Mad River Valley

Sugarbush is located in the Mad River Valley and nestled in the Green Mountains. While there are plenty of fun activities for you and your family on Resort, the surrounding areas offer a lot to do too! Spend an afternoon shopping in Waitsfield after a day of adventure, or get out and explore some of the local trails on Cross Country skis or snowshoes. There's something for everyone in store.

Summer Valley Activities


Hiking and Mountain Biking

Sugarbush Resort is located in the heart of the Green Mountains and spans through the Long Trail system. You can start your trek from bottom of Lincoln Peak or Mt. Ellen, take the chair lift up to Allyn’s Lodge or park your car at the top of the Lincoln Gap or the Appalachian Gap, and start your adventure from there. Within a half hour drive you can also access trails to hike Camels Hump and Burnt Rock. Along with premier hiking, the Mad River Valley boasts wonderful mountain biking, walking and lower elevation hiking trails managed by the Mad River Riders - Vermont Mountain Bike Association (45 miles) and the Mad River Path Association (8 miles).

Winter Valley Activities
More than just Skiing
There are still plenty of ways to enjoy the mountain even if you don’t intend to ski and ride.

Snowshoeing

Snowshoeing in the woods is a great way to experience the quiet, to see signs of wildlife, and get great exercise during winter. There are two ways to enjoy Sugarbush woods on snowshoes: either self-guided access to designated terrain or guided tours into Slide Brook Basin.

Outback Guided Snowshoe Tours

Our Outback Guides lead snowshoe adventures into Slide Brook Basin, home territory of black bear, moose, deer, coyote, bobcat, fisher, ermine, owl, turkey, & woodpecker. Tours through the basin are physically warming and mentally stimulating as natural features found in passing give clues to the lives of Slide Brook’s inhabitants. Though actual critter sightings are rare, trekkers will learn to interpret tracks, scarred trees, nipped branches, and to recognize the sounds in the forest. - Ages 13+ - 2.5-3 hrs - Meeting place: The Farmhouse (skier services building) - Under 18 yrs requires release signed by parent/guardian. - Snow boots required. Layered clothing and daypack recommended. - Conditions permitting. - Customized tours are available.

Self Guided Snowshoeing on Marked Trails

Explore marked trails at both Sugarbush locations: - Lincoln Peak: Gate House Snowshoe Trail, Warren House Trail, & Village Woods Trail - Mount Ellen: Lockwood Loop Trail, with a second trail under development Sugarbush Self-Guided Snowshoe Trail Maps are also available at Guest Services, the Ski & Ride Schoolhouse, Lodging, and Rental Shops.

Cross Country Skiing

Ole's Cross Country Center

The combination of snow and scenery at Ole's Cross Country Center in the Mad River Valley is perfect for skiing and snowshoeing. Discover 30 miles (45 K) of moderately rolling trails groomed for classic skiing and ski skating. Skiers of all abilities can ski to panoramic views of Sugarbush or into the rare quiet of deep woods.

Blueberry Lake Cross Country Center

Beginner to expert. All trails are skating width and set with a single track and are engineered and graded for the average skiers' comfort and enjoyment. Snow farming on all trails, though minimal snow is made, as natural snow is creatively moved around for maximum coverage. Dogs welcome.

Call 802-496-6687

Ice Fishing

Ice fishing is popular and a lot of fun. Each winter thousands of anglers venture onto Vermont’s frozen lakes seeking pan fish for the dinner table as well as trophy-size lake trout and northern pike.

Ice Skating

You can rent ice skates at Clearwater Sports, Route 100, Waitsfield, (496-2708). There is ice skating at the Skatium in Waitsfield, an outdoor community arena open to the public. Located next to Shaw's Waitsfield.

Dining

Sugarbush has become a culinary destination that offers both hyper-local-Vermont as well as international cuisine. From classic ski bars to fireside mid-mountain dining, the resort offers a wide variety of dining options. Rumble’s Bistro & Bar offers fresh, American cuisine in a fun atmosphere, while après ski bars Castlerock Pub and Wunderbar at Lincoln Peak and Green Mountain Lounge at Mt. Ellen offer plenty of local beers, hearty foods, and occasional life music. Additional dining options include Fit to be Thai’d serving authentic Thai cuisine, and the Waffle Cabin with homemade waffles.

Surrounding Areas

The Mad River Valley is centrally located to a number of tourist hotspots in the state. Nearby Waterbury, which has unofficially been nicknamed “The Beer Capital of Vermont”, boasts plenty of pubs and restaurants. Ben & Jerry’s, perhaps the most well-known Vermont brand worldwide, is headquartered in Waterbury offering factory tours, gift shop, and scoop shop.

Burlington, Vermont’s largest city, is just under an hour away and provides plenty of shopping, restaurants, concerts, and theaters settled on the shores of Lake Champlain. Nearby, Shelburne Museum in Shelburne, VT provides a unique experience of American history, art and design with 39 distinct historical structures full of rich history.

While best known as Vermont’s capital city, Montpelier is also known for its active restaurant scene. As the nation’s smallest state capital, Montpelier’s intimate size, historic neighborhoods and diverse community make it a great city to visit.