Among the 38 Ikon destinations in the United States, Sugarbush is the most accessible to Quebecers seeking some time in the mountains. Vermont charm is featured in every detail of this ski resort which has been able to stay a reasonable size and retain architecture evocative of the area’s agricultural culture. It’s the ideal destination for a vacation featuring sports, fine food and local culture.

Pleasant facilities

The main base, Lincoln Peak Village, was designed taking skiers’ needs as its first consideration. Between the parking area and the lifts, all services are united in a central space: spacious changing rooms, a recent cafeteria, friendly customer service, a practical shop and more.

The two bistros, Castlerock and Rumble’s, proudly offer local beers on their menus. On the paved terrace, a fire pit and mobile canteens await only warmer weather to attract apres-ski outdoors.

At Mont Ellen, a less commercial base than Sugarbush, the original buildings are simple and welcoming. In the mountain, a few heated huts allow their users to regain their strength and sympathize with other skiers.

Varied skiable terrain

Sugarbush has 586 acres of skiable terrain distributed over six summits and served by 13 chairlifts. The 111 runs are a tangle of sinuous couloirs, interconnected glades, large bump runs, snow parks and learning zones. There really is something for everyone.

In addition to the 28 official glades, indicated but not patrolled, several openings between fir trees invite off-piste exploration. You should be aware that the patrollers will let you ski wherever you want … at your own risk.

This general attitude on the mountain hands responsibility for their actions back to skiers and boarders. As each obstacle is not always identified, it’s a good time to adopt a more “Vermont” style of descent: relaxed and careful.

Attractive privileges

Holding an Ikon or Alterra employee pass provides several Sugarbush advantages. Keep it within reach to benefit from the discounts on accommodation and in the boutiques and cafeteria. The RFID ticket barriers are the same as those at Tremblant, so it’s easy to have direct access to the lifts without having to go to the ticket wickets.

While it would be a good thing to encourage the many inns in the Green Mountains, reserving a condo or hotel room through Sugarbush offers two substantial advantages: proximity to the slopes and access to the SHARC sports centre.

Sports vacations

It’s just so pleasant to complete a day of snow sports with a swim, sauna or yoga session. At SHARC (Sugarbush Health And Recreation Center), thirty or so sports are accessible to all in a free concept where each person is responsible for their own training. As a result, all ages and styles are side-by-side: weights, Zumba, pickleball and inflatable games.

While the pool is not supervised, the climbing room is open only when accredited volunteers are present to keep climbers safe. The enormous SHARC building – the former squash club from the ‘70s – probably remains open thanks to the tight management of labour expenses, to the joy of all the sports-minded users.

More treasures to discover

The picturesque villages strewn across the valley of the Mad River are a true reflection of the culture of this agricultural/forest industry land colonized at the end of the 18th century. In Waitsfield, Warren and Waterbury, several independent businesses are maintained by impassioned owners who know how to take time off during the week to ski.

If I had only one favourite place to recommend, it would certainly be the Lareau farm. There you’ll find a B&B with country décor, a family vegetable operation, and pizza cooked on a woodburning fire in an old barn.

Absolutely charming!

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