right place to eat.
The Common Man
Fine dining in a barn? Only in Vermont will you find a place where barn raising mixes with fine wines so well.
Round Barn Farm
An ideal bed and breakfast in Waitsfield.
The Pitcher Inn
An exercise in stealth pampering.
Claybrook
One not to miss, right at the base of Sugarbush.
Vermont’s First Cat-Skiing Operation
Get dibs on freshies at Sugarbush this spring.
How To Ski: Clinics
A single-day lesson always helps, but to truly transform your skiing takes a commitment of time and energy. Here are our favorite multi-day immersion clinics that will finally take you to the next level. From Vail to Vermont, the list includes a resort near you.
Speed Week with Doug Lewis
Doug Lewis's clinic at Sugarbush will satisfy your need for speed.
Regional Round-Up
Check out SkiNet's Bloggers from around the country. Want to know the happening in your area? Look no further.
Lodging: The Best Places to Ski & Stay
We'll be frequently updating this page so you can find the perfect place to crash after a perfect bluebird day.
Lodging: Sugarbush, VT
With a long-overdue hotel at its base, a once-glam Vermont resort is looking up.
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