Sugarbush Ski Resort Guide

Sugarbush is arguably the best "Skier's Mountain" in the Northeast. I first came here about 25 years ago and was struck by how the operation was geared around the skier. While they've grown, they have stayed close to their roots. When one says they have "something for everyone", here we're not talking about one run for this, one run for that. How about an entire mountain just for natural snow lovers? How about Mt. Ellen which offers reasonably priced tickets, with a smaller, somewhat remote, laid back atmosphere? How about a lodge where they actually have a storage area and very large eating area all at ground level? Skiers that come here know what they are, and Sugarbush does not make an attempt to change you. You can still find a lot of "Old School" trails - if you know what I mean, I don't have to tell you. Sure, Sugarbush has many of the accoutrements of a large area: shopping, dining and real estate, but in an appropriate scale. Sorry, no "Guest services" staff lurking about to direct you to the Bogner store. Safe? You bet. No pimpleheads stealing skis from the racks. The development has been steady but slow. They manage their finances well and don't dream big with money they don't have. They have an extremely friendly and helpful relationship with Mad River Glen right down the road. I believe they also give back to the community in large ways such as donating an old lift. The nearby town of Waitsfield is not your shopper's mecca, but it has everything a skier could want, with plenty of dining options. New England the way it was. The trails are a dream. Plenty of groomers at all levels, plenty of natural. Relax or engaged, it's your choice. Stowe used to be an annual stop for me, but no longer. It's too predictable, and become far more corporate. I now spend several days a year at Sugarbush and Mad River. It's a delight to have three peaks, plus Middlebury all nearby.