mad river

This is a really charming place that seems to be frozen in time from its one man chair lift to its unique menu to the old interior of the cafeteria.I really enjoyed my time here though the trails are really tough, most of them had moguls and most trails are not groomed. I'm a double diamond skier at Killington but at MRG, I ski mostly green and sometimes blue.

Mad River Glen, as is noted below, is about 30-40 minutes away from Stowe and about 10 minutes away from the Sugarbush Ski Complex. It is a relatively unspoiled mountain, with good but less swept-up facilities. It is skiing as it used to be but with modernized guts. It is owned by something less than 2000 shareholders. There are only two snow guns which take care of the heavily travelled piste and there is grooming on the popular trails. The motto, "Ski it if you can" does not mean to suggest that it is hard to ski, it really means. "Come or try to ski here if you can." Nevertheless, due to its narrow and steep pistes, there are some really challenging runs such as Fall Line and Paradise. These are some of the most difficult in the East (41% are Black Diamonds). There are plenty of other moderate and less difficult, with plenty of variety. The iconic single chair lift (only one other in the US, in Alaska,) is a gem and was reworked completely a few years ago. It's a unique skiing experience and every skier should give it a try. Many swear by it.

Guys, Mad River is a river. Mad River Glen is a ski resort and it's located in Fayston Vermont. Oh yeah, Stowe is a half hour drive away.MRG is the real thing. They way resorts used to be 20, 30 years ago. Wonderful, beautiful beginner area called "birdland". A great place to take little kids and timid skiers.Off of the single chair lift (one of two remaining in the United states), you get to some of the most beautiful, most scenic trails in the east. The single chair is one of the slowest, and it lets people onto the mountain one at a time. It makes you feel as if you have the mountain to yourself. If you want to be challenged, Stark Mountain, where MRG is sited is the real deal. No snowmaking like there is on Birdland. Owner-operated, it's retained that old time feeling. Magic Mt. has recently converted to a coop membership too. The skiers own the place. Where everyone knows each other. If you don't, you will. If you want to be pampered, with nice furniture, music and gourmet meals, fully groomed and covered trails (remember dirt and rocks?) go elsewhere. It is what it is. It's an experience you can find in only in a select number of resorts. This place is second to none on a powder day. And I've been skiing 30 years since college.One of the most reasonably priced areas for this much vertical in New England.Pick up a sticker or a shirt, "mad river glen. Ski it if you can!"

It's not Stowe or Sugarbush- so if you're expecting to have table service or freshly groomed corduroy, this is NOT the place for you. It speaks volumes that the North American Telemark Association holds its annual Telemark Festival at MRG. Love the single chair (no need to make conversation when silent reverie is all that is necessary). Skiing Mad River will give you skills that you did not even know that you needed! Employees are laid back, eager to help you be a "local". The food is standard base-box fare of traditions of years gone by-yet the tantalizing wafts of french fries and chili (vs. portobello vinaigrette pecan encrusted tofu) render the experience even more authentically vintage.Real Vermonters do not have their skis professionally tuned; they sharpen their edges on General Stark Mountain.Oh - and if you're not a skier, check out their ski shop whether on site or on the web. They have a wry sense of humor that manifests itself in a great assortment of items.

We didn't stop at Mad River, but we saw it along our drive, and I loved it. Made the drive much more enjoyable.