Waitsfield, VT – Sugarbush’s Mt. Ellen turns 50 years old this winter, and the Vermont ski and snowboard resort will be hosting a multi-day celebration from Thursday, through Sunday this week. Previously named Glen Ellen, the mountain has numerous events paying homage to the mountain traditions of old.
The fun kicks off tomorrow with a $6.50 ski day based on 1963 lift ticket prices. The ticket is valid all day at Mt. Ellen for all ages. Later in the day, a series of traditional competitions occur. The Mad River Valley Citizen’s Challenge, running from 2 to 4 p.m., is a dual slalom race on the resort’s Inverness trail and is open to the public. Alongside that race is the Valley Restaurant Cup, an old Glen Ellen tradition where employees from restaurants throughout the Valley compete in a foot race holding a tray of drinks throughout the base area in their ski or snowboard gear. Following the competitions, an après party with music by The Gulch will take place in the Green Mountain Lounge from 3 to 6 p.m.
On Friday the fun continues with the Ski & Ride with the Point Après Celebration in the Green Mountain Lounge from 3 to 6 p.m. That evening Charlie Brown, a Warren, Vt. filmmaker, will premiere his new movie, “The 50th Anniversary of Glen Ellen” in the Gate House at 8 p.m.
Saturday is packed full of events as well. Beginning at 2 p.m. is the Sugarbush Celebrity Ski Race where locals including John Egan and David Babic will compete in a downhill slalom race on Inverness. At 3 p.m. is the Gelandesprung Championship, where skiers and riders of all ages and abilities can compete in a long jump competition.
Also starting at 3 p.m. is the traditional Cowbell Champagne Party in the Green Mountain Lounge. Guests can enjoy après champagne bottle specials where hitting the cowbell with your champagne cork wins you a prize. Champagne specials include Opera Prima Brut, Macaron Prosecco, and Domaine de Martinolles all ranging from $15-$40 a bottle.
The revelry continues into the night with the Mt. Ellen Torchlight Parade and Fireworks Display on Inverness at 7 p.m. Following the fireworks is the Fasching Costume Ball with live music by the Grippo Funk Band. The event costs $10 per person and will be held in the Green Mountain Lounge.
The celebration closes out on Sunday with the Elliott Sunday Brunch Buffet from 11 a.m. until 2 p.m. in the Green Mountain Lounge. The event honors when the Elliott family would host brunches at the mountain every Sunday. Prices are $15 for adults and $7.50 for kids.
All events are viewable from the deck of the base lodge, a local favorite spot for sunny afternoons. The Green Mountain Lounge and base lodge cafeteria will both be open for lunch during the festivities. The 50th Celebration of Mt. Ellen comes five years after Sugarbush’s 50th celebration, which is now in it’s 55th year.