Current Weather:
Sunny
weather 38°

Base Depth:
38-66"

24hr Snowfall:
0

Surface:
Packed powder

Sugarbush

1840 Sugarbush Access Rd., Warren, 05674
Phone: 800-537-8427 Snow Report: 802-583-7669 (snow report)
Sugarbush Website

by Jack Baribault

Looking to get back to the roots of snow sliding? Then look no further than Vermont’s skier route 100. While there’re many stops along this road, about 45 miles southeast of Burlington you will find Sugarbush. The ‘bush, as it has become known, is a great ski and riding area that has undergone some extensive updates and renovations over the recent years, including the main base area at Lincoln Peak and the Slide Brook Express lift. This new lift is the longest and fastest high-speed quad in the world (I recommend bringing a snack on this 9 minute ride from Mt Ellen to Lincoln or the opposite way!).

Sugarbush opened in 1958 and is now owned and operated by Summit Ventures. The resort boasts 111 trails and 508 skiable acres, and is geared mostly towards intermediate skiers, although both beginner and advanced skiers both have plenty of areas to play in. Overall, there are two main mountain areas covering 6 total peaks: Lincoln and Mt Ellen. I usually lean towards Mt Ellen, as it has closer parking and a no frills main lodge area with a small food court providing all the basics. Mt Ellen has a lift ticket that is a bit cheaper than the Lincoln area which is worth it if you don’t intend to jump on the Slide Brook Express chair to the larger area of the ‘bush.

Mt Ellen has a bit higher elevation at 4,083 feet and on a clear day the views are amazing! I mention clear day as there is often cloud cover in the area, so much so that if you take the Summit Lift to the top there are fog lights to let you know that you’re about to get off the lift! Don’t let the top of Mt Ellen scare you, it’s a great spot for advanced and intermediates. As for the beginner, stay on the Green Mountain Express where there is plenty of fun to be had. There is a small mid-mountain lodge, Glen House, at the top of Green Mountain Express to meet and eat if that’s what you are looking for. If tougher terrain is what you are looking for, you can get your fill on FIS (you can still meet up with the rest of your group to head down the hill together at the end of the day).

Sugarbush’s main base area or Lincoln Peak offers a multitude of ways up the mountain. Once you are up, there’s still even more peaks to discover - Castlerock, North Lynx and Gadd Peaks. The area has excellent glade runs and varied terrain. A recommended area is Castlerock Peak for the more advanced, and if you’re looking for less of a challenge check out North Lynx Peak. Of note to any freestylers – there are 3 terrain parks and freestyle areas scattered about the mountains to catch air and do some rail sliding.

At the end of a long day, you can take in a bit of Vermont charm in the form of a traditional Vermont red barn at the main base. The Gate House Lodge offers an excellent food court with all the basics with a few daily specials thrown into the mix. Also included is a small ski shop in case you want to check out some new boards or score a Sugarbush Resort memento. If you need a quick eat anytime while the sun is up checkout the Waffle Haus – let your nose guide the way to this little shack near the base lifts, kids of all ages are big fans! Also in the Lodge is Castle Rock Pub, which carries assorted micro-brews and traditional après fare.

Step out of The Gate House and you will stumble upon the Claybrook Inn, which opened in December of 2006, and the delicious Timbers Restaurant for fine dining. If The Claybrook Inn is booked, or if it’s just not your cup of tea, there are various condos, inns and lodges nearby (note: the closest national chain hotel is about 30 minutes away). For a great meal and wide variety of beer choices make sure to visit The Common Man. The Common Man uses local produce and also provides a great kids menu, all in an old style hand hewn barn setting and is located on German Flats Road between in Lincoln and Mt Ellen.

All in all, Sugarbush is a locals and family-oriented mountain that lacks in après ski but makes up for it in excellent terrain for all levels of skiers and riders.

*all photos courtesy of Sandy Macys and Sugarbush Ski Resort

WEATHER CONDITIONS

Current Weather:
Sunny
weather 38°

Forecast:
Sunny
weather 39°

SKI CONDITIONS

Latest Report: 20100309T14:39:00
24hr Snowfall:
0		 Last Snowfall:
Feb 27 - 6"		 Surface:
Packed powder
Base Depth:
38-66"		 Trails Open:
111		 Total Trails:
111
Percent Trails Open:
100%		 Lifts Open:
icon 12		 Total Lifts:
icon 16
Terrain Type:
Beginner:
24		 Intermediate:
51		 Advanced:
28		 Expert:
8
Elevation:
weather Peak Elevation:
4083 ft 1244 m Vertical:
2600 ft 792 m Base Elevation:
1485 ft 453 m		 Total Acres:
484 Total Miles:
53
Longest Run:
Lower FIS
8518		 Easiest Run:
Easy Rider		 Steepest Run:
FIS
Best Bumps:
Middle Earth		 Best Trail Name:
Organgrinder		  
 

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Air Travel

The convenience of flying into Vermont's Burlington International Airport is unparalleled. You can land in Burlington and drive to Sugarbush in just 45 minutes. Taxi, group transfer service and car rentals are available from the airport. Rates available upon request.

Driving Directions

From Albany, NY:  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).

From Burlington, VT & 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).

From New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts & New Hampshire:  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.