Skiing Vermont
the sweetspot guide to vermontcanada
(Dec.17.11)
Vermont might be known as the “Green Mountain State,” but when the temperature drops, those rolling hills become a winter wonderland. With unspoiled terrain, endless trails and welcoming locals, the Mad River and Champlain regions (a mere 20 minutes drive from each other) offer great skiing for any level of skier.
Bolton Valley
Bolton Valley Resort in the Champlain Valley offers the whole package at a wallet friendly price. Snowshoe-ers, Nordic skiers and downhill daredevils can get their fill with rates starting as low as $79 per person — including room, lift tickets and breakfast. Get more for your dollar with night skiing: Bolton is the only mountain in the state that offers post-twilight runs.
Rooms are spotless and comfortable (from $89 per night double occupancy) and include continental breakfast. Love to cook? Hook yourself up with a 1-bedroom suite (from $150) with a full kitchen. Dine at Bailey’s Restaurant at least once; the warm Italian eatery stocks an impressive wine list. And be sure to grab a hot waffle from the cabin at the bottom of the hill to end of your day. (Just try and resist their sweet aroma.)
Mad River Glen
With the motto “Ski It if You Can,” Mad River Glen might sound intimidating, but even beginners will have a great experience on snowboard-free slopes. This co-operative gives the mountain back to the skier with less powdered snow and countless forest trails. Expert skiers will love the historic (and fully restored) Single Chair (the only one left in America) that ushers them to the top of Stark’s Nest at 3637 feet. (Day Pass from $45.) Then refuel at the cafeteria; the burgers ($6) are legendary and made to order.
As there is no on-site lodging, skiing at Mad River means a chance to explore the hospitality and countryside of nearby Waitsfield. Couples will love sleeping (and eating) at The Inn at the Round Barn Farm, where gourmet cooking and luxurious rooms are all part of the package (ask for the Richardson, complete with a whirlpool tub and gas fireplace, from US $295 per night).
Sugarbush
An all-inclusive ski resort, Sugarbush feels more like a spa with its outdoor pool and hot tub. A day pass from $49 covers 111 trails, and their “Firstimer to Lifetimer” program (US $230) includes three lessons with a topnotch instructor and a season pass.
Stay in a Clay Brook residence (from US $125) and feed the family as you cook in the contemporary kitchen, great for extended visits. Cosy up for a nightcap by the fireplace, or an in-room massage (from US $80) after a day on the slopes. If you get tired of cooking, their signature restaurant, Timbers, will tantalize your taste buds with market cuisine and fresh, local ingredients. Or fuel up on Portobello Wellington ($12) or Hungarian Goulash ($11) at the relaxed Castle Rock Pub.
Travel Tip: Be sure to check out the Green Mountain Coffee inside the restored Waterbury train station (a short drive from Killington) for a cup of hot, organic, fair-trade coffee and a tour of their tasting museum.