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Sugarbush Ski Resort – Acres of Ski Heaven

Sugarbush Ski Resort is welcoming, affordable, and has an easy going charm that will win the heart of any ski family or powder hound. There are so many things to love about the state of Vermont and the Vermont Ski scene, and there are endless options for every skier. But it’s easy to see why Sugarbush is one of the most beloved spots to hit the slopes.

Owned and operated by a small group of private investors, led by local residents, Win Smith and Adam Greshin, Sugarbush Ski Resort is focused on the pure joy of skiing for all ages.

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Sugarbush Ski Resort – Makes A Mark

Located in the Mad River Valley in Warren, Vermont, Sugarbush is over 4,000 plus total acres of skiing heaven. This gorgeous, family-friendly resort has consistently shown that its one of the great places to tear up the powder in Vermont. In fact, it was named “Best Ski Town in the East” by Outside Magazine.

Something for Every Level

With 6 peaks, 2 mountain areas that are gloriously uncrowded, and acres of backcountry, plus cross country too, Sugarbush Ski Resort is a place that welcomes all types of skiers.

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Be Better Here

The slogan BE BETTER HERE really sums it up for me. After two days of lessons with a veteran instructor named Pate, I am confident the entire family left Sugarbush better skiers than when we arrived. In fact, I don’t think you can ski at Sugarbush and NOT leave a little bit better. There are multiple excellent black diamonds and so many magnificent blues. There’s a great little terrain area for children learning and doing kid’s camps on site, (just behind the Schoolhouse) and there are 24 green trails too.

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The Slopes

Of course for most, it’s all about the mountain slopes, and with 6 peaks, Sugarbush has them in abundance. We stuck to the blue trails, some greens and one or two black diamonds. Be warned, Vermont skiing is a whole other level in comparison to Ontario, Canada ski hills. Vermont has stunning picturesque trails and mountains that will take your breath away. Lincoln Peak has some great options.

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These peaks offer:

  • 111 Trails: 24 easy green trails, 51 intermediate, and 36 expert
  • 21 Glades
  • 3 Terrain Parks
  • 16 Lifts: including 3 double, 2 triple, and 5 hi-speed quad
  • 578 Skiable Acres

Although all 6 peaks are fantastic, two get the spotlight here – Lincoln Peak and Mt. Ellen.

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Lincoln Peak

Lincoln Peak is classic New England skiing. The bulk of the resort’s terrain is on this slope, with an abundance of slopes and trails. After hitting the powder, visitors can relax at Clay Brook slopeside hotel in Lincoln Peak Village. They can also find everything they need at the general store and enjoy fine and low key dining and take advantage of children’s day ski-and-ride programs. This is where we spent most of our time when we visited this month.

Exceptional and Challenging Ski Runs

Lincoln Peak has exceptional runs and some challenging terrain for boarders and skiers. The Mad Bus can get you to and from Lincoln Peak, which is useful if you are staying on resort, but it’s too far to walk with ski and snowboarder gear.

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Mt. Ellen

Dubbed the “Hidden Gem” of Sugarbush Ski Resort, Mt. Ellen, may have a casual feel, but it has some hardcore skiing. It boasts Vermont’s highest chairlift, a challenging terrain park, and picturesque woods and terrain.

Family-Friendly Skiing at Sugarbush Ski Resort

With its variety of slopes, children’s areas, fine and casual dining and lodging accommodations, and a friendly, laid back atmosphere that’s heavy on the powder, Sugarbush Ski Resort is one of the best places to hit the slopes in Vermont. Sugarbush opened in 1958 and it really is a must-see. If you’re planning a ski vacation, I encourage you to give Sugarbush Ski Resort a look here.

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The Schoolhouse where the kids do camps.

The Layout

At first I was honestly a bit surprised at the layout of the resort. It is quite spread out and calm. Almost zen. You won’t find any boutique shops full of overpriced clothing and souvenirs. There is no European style base village where shopping is almost as big a draw as skiing and snowboarding. That’s unique for ski resorts these days.

Growth

Sugarbush is committed to sustainable growth. They grow strategically and slowly. The mountains are the star of the show. And Sugarbush shares the love with the surrounding businesses. Food is farm to table and there are dozens of world class restaurants in Warren and Waitsfield and Mad River Valley. There are many unique shops and covered bridges in the vicinity. If you have a day, take it to go browse and shoot some photos.

My Recommendations for Dinner:

As for food I highly recommend American Flatbread and Mint. Total opposites, but so worth it. Mint has a fresh take on vegetarian food that  knocked my socks off. American Flatbread is flatbread pizza elevated.

Back to the Buildings

Also you will notice that all of the buildings at the base of Lincoln Peak and nearby are built in similar style. The atmosphere of the resort is comfortable and unassuming. Essentially this is not a pretentious space. The buildings flow naturally into the environment and even the newest condominium areas are not massive or jarring. There’s something lovely and very Vermont about the entire area.

[tweetthis]Mad Bus is efficient BUT if planning to see Warren, Waitsfield & Mad River Glen bring your own vehicle #sugarbush[/tweetthis]

A few other details:

The Sugarbush Health and Recreation Center offers indoor pool and hot tub, fitness room, tennis courts, rock gym, kids zone, and more. There are dozens of places to stay in the vicinity. You can opt for ski in and ski out or hang back at Sugarbush Inn which is less than a five minute drive from Lincoln Peak.

Traveler Tip: We drove to Sugarbush Resort in Vermont with all season tires. Don’t do that. Get the heavy duty tires on your car now. 

A Few Ways to Save Some Money at Sugarbush Ski Resort:

You can save money by getting your tickets early. If you want to ski in early December or early April you can save money on early and late season tickets also. You might do the three, four or five day flex passes if you are staying for several days in a row. Pack lunches if you want to save money on food. You can save money mid-week too if you ski Mt. Ellen. $30 Thursdays are one of the best Sugarbush deals.

[tweetthis]GREAT deal – > Don’t miss $30 Thursdays at Mt Ellen (2017) #Sugarbush #skiing #travel[/tweetthis]

Get Social:

For more information on Sugarbush Ski Resort, follow their social channels:

Facebook
Instagram
Twitter
Snapchat
YouTube
Trip Advisor
Google+
Sugarbush Magazine

Other Sugarbush details for Skiers and Snowboarders:

Summit Elevation: 4,083′

Base Elevation: 1,483′ 

Vertical Drop: 2,600′

Average Annual Snowfall: 269″

HOW TO GET THERE:

Vermont is a minimum 8 hour drive from southern Ontario. There are occasionally flights from Porter Airlines that will line up out of Toronto to Burlington Airport. From Montreal, the drive to Vermont is simple and a mere 1-2 hours tops can get you your pick of Vermont ski resorts. We drove this time and it took us 9 1/2 hours via Buffalo from London, Ontario. Porter Airlines schedules were not flexible this year unfortunately. The drive is pretty straightforward.

In the US?

If you live in the US this is a sweet and easy drive from many areas of New York, Boston, and east coast (unless it’s a snowstorm.)

 My family recently visited Sugarbush Resort as media guests so that I could write about the experience here. We enjoyed four amazing days of skiing, staying, exploring and dining in the area. We are sharing several of our experiences here. My opinion is all my own and it is truthful. 

Mom of two beautiful active girls, traveller, fitness junkie, social media consultant, and keeper of the sanity.

26 Comments

  • Alli Smith

    I’ve only been to Vermont once and I would love to go back for another visit. It’s so beautiful! I’m not much of a skier because I’m such a klutz, but I love to sit in the lodge sipping hot cocoa and watching the family ski while I read a good book. Sugarbush Ski Resort is a place I’d love to visit with the family.

  • candy

    Looks like a great resort to enjoy some ski time. Nice your whole family gets involved. I’m more the sip hot chocolate and watch the action type.

  • Jeanette

    That place looks amazing!! I have never been to Vermont, but it is on my travel list to check out! I can’t wait to go skiing out there! It looks like you all had a great time!

  • Miranda

    AMazinf picture ! I’ve never been to a ski resort but I love reading about them and peoples experiences. I have a friend who does a ski season in France and she always has amazing stories.

  • Kimberly

    I have not gone skiing in such a long time and man does that ever look tempting. It looks so beautiful there! I love the fact that it has an indoor facility – especially if say someone doesn’t want to go skiing. They can do other things at the resort. I really love that. Thanks for sharing this with us especially since winter break is coming up!

  • Pam Wattenbarger

    This looks like an awesome ski resort. My family loves skiing, and they love finding new places to ski. This sounds perfect.

  • Debalino

    SO lovely!!! We live at the opposite end of the country – but my inlaws live in Ontario. Hubs and I are thinking of spending winter with them at the end of the year – this would be a fantastic place to go with my little one’s cousins. Thank you for the tip on the winter tires (we’re an all-season bunch… gotta change that). I would love to go to Sugarbush resort.

  • Alyssa

    Ah sometimes I wish I could ski (bad hips) so I can take these recommendations! This place looks gorgeous! What a great way to spend some time as a family!

  • Danik

    This resort looks amazing. Only been to Vermont (n the summer) and the countryside/mountains look fanastic. May start skiing soon…Im missing out a lot!

  • Amanda

    Ski heaven for sure! In Illinois we don’t really have great skiing options so I’m drooling over this option. If only it were closer…my boys and I would have so much fun there!

  • krystal

    I only have visited Vermont once and it was in the fall. I am a snowboarder I hope they allow snowboarding at their resort. I will have to plan a visit during the winter and check out this resort.

  • Emma Spellman

    My dad used to take my to the ski resort often when I was younger. I miss it. I hope I can take my kids someday I had a lot of good times there.

  • Mimi Green

    I’ve never been to Vermont but I’m clearly missing out. The mister and I have been skiing but I would love to do a family trip and take the kids. They would enjoy the adventure.