Sugarbush Ski Area
Sugarbush claims to be “Pure Vermont” and delivers on that promise. Sugarbush is New England skiing at its finest. While resorts to the south like Killington or Mount Snow are arguably more popular (i.e. they attract bigger crowds), those fortunate to ski at this Warren, Vermont gem aren’t complaining. Liftlines are short and the vertical is long.
Sugarbush is actually two ski areas, Lincoln Peak and Mount Ellen, connected by an express quad. Both areas are quite large, and in fact were operated separately during Sugarbush’s early years. Lincoln Peak has more skiable terrain, but is the shorter of the two peaks, with a summit elevation of 3975 feet and a 2400 foot drop.
Mount Ellen soars to over 4,000′ (one of only four 4000′ peaks in all of Vermont) and offers 200 more vertical feet than Lincoln Peak. Each mountains offers plenty of terrain to keep any level skier occupied for at least a day or two. Skiing the whole resort takes a few days – perfect for a short ski week or a long weekend.
Experts will love Sugarbush’s challenging steeps, particularly the famous Castlerock area. However, many less well known steeper options are just as challenging. Upper FIS on Mount Ellen is a stern mogul examination conducted under the watchful eye of skiers riding the Summit Quad. Stein’s Run on Lincoln Peak, named for ski school founder Stein Erickson, is often groomed and provides over 1000′ of steep pitch before mercifully renlenting in a short runout to the base.
Intermediates have a wide range of options and will enjoy being able to ski off the summits of both peaks. Long blue cruisers are also a favorite amongst advanced skiers who enjoy carving long turns from top to bottom. Beginners might find the offerings slightly limited as the summits of both peaks offer only blue and black runs.
On the whole, Sugarbush is one of the East’s top ski resorts. It is less crowded than competitors like Stowe and Killington with a rustic Vermont ambiance that feels entirely authentic. The terrain is perhaps the most varied and interesting in New England and the rapidly-expanding base village offers a convient and luxurious slopeside bedbase that appeals to an increasingly affluent demographic.
Sugarbush Pros and Cons
+ Castlerock and guided backcountry terrain for advanced skiers
+ New village with stong Vermont ambiance
+ Excellent snow quality
+ Modern lift network
– limited beginner terrain