About Sugarbush

In 2001, Win Smith and a group of investors founded Summit Ventures NE LLC to purchase Sugarbush Resort from the American Skiing Company. Win operated Sugarbush for 18 years, during which time he and his team invested over $70 million in mountain improvements. Under his leadership, Sugarbush expanded its infrastructure with 7 new lifts, upgraded its snowmaking system, and made significant investments in guest experiences. On January 14, 2020, Sugarbush Resort was acquired by Alterra Mountain Company, which owns 16 premier ski resorts across the USA and Canada, including Stratton Mountain, Mont Tremblant, Deer Valley, Steamboat, and Palisades Tahoe.

In September 2020, John Hammond, a long-time team member with over 30 years at Sugarbush, took over as President and Chief Operating Officer. A graduate of the University of Vermont with a BS in Recreational Management, John previously served as Vice President of Mountain Operations and Recreational Services.

Sugarbush Resort: Skiing, Lodging, and Dining in the Mad River Valley
Sugarbush spans two mountain areas—Lincoln Peak and Mt. Ellen—offering diverse terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all levels. With multiple lodging options, dining venues, and an award-winning ski school, Sugarbush is a premier destination for winter sports enthusiasts. The resort also features a fully appointed Health and Recreation Center for guests to unwind after a day on the slopes.

Throughout the winter season, Sugarbush employs approximately 165 year-round staff and up to 1,000 during peak season, all dedicated to providing the best possible guest experience.

Mountain Improvements and Expansion at Sugarbush
Since the early 2000s, Sugarbush has focused on a comprehensive revitalization of its base areas. The development of Clay Brook Hotel and Residences and Gate House Lodge in 2006, followed by The Farmhouse and The Schoolhouse skier-service buildings in 2010, marked a significant evolution. The resort also completed Rice Brook Residences in 2013, offering townhomes and condominiums. In 2016, the Gadd Brook Slopeside condominiums were added, providing slopeside living options for visitors.

Sugarbush’s commitment to enhancing the guest experience continues with the support of Alterra Mountain Company, bringing additional resources to further develop the resort in the coming years.

Year-Round Activities at Sugarbush
Sugarbush offers year-round adventures, from world-class skiing and snowboarding in the winter to scenic lift rides, hiking, disc golf, and kids’ adventure camps in the summer. The resort is also known for hosting weddings and conferences at its stunning mountain venues. The Sugarbush Golf Club, designed by legendary architect Robert Trent Jones, Sr., adds to the resort’s year-round appeal.

Explore the Mad River Valley
Located in the scenic Mad River Valley of Vermont, Sugarbush is surrounded by a vibrant local community known for its farm-to-table dining and outdoor recreation. From Lawson’s Finest Liquids craft brewery to von Trapp Farmstead’s artisan cheese, the area boasts celebrated producers of local meats, dairy, and vegetables. In addition to mountain biking, hiking, and fishing, the valley is famous for its swimming holes and access to the Long Trail and the cooperative Mad River Glen ski area.

Sugarbush Wall of Fame and Community Legacy
Sugarbush has always celebrated its history, and the Sugarbush Wall of Fame honors those who have made significant contributions to the resort experience from 1958 to the present. From exciting events to unforgettable bluebird days, we look forward to continuing to create lasting memories with our guests.

Fun Facts

Sugarbush opens on Christmas Day in 1958 with the greatest vertical rise in the east.
In 1993, Warren Miller Films at Sugarbush.
First gondola in the United States.
The Slide Brook Express Quad is the longest and fastest detachable quad in the world. Installed in 1995, this chairlift travels a total of 11,012 feet between Lincoln Peak and Mt. Ellen.
The Wunderbar is the first bar to open at a ski resort.
Sugarbush is sold in 2001 to Win Smith and Joe Riemer.
In the 1960s, Stein Eriksen, Olympic Gold medalist served as director of the Sugarbush Ski School.
In 1963 Walt Elliot opened Glen Ellen, now known as Mt. Ellen. Over the years some of the trails have changed names. Here are some favorites: Scotch Mist » Black Diamond Rush, Hoot Mon » Walt’s Trail, Royal Tartan » Hammerhead, Devil’s Elbow » Elbow and Aberdeen Alley » Northway.
Building quads in 2017 – the Village Double and Sunshine Double are replaced with fixed-grip quad lifts.
The 1995-96 and 2016-17 are tied for the most snowfall in one season. Those seasons we received 363”
The Vermont Band Phish played at Mt. Ellen July 16th, 1994, and July 2nd and 3rd, 1995.
First Eastern resort with cat skiing.

Where We've Been

The Gadd Era (1958-1977)

On December 25, 1958 Damon and Sara Gadd and their partner, Jack Murphy, opened Sugarbush. Lixi Fortna, hired to help run the mountain, shared duties with Damon, Sara and Jack—from ticket selling to tending bar, the four worked long hours by candlelight. Lift tickets were just $5.50. Damon and Sara brought well-known figures to work for the resort, such as Peter Estin, Sigi Buchmayr, and Stein Eriksen. This group drew big-name guests such as the Kennedy clan, actress Kim Novak, fashion designer Oleg Cassini and his brother, Igor—a gossip columnist, heirs and heiresses, a countess or two, and lots of models. This Jet Set crowd became the standard for the Sugarbush scene and the resort became known as “Mascara Mountain.”

Press from the Gadd Era:

Skiing, Gondolas With Soul
Ski Mag, 1960 Legacy
Sports Illustrated, November 18, 1963

The Cohen Era (1977-1983)

In 1977 the Gadds sold Sugarbush to Roy Cohen, who invested millions of dollars expanding the resort. In 1979 Cohen purchased neighboring Glen Ellen Ski Area and created Sugarbush North—the third highest mountain in Vermont.

The ARA Services Era (1983-1984)

In 1983 ARA Services, a Philadelphia food supplier purchased the Resort. In 1984 the Italian-made gondola, installed by the Gadds, was removed and was superceded by the Super Bravo and Heaven’s Gate triple chairs. This change increased uphill capacity from 450 skiers per hour to 1,800.

The Claneil Era (1984-1995)

ARA Services sold the Resort in 1984 to another Philadelphia company, Claneil Enterprises. In 1990, Claneil management installed three new lifts on Mt. Ellen, including the “world’s fastest quad,” the Green Mountain Express. A base to summit ride was cut from 21 minutes to 13 and lift lines virtually disappeared. Sugarbush was transformed into a four-season resort by Claneil’s purchase of the Sugarbush Inn and Country Townhouses, the golf course, tennis center, three restaurants, and a cross-country ski complex, plus securing the management of seven condominium complexes.

The Les Otten/ASC Era (1995-2001)

Les Otten purchased Sugarbush in May 1995 with the intention of revitalizing Sugarbush in the largest single-season lift and snowmaking expansion in North American ski industry history. Less than six months later, Sugarbush had seven new lifts, three-hundred percent more snowmaking, a 63 million gallon snowmaking pond, and its two base areas were connected with the Slide Brook Express—the longest and fastest high speed quad in the world. Mr. Otten and the American Skiing Company sold the resort to Summit Ventures in the autumn of 2001.

The Summit Ventures Era (2001-2019)

Sugarbush was owned by Summit Ventures NE LLC, whose majority owner was Win Smith and his family along with a few other individuals including Adam Greshin. During those years, over $70 million was invested in revitalizing the base area at Lincoln Peak. Three new lodges were constructed as well as Clay Brook Hotel & Residences and Rumble’s restaurant. Additionally, seven new lifts were installed and significant upgrades were made to the snowmaking system. A number of innovations were also introduced such as new pass products and the Cabin Cat, which allowed for first tracks on powder mornings and evening dinners at Allyn’s Lodge followed by a guided ski down on freshly groomed trails.

Alterra Mountain Company Era (2020-Present)

Sugarbush was purchased by Alterra Mountain Company in January 2020. The company is a family of 15 iconic year-round mountain destinations, including the world’s largest heli-ski operation, offering the Ikon Pass, the globe’s newest season pass that invites skiers and riders to seek the unique of each mountain. Headquartered in Denver, Colorado, with destinations across the continent, Alterra Mountain Company is rooted in the spirit of the mountains and united by a passion for outdoor adventure. Alterra honors each destination’s unique character and authenticity and celebrates the legendary adventures and enduring memories they bring to everyone www.alterramtnco.com.