Uphill Touring

Experience the mountain from a new angle.

Embrace the Climb: Uphill Touring at Sugarbush for Adventure and Serenity
Uphill travel at Sugarbush offers a unique way to explore the mountain, combining fitness with adventure. Whether you’re on alpine touring skis, a split board, or telemark skis, this activity allows you to ascend beyond the lifts and enjoy the terrain at your own pace. Designated routes provide access to scenic, quieter areas of the mountain, creating a peaceful escape or an invigorating challenge. At Mt Ellen, uphill travel is permitted 24/7, while Lincoln Peak routes are typically available in the mornings and evenings. Before heading out, check the snow report for current route status, as conditions and openings may vary.

For safety, all uphill travelers must have a FREE Uphill Travel Pass, which must be obtained before beginning your climb. This ensures guests are familiar with resort-specific guidelines, including the use of designated routes, adherence to operational schedules, and respect for other skiers, riders, and employees. Note that uphill travel is not permitted during the pre-early season due to unpredictable operations.

Know Before You Go
Uphill travel enhances your Sugarbush experience, but preparation is key. Always check for conditions, closures, and updated guidelines before you go. Respect our uphill policies and remember that an uphill pass is required for your safety and the safety of others. Please review the policies and check conditions/closures before heading up.

DETAILSLocation + Hours
Lincoln Peak AM Route: 4-7 AM
Lincoln Peak PM Route:5-10 PM
Mt Ellen: 4 PM - 8 AM, 8AM - 4PM

Hours of Operation
Winter Season (weather and conditions dependent!)
Know Before You Go: Uphill Travel may be open or closed with quick notice, please check the most current snow report before heading out.

Pricing
Free with an uphill travel pass
No rentals available.

Lincoln Peak AM

Lincoln Peak Morning Route

Experience the mountain in a whole new way by ascending Lincoln Peak during the quiet morning hours. Uphill travel is permitted from 4 AM to 7 AM on designated ski trails, offering a serene setting to climb and the perfect opportunity to watch the sunrise over the valley. All travelers must be off the hill by 7 AM to accommodate mountain operations. The designated route provides a steady, rewarding climb up the Valley House side, creating an enjoyable and scenic environment. Downhill travel during this time is allowed on open trails serviced by the Valley House Chair, but trails must be listed as open on the trail report. Please note that accessing closed trails or restricted areas will result in the loss of both uphill and skiing privileges.

With its combination of fitness, tranquility, and breathtaking views, early morning uphill travel at Lincoln Peak is an unforgettable way to start your day.

Lincoln Peak Morning

View a printable version of the Lincoln Peak AM Uphill Travel Route.

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Lincoln Peak PM

Lincoln Peak Evening Route

Looking for the perfect spot to refine your uphill travel skills or try out your gear for the first time? Lincoln Peak offers an excellent setting for evening adventures, with uphill travel permitted from 5 PM to 10 PM on designated ski trails. This area is ideal for beginners and those looking for an after-work jaunt under the stars.

The designated uphill route winds along Easy Rider, Lower Pushover, Pushover, and Birch Run, providing a manageable and rewarding climb. Downhill routes during this time include all trails serviced by the North Lynx and Gatehouse lifts, except Slowpoke (Terrain Park) and Castlerock Connection.

Whether you’re new to the sport or simply squeezing in some evening exercise, this quiet and scenic experience is a great way to explore the mountain and build confidence with your uphill gear.

Lincoln Peak Evening

View a printable version of the Lincoln Peak PM Uphill Travel Route.

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Mt Ellen Route

Mt Ellen Route

For a truly scenic uphill experience, Mt. Ellen offers a stunning route through the woods, following a single-track-like path from the base of the Sunshine Quad to the top of the Green Mountain Express Quad. This uphill travel route is available during all hours once Mt. Ellen is open for operations, offering a quiet, nature-filled climb that feels like a hidden gem on the mountain.
Downhill routes are available during non-operating hours (4 PM - 8 AM) and operating hours (8 AM - 4 PM), but only on trails listed as open on the Sugarbush Trail Report. Non-operating downhill routes include trails such as Lower FIS, Tumbler, Cliffs, Hammerhead, Encore, Cruiser, and more, though closures may occur due to winching operations or weather conditions. During operating hours, downhill travel is permitted on all open trails serviced by the Green Mountain Express Quad.

Please note that this uphill route is not part of Lower FIS and can be used even if Lower FIS is closed. However, skiing down closed trails is prohibited and will result in the loss of privileges. The serene, wooded climb makes Mt. Ellen a favorite for uphill travelers, but caution is required due to overnight snow vehicle operations, such as groomers, snowmobiles, and the Winch Cat. Always check conditions and closures before heading out for an unforgettable journey into the quieter, scenic side of the mountain.

Mt. Ellen Uphill Route

View a printable version of the Mt. Ellen Uphill Travel Route.

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There will be times when skinning and hiking is closed due to weather conditions, trail conditions and operational conditions (such as grooming, anticipated high traffic days such as weekends and holidays or winching on trails adjacent to downhill routes). It is your responsibility to know before you go. Certain uphill travel during operating hours may be authorized under special circumstances (i.e., lift mechanical failure, weather hold, or special events).

Uphill travel during operating hours (such as when upper lifts are on wind hold) on designated trails outside of the normal Mt. Ellen route requires a day ticket or season pass and is only permitted when specifically authorized by the Resort (these routes are only open when the weather and conditions permit).

Uphill travelers must adhere to the following rules:

Mountain operation stake place AT ALL TIMES. This includes grooming, snowmaking, transportation of materials and personnel, and other activities. STAY AWAY from all resort operations and machinery. Operators' vision in machinery can be obstructed by blowing snow, even from the machine. Winch Cat grooming operations may be done on all trails at any time. Winch Cat grooming operations can happen sometimes 1000-3000 feet away from the anchor point access making it close to impossible to detect. Please be aware that these rules are put in place to protect both the guest and the operator.
Headlights are required from ½ hour after sunset to ½ hour after sunrise.
Hikers/Skinners must hold a valid “Uphill Travel Pass” available at no cost through the Sugarbush E-store.
Hike and skin in a single-file line, on the side of the trail.
Hike and skin on designated uphill routes going up.
Dogs are not allowed.
In the event of an emergency call 911.
Be aware uphill travelers who sustain injuries during non-operating hours may be subject to extended rescue times. Charges maybe incurred for individuals in need of rescue after operating hours.
No uphill or downhill travel with children in backpacks is permitted.