Sugarbush Resort

(Photo: Sugarbush Resort)

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. 10 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. Ikon Pass holders get unlimited days at the resort with no blackout dates; Ikon Base pass holders get unlimited days, but with blackout-restricted 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 $459.

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.
Sugarbush’s website

(Photo: Sugarbush Resort) 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. 10 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. Ikon Pass holders get unlimited days at the resort with no blackout dates; Ikon Base pass holders get unlimited days, but with blackout-restricted 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 $459. 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. Sugarbush’s website