Sugarbush

I just reviewed Mt. Ellen, so I thought I'd go ahead and review Lincoln Peak as well. I ski at Sugarbush 5-6 times a season; it's a nice all around resort with a vibe that's not necessarily what you might find elsewhere in Vermont. Kind of reminds me of Copper Mountain in some ways — pretty good for families, quality intermediate terrain, generally friendly staff. Still a little pricey if you're not a pass holder; I've got the Sugar Direct card which provides some type of discount on daily lift rates (20%?) and lets you avoid the ticket window, which is key. You just ski right on to the lift, and they scan your Sugar Direct pass which automatically charges your credit card.

I personally don't mind the recent development there at the base, but I kind of take issue with the gigantic faux barn styling of the new condos. I'm generally in favor of Vermont resorts looking to actually have a base complex at the base (as opposed to just a parking lot), but it's a little difficult to create that out of whole cloth where it doesn't exist. The new building there that houses ticket sales is a little bit better addition, in my opinion. 

We've had such fantastic snow here this year that it's almost impossible to criticize the skiing. December was a little light, but they've been at mostly 100% capacity since early January. Nice mix of bumps and the groomed at Sugarbush; head to Mt. Ellen for the terrain park. The food's just ok at Sugarbush; sometimes the kitchen staff can be kind of surly; they're probably not being paid enough, who knows. Overall, it's a pretty enjoyable place to ski; my kids love it, probably because it feels a little bit more like big mountain skiing out West, which they like.

Sugarbush is a nice mountain, actually 2 - Lincoln and Mount Ellen. It has a real variety of terrain from legitimate steeps, good bump runs, groomed and ungroomed trails, and some classic New England trails - narrow trails that wind through the woods.

Doug Lewis, the former US Ski Team downhill racer, RSN host and now Universal Sports World Cup commentator, calls Sugarbush home and runs at least a few race camps there each year focused on speed events. The FIS trail is a classic steep race course and there are other race venues near the Lincoln Peak base lodge.

The Lincoln base lodge is a big, barn looking structure right next to a large hotel/condo/timeshare of the type that brought former owner ASC into bankruptcy. But the lodge has excellent facilities despite the somewhat corny exterior. I haven't eaten in the lodge because there is an excellent sandwich shop and bakery in Warren (maybe Waitsfield) just a few minutes before you get to the ski area.

The vibe is a mixture of locals and visitors but is generally friendly but it is no Mad River Glen in terms of a homey feel. The prices are expensive for lifts but there are some 2 for 1 deals available if you look hard. Cheaper than Stowe, more expensive than Mad River (the next door neighbor to Mt. Ellen). Mt. Ellen tends to close earlier in the year than Lincoln so if you want to ski it, don't wait for April.

I love Sugarbush. I first started going there 10 years ago when I was in college and I could ski for cheap! It’s a lot more expensive now (I think the lift tickets run about $80), but I feel good about the owners. It’s no longer part of the American Ski Company which made me feel better about it. I was sad that they built the new grandiose lodge and ridiculously scaled “barn” accommodations, but some people might find that quaint. About the mountain - There's a lot of terrain, and two mountains to ski (connected by a high speed quad that traverses the mountains, so you get an awesome view). There are easy trails, groomers, ungroomed steeps, bumps, a terrain park, pretty much everything you could ask for. I fell in love with this ski area because you could ski it all day and never feel bored and never feel crowded (unless it’s a holiday).

I like the towns of Waitsfield and Warren as well (if you’re in the area two MUSTS for food – American Flatbread – where it all began!! And the Warren Country store for sandwiches!!, If you're looking for a place to stay it can be a little tough. Best luck would be at a B&B and you could also stay in Waterbury and hit up Ben & Jerry’s factory while you’re there. You’ll find a lot of locals skiing here, and they are pretty darn awesome. The staff is super helpful as well.  The weekends and holidays can be mobbed, but the quality of skiing is pretty top notch!

One word describes this place:  Passionate.  The staff, owners and passholders are passionate about the ski experience here.  

Sugarbush's expert terrain is unmatched in the east.  Inbounds there are plenty of legitimate steeps and woods runs (including some great intermediate woods).  Over the past several years, the growing side-country is giving experts multiple playgrounds in the Slide Brook area between the two mountains.  Snowmaking has improved as has the family friendliness with the new ski school and rental buildings.  Add to that snowcat skiing for first tracks in the mornings and you've got a combination that's unmatched in the East.  The ownership is on-mountain daily, skiing the product -- even lending a hand in lift lines.  Warren Miller hero John Egan leads the ski school which includes a backcountry program for teens.  

Off the slopes, American Flatbread (modest prices) to the Pitcher Inn (expensive) bookend a deep variety of restaurants.  Ice skating, fantastic XC skiing, snowshoeing are right in the valley.  We've skied Stowe and Killington, but have deserted both for Sugarbush.   No better place to ski on the east coast.