It’s All About Guest Service at These 10 Eastern Resorts
If you're here to ski but welcome great guest service, check out these resorts.
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
Average Snowfall | Acres | Lifts | Trails |
250″ | 481 | 16 | 111 |
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
The Castle Rock Pub’s patio, already a cool spot, gets a little warmer with outdoor fireplaces in addition to the wood-fired oven.
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.
Try Black Diamond, off the summit at Mt. Ellen, and Ripcord, off Heaven’s Gate at Lincoln Peak, and compare for yourself.
Castlerock is plenty tough, and better known. But the toughest runs are at Mount Ellen: Black Diamond and FIS.
If you're here to ski but welcome great guest service, check out these resorts.
If you're looking to test yourself on Eastern slopes, make a beeline for these resorts.
You don't have the squeeze back into your ski boots for all of these, but you might have to loosen a button on your ski pants the next morning.
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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This will be the company's second ski resort in the Green Mountain State.
In response to the longest government shutdown in history, some ski resorts offers free lift tickets to furloughed government employees.
The season's best spots in the East for skiers, according to readers and editors.
The best part about skiing might not be the turns, the snow, or even the scenery—it's a chance to disconnect from the digital world
Think you're an expert skier? These moguls will be the judge of that.
Eastern skiers already had reason enough to visit Vermont. Now there’s another one: world-famous beers.
Here are the ski resorts with the best on-mountain food, because brown bagging doesn't always cut it.
Wondering where to ski next? We’ll make it easy. Here’s what everyone’s talking about at resorts around the country.
Whether you fancy old-school skiing or sleek, modern resort life, this New England classic's got you covered.
It's National Learn To Ski and Snowboard Month, and Vermont resorts lead the way with enticing discounts for newbies.
Seven camps to make you a better skier.
One man's determination to ski again after a paralyzing car crash.
Fly solo at a ski area that's yours for the day.
“Authentic, classic Vermont ski experience with a nice blend of modern amenities.”
At these resorts the lifts run through the summer to access some of the best high-altitude disc-golf courses in the country.
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.
Long-awaited slopeside niceties complement the terrain at this Vermont resort.
An old fashioned place devoted to simple snow fun.
Stop by after a day on the slopes.
We finally found a way to enjoy all of that New England ice.
Enjoy a ride on the Lincoln Limo.
Enjoy local food in a Vermont round barn, post and beam restaurant.
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.
They have a late night food menu. Enough said.
A variety of massages delivered to your doorstep.
More entertainment than a theater, and more party than a cafe.
A day spa and wellness center that revives and rejuvenates.
View Vermont from the saddle.
Buy local. The Mad River Rocket Sled was invented in the valley, and is still manufactured right in Warren.
Ice cream in winter? A great new tradition.
Hot apple cider, local wine, and fresh fudge made under one roof.
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.
Small town Vermont charm meets big city bistro fare.
The coziest barn you'll ever sleep in.
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.
With drinks that taste like desserts, this après-ski hot spot will almost make you want to quit early. Almost.
When the line to get in resembles the lift line on a powder day, you know you've chosen the right place to eat.
Fine dining in a barn? Only in Vermont will you find a place where barn raising mixes with fine wines so well.
An ideal bed and breakfast in Waitsfield.
An exercise in stealth pampering.
One not to miss, right at the base of Sugarbush.
Get dibs on freshies at Sugarbush this spring.
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.
Doug Lewis's clinic at Sugarbush will satisfy your need for speed.
Check out SkiNet's Bloggers from around the country. Want to know the happening in your area? Look no further.
We'll be frequently updating this page so you can find the perfect place to crash after a perfect bluebird day.
With a long-overdue hotel at its base, a once-glam Vermont resort is looking up.
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