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Sugarbush Resort
Visit the Mad River valley
About Sugarbush Resort
Sugarbush Ski Resort is a true Vermont ski vacation experience that brings some of the flavor of western skiing to the East. The resort extends across two mountains and 111 trails between Lincoln Peak and Mt. Ellen, connected via chairlift and shuttle bus. Sugarbush boasts one of the highest uphill capacities in the Northeast, coupled with an immense variety of terrain across its two areas, offering endless opportunities to tap into your personal potential. Sugarbush is also home to many lodging and dining options in Lincoln Peak Village, as well as services like the Ski & Ride School and Rentals.
Located in the Mad River Valley in Warren, Vermont, Sugarbush Resort is a premier destination owned by Alterra Mountain Company. As one of New England’s largest ski resorts, Sugarbush spans over 6.18 square miles, with 0.90 square miles of skiable terrain. Featuring 53 miles of trails, 16 lifts, and 111 ski trails—including 18 marked wooded areas and extensive off-piste opportunities—this resort is a skier's paradise. The summit elevation reaches 4,083 feet, with a thrilling 2,600-foot vertical drop, the second largest in Vermont and the third largest in New England.
Sugarbush has evolved into a four-season resort since Claneil Enterprises purchased it in 1984, adding tennis courts, restaurants, condominiums, and a golf course. They also enhanced the chairlift system with three new lifts on Mount Ellen. A highlight is the Slide Brook Express, a two-way quad chairlift that, upon installation, was the world's fastest and remains the longest detachable chairlift globally, seamlessly connecting Mount Ellen with the main part of Sugarbush.
5 best things about Sugarbush Resort according to our Mountain Travel Experts
Castlerock Peak
Sunrise first tracks
Year-round parties and events
Specialty ski clinics
Lincoln Limo - a heated cat ski experience
MOUNTAIN STATS
video gallery
Snow reports
Sugarbush Resort Trail Maps
How to get to Sugarbush Resort
Flying? Burlington International Airport is just 45 minutes away, with taxis, group transfers, and rentals available. Albany Airport is 2.5 hours, and Boston’s Logan is 3 hours. Amtrak offers direct trains from major cities like Washington D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, and NYC. Getting to Sugarbush couldn’t be easier!
Getting around
Ditch the car and go green with the Mad Bus! Enjoy free transportation between Sugarbush's two mountains and around the Mad River Valley. Check real-time schedules with the Transit App.
Skiing in Sugarbush Resort
Sugarbush Resort boasts two distinct mountain areas, divided by the picturesque Slide Brook Basin. Lincoln Peak, located on the south side, is the heart of the resort. It features most of the resort’s real estate, including the luxurious Claybrook Hotel, The Lodge at Lincoln Peak, and The Sugarbush Inn. With a summit elevation of 3,975 feet and 2,600 vertical feet, Lincoln Peak is home to 72 of Sugarbush’s 111 runs. This area also includes several charming smaller peaks: Gadd Peak, Castlerock Peak and North Lynx Peak.
Whether you're planning a weekend getaway or an entire season on the slopes, Sugarbush offers options tailored to your needs. Opt for the Sugarbush Value Pass or select the Beginner Lift Ticket to gain access to the Village Quad, Welcome Mat, and Sunshine Quad Lifts. This approach helps minimize expenses as you master the slopes. Start with beginner-friendly lessons. Register for the Valley Ski and Ride week for savings on lessons and access to expert rental gear. Newcomers are encouraged to explore the First Timer to Life Timer Program, offering three lessons, equipment rentals, and a chance to earn a free Sugarbush Premium Pass.
At Sugarbush, adrenaline enthusiasts will find their paradise among vast expanses of ungroomed landscapes and meticulously crafted moguls. Stay vigilant, and you may just catch a glimpse of skiing icon John Eagan gracefully navigating the mountain's slopes. Don't miss the Jester run, starting from an elevation of 3,975 feet, winding around Lincoln Peak with stunning views on clear days. If Lincoln Peak gets crowded, just hop on the free shuttle to Mount Ellen, where the Green Mountain Express Quad often offers a more laid-back experience without the hustle and bustle.
Family vacations in Sugarbush Resort
While Sugarbush is renowned for some of the best skiing and riding in the East, that's just the tip of the iceberg. Located in Vermont's picturesque Mad River Valley, this vibrant mountain community offers more than just winter thrills. Explore a landscape rich with pasture-raised meat, dairy and vegetable farms, and savor local favorites like von Trapp Farmstead artisan cheese, American Flatbread and Lawson’s Finest Liquids craft brewery. Plus, it's home to the iconic Long Trail and the Mad River Glen cooperative ski area. Come for the slopes, stay for the experience!