Waitsfield, VT – Way back in 1958, a decade after Mad River Glen first cranked up its now iconic Single Chair, Damon Gadd decided to start a new ski area a few miles down the ridge in Vermont’s Mad River Valley. He needed local know-how so he took on Mad River Glen’s General Manager, Jack Murphy, as a partner in the new venture. Rumor has it that the negotiations actually took place in the Mad River Glen Basebox Lodge.
This new ski area was called Sugarbush Valley and the folks at Mad River were none too thrilled about their GM being pilfered by a competitor encroaching on their territory. The situation was further muddled five years later when Walt Elliot opened Glen Ellen ski area along the same ridge right between Mad River and Sugarbush (Sugarbush merged with Glen Ellen in 1979).
The Mad River Valley had three top-notch ski areas all within a few miles of each other strung like pearls along the spine of the Green Mountain’ fabled Monroe Skyline. But over the years the Mad River Valley’s potentially distinct marketing advantage was never taken advantage of, and what ensued instead was a decades-long, oftentimes tense, adversarial and competitive relationship.
That was, until now. Mad River Glen and Sugarbush have finally come to a historic détente and for the first time in 54 years are now working together on several fronts to promote the Mad River Valley as a single New England ski destination.
The “Ski The Valley Plus” ticket is now available to skiers who book extended ski and stay packages. It includes unrestricted access to all three mountains along with extra “pluses” at theaters, restaurants and shops throughout the Mad River Valley.The new “Threesome College Pass” gives full-time college students unrestricted access to Mad River Glen as well as Sugarbush’s Lincoln Peak and Mount Ellen, all for $359 if purchased before Nov. 7.
The mountains are also working together to target the key young adult demographic by offering special rates for skiers under the age of 30. They have several options to consider. Sugarbush’s “For20s Pass” gives unrestricted access to both of Sugarbush’s mountains for $419. For an additional $80 they can “Add Mad” and get access to Mad River Glen midweek. Skiers under 30 can also consider a Mad River Glen-specific Midweek pass for only $199.