Sugarbush

Posted

Pros: Well run resort with nice amenities

Cons: LIttle bit on the pricey side

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.

Posted

Pros: Good terrain, nice town, good facilities

Cons: Location, cost

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.

Posted

Pros: lots of terrain, good conditions, family friendly

Cons: harder to get to (also a plus for many), not a lot of places to stay

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!

Posted

Pros: Excellent Terrain variety, vast expert terrain in and out of bounds, family friendly, new base area

Cons: night life a bit sparse

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.  

Posted

Pros: Terrain, atmosphere, moguls, generally uncrowded, two awesome mountains

Best of all worlds: moguls galore, smooth groomers, tons of tree skiing, steeps, ledge, pow a week after a storm, rarely crowded.  Great mountain, great "vibe," great people, great skiing.  I'm ok with skiing here 100 days a season!

Posted

Pros: Challengin terrain, friendly people, great guest service.

Cons: Thin coverage on ungroomed runs

Been there twice this season after being sick of Killington's crowds. Skiers at Sugarbush are generally friendly and polite and guest service guys are willing to help. My first trip there was christmas weekend when it was raining heavily on Sunday. Called the guest service and they got me an unrestricted voucher without question asked. Trails are most for intermediates and experts. My friends who are still at Green level felt that they can add more beginner terrain. I personally favor the Castlerock section with fantastic views and nice diamond runs. Coverage on those runs are thin with some exposed rocks and grass. WIsh they can make some snow on those. Overall it is my favorate VT resort compared to Killington (too crowded), Stowe (too flat), and Mount Snow (too flat). I'm fine with limited night life as I hang out with friends in the condo only... WIll definitely go back again.

Posted

Pros: Snow, not usually crowded, slide brook basin, vertical

Cons: expensive

This mountain is one of, or maybe the best in vermont.  Slide brook wilderness area is awesome.  About 2000ish vertical of all glades.  Great snow, and not usually crowded. Great groomers and some very nice mogul runs.  The only bad thing is how expensive it is for a lift ticket, but its worth it.

Posted

Pros: terrain, snow, vertical

Cons: price

I would ski Sugarbush all the time if I could afford it. The Castlerock area and the mid section of Mount ellen are awesome. There are some body breaking trails at this place. people complain about nightlife at Sugarbush but there are a couple decent establishments tucked into the Mad River Valley. Besides none of that matters if you are here to ski. I have read that they have another 70 acres of glades for this season ready to go. I have been to the Bush numerous times over the last 25 years and have almost always had a great experience. www.new-england-ski-mountain-resorts.com/Sugarbush.html
Sugarbush
Description:

Sugarbush has two ski areas - Lincoln Peak (formerly Sugarbush South) and Mt. Ellen (Sugarbush North). They are connected by a high-speed quad, the Slide Brook Express. The Express takes nine and a half minutes to cover the 11,000 foot distance, and the pristine terrain of the Green Mountain National Forest below is accessible via a guided tour. Sugarbush is known for some of the best and most diverse terrain in the East. It is located on the Western side of the Mad River Valley, which offers Sugarbush skiers & riders a wide variety of dining, lodging and entertainment options.

Details:
DetailValue
Snow making percent
Lifts-Surface Lifts-Magic carpet
Lifts-Surface Lifts-Rope tow3
Lifts-Surface Lifts-Poma
Lifts-Surface Lifts-T bar
Lifts-Surface Lifts-J bar
Lifts-Chair Lifts-Single
Lifts-Chair Lifts-Double4
Lifts-Chair Lifts-Triple2
Lifts-Chair Lifts-Quad2
Lifts-Chair Lifts-High speed quad5
Lifts-Chair Lifts-Five person
Lifts-Chair Lifts-Six person
Lifts-Chair Lifts-Eight person
Lifts-Gondola
Lifts-Tram
Lifts-Coggle train
Lifts-Funicular
Lifts-Other
Lifts-Total number of lifts16
Lifts-Total lift capacity
Trails-1-Beginner24
Trails-2-Intermediate51
Trails-3-Advanced36
Trails-4-Expert only
Trails-5-Terrain park3
Trails-6-Half pipe
Trails-Total111
Runs-Steepest run
Runs-Longest run
General-Base elevation1483'
General-Vertical drop2600'
General-Owner
General-Mountain range
General-Annual skier visits
General-Back country access
General-Total area in bounds578 skiable acres
General-Snow making coverage
Models:
Model Name/TypeMPNEAN/UPC
arrow_down.png TRAIL MAP arrow_down.png CONDITIONS arrow_down.png TRANSPORTATION arrow_down.png LODGING arrow_down.png DINING arrow_down.png MORE

Trail Map
Trail Map
435_window.jpg

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Conditions
263 inches average snowfall from Tony Crocker
Exposure is mainly north with some northeast and east

Transportation
Transportation
AIR TRANSPORTATION

Burlington International Airport

JETBlue, US Airways, Continental, United and Delta.
Major car rental agencies are available at the airport

 
LOCAL TRANSPORTATION

Amtrak(800-USA-RAIL):

Waterbury-Stowe Station

 
By car:
 
Northbound directions from Albany and points south and west: take I-87 Northway to Exit 20, go northeast to NY #149 to Route 4 to Route 100. Follow Route 100 North to Warren. Turn left onto the Sugarbush Access Road (look for the Sugarbush Resort Area sign).

Southbound directions from Burlington or Montreal: take I-89 south to Exit 10 Waterbury. Follow Route 2 south through Waterbury to Route 100 South. Follow 100 South through Waitsfield. Turn right onto the Sugarbush Access Road (look for the Sugarbush Resort Area sign).

Northbound directions from New Hampshire, Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York and points south: take I-89 north to Exit 9/Middlesex to Route 100b. Follow 100b to 100 South through Waitsfield. Turn right onto the Sugarbush Access Road (look for the Sugarbush Resort Area sign).

If the weather isn't too snowy, take Exit 3/Bethel off I-89.  Take 107 west to 100 North, then follow it up through Rochester, Hancock and Granville until you take a left onto the Sugarbush Access Road (look for the Sugarbush Resort Area sign) in Warren.
 

Lodging
Lodging
 
Name Description Maximum Occupancy Price Range

Clay Brook at Sugarbush

slopeside

Resort reservations

Luxury rooms to 5 bedroom residences. Concierge, grocery delivery (for a fee), bell service, boot valet, babysitting, pool, hot tubs, fitness room, restaurant &bar, game room, pet friendly residences available. 10

$159

to

$1352

Resort condos and townhouses

slopeside, throughout the resort. Shuttles available

Resort reservations

Studios to 4 bedroom condos with full kitchens, cable TV, many with fireplace, decks, ski storage, washer&dryer and use of the Sugarbush Health & Racket Club 10

$225

to

$1352

Mad River Valley Area Lodging Directory Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce list of a variety of lodging options throughout the region from motels to private homes. Singles to large families varies with properties
       
       

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Dining
On mountain:
Off mountain:
The Common Man
3209 German Flats Rd
Warren
Terra Rossa Ristorante
527 Sugarbush Access Road
Warren

 

American Flatbread
46 Lareau Road
Waitsfield, VT

REAL ESTATE
 
 
 
DEALS
SugarDirect Card skip the ticket window and save
 
WHAT'S NEW
Two new buildings, skiers' service and adult ski school and a children's service building, in the on going development of Lincoln Peak Village
 
 
ACTIVITIES
 
 
SERVICES

 

GOOD, BETTER, BEST