{"id":58713,"date":"2017-12-06T18:54:23","date_gmt":"2017-12-06T22:54:23","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/?p=58713"},"modified":"2025-09-02T02:59:35","modified_gmt":"2025-09-02T06:59:35","slug":"a-winter-guide-to-vermonts-mad-river-valley","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/58713\/a-winter-guide-to-vermonts-mad-river-valley\/","title":{"rendered":"A Winter Guide to Vermont\u2019s Mad River Valley"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With the more popular towns of <a href=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/44837\/things-to-do-in-stowe-vermont\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Stowe<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/33619\/things-to-do-around-burlington-vt\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Burlington<\/a> located just a stone\u2019s throw away, many travelers heading to Vermont cruise right past the Mad River Valley without a second look. Vermont natives, however, know the secret; the Valley has just as much to offer as those other destinations \u2014 without the crowds. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you are an outdoor adventurer searching for <a href=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/62028\/best-east-coast-ski-towns-for-a-weekend-adventure\/\">fresh powder<\/a> or a city dweller simply looking to exchange the daily grind for a classic New England mountain retreat, the Mad River Valley will not disappoint.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b><a href=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Sugarbush-by-Sage-Aidekman-e1510177560454.jpg\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-58716 size-large lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Sugarbush-by-Sage-Aidekman-e1510177560454-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Sugarbush by Sage Aidekman\" width=\"660\" height=\"441\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-58716 size-large lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Sugarbush-by-Sage-Aidekman-e1510177560454-1024x684.jpg\" alt=\"Sugarbush by Sage Aidekman\" width=\"660\" height=\"441\" srcset=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Sugarbush-by-Sage-Aidekman-e1510177560454-1024x684.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Sugarbush-by-Sage-Aidekman-e1510177560454-350x234.jpg 350w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Sugarbush-by-Sage-Aidekman-e1510177560454-768x513.jpg 768w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Sugarbush-by-Sage-Aidekman-e1510177560454.jpg 1534w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 660px) 100vw, 660px\" \/><\/noscript><\/a><\/b><\/h3>\n<h2><b>Hit the slopes<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As the state that receives more snow than any other on the east coast, it is no wonder that Vermont is such a popular destination for skiers and snowboarders. <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.sugarbush.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sugarbush Resort<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> boasts an impressive 250-inch annual snowfall, 2,600-foot vertical drop, and over 4,000 acres of front and sidecountry terrain, making it the ideal destination for skiers and riders of all ability levels. For the avid skier, the renowned <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mad River Glen<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> may be worth a visit \u2013 but keep in mind, this is a skier-only resort!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3 class=\"p1\"><strong><span class=\"s1\">Find Hotels near <\/span>the Mad River Valley:<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><ins class=\"bookingaff\" data-aid=\"2185878\" data-target_aid=\"2185878\" data-prod=\"map\" data-width=\"100%\" data-height=\"590\" data-lang=\"ualng\" data-dest_id=\"0\" data-dest_type=\"landmark\" data-latitude=\"44.193968\" data-longitude=\"-72.82054\" data-landmark_name=\"Mad River Valley\" data-mwhsb=\"0\" data-address=\"Mad River Valley - Visitor Ctr, Waitsfield, VT, USA\"><br \/>\n    <!-- Anything inside will go away once widget is loaded. --><br \/>\n        <a href=\"\/\/www.booking.com?aid=2185878\">Booking.com<\/a><br \/>\n<\/ins><br \/>\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\">\n    (function(d, sc, u) {\n      var s = d.createElement(sc), p = d.getElementsByTagName(sc)[0];\n      s.type = 'text\/javascript';\n      s.async = true;\n      s.src = u + '?v=' + (+new Date());\n      p.parentNode.insertBefore(s,p);\n      })(document, 'script', '\/\/aff.bstatic.com\/static\/affiliate_base\/js\/flexiproduct.js');\n<\/script><\/p>\n<h2><b>Grab some food<\/b><\/h2>\n<p>Although a quiet area, the Valley has no shortage of beer bars and restaurants. The Blue Stone, located in <a href=\"http:\/\/www.waitsfieldvt.us\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Waitsfield<\/a>, has an impressive selection of the state\u2019s finest craft beers as well as a variety of pizzas with locally-sourced ingredients. <a href=\"http:\/\/www.themadtaco.com\/waitsfield\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">The Mad Taco<\/a> is a popular local&#8217;s spot and offers a variety of local brews and creative (and filling) tacos.<\/p>\n<p><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-58719 size-full lazyload\" src=\"data:image\/gif;base64,R0lGODlhAQABAIAAAAAAAP\/\/\/yH5BAEAAAAALAAAAAABAAEAAAIBRAA7\" data-src=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Sugarbush-Inn-e1510177963375.jpg\" alt=\"The Sugarbush Inn\" width=\"688\" height=\"458\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-58719 size-full lazyload\" src=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Sugarbush-Inn-e1510177963375.jpg\" alt=\"The Sugarbush Inn\" width=\"688\" height=\"458\" srcset=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Sugarbush-Inn-e1510177963375.jpg 688w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Sugarbush-Inn-e1510177963375-350x233.jpg 350w, https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/11\/Sugarbush-Inn-e1510177963375-687x458.jpg 687w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 688px) 100vw, 688px\" \/><\/noscript><\/p>\n<h2><b>Spend the night<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With an&nbsp;<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">abundance of year-round activ<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ities to do and places to explore, one day in The Valley is usually not enough. Luckily, there are plenty of lodging options around. The Sugarbush Resort itself offers a handful of <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.sugarbush.com\/plan\/lodging\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">lodging <\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">options, such as the winter-only <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sugarbush Inn<\/span>&nbsp;which offers ski lodging classics like a fireplace and hot tub along with the ultra-convenient shuttle to the mountain<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">West Hill House Bed and Breakfast<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a great year-round option for those looking to a stay in a classic New England bed and breakfast. The inn has received multiple accolades for their commitment to sustainability which, you&#8217;ll notice everywhere from their on-site <a href=\"https:\/\/westhillbb.com\/the-inn\/vermont-green-hotel\/#solar\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">solar array<\/a>&nbsp;to their locally sourced breakfast options&nbsp;to the reusable water bottles offered in each room.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Inside Scoop<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p>The Valley is known for its winter events which celebrate the history and culture of this area of Northern Vermont. Our top picks include:<\/p>\n<p>December: The annual Country Christmas is all about cozy holiday fun with roaring fires, plenty of sweet treats, shopping and appearances from various members of the Claus family.<\/p>\n<p>January: Head to Mad River Glen for Roll Back the Clock Day where the mountain celebrates their 1949 prices with $3.50 tickets<\/p>\n<p>February: On February 2, The Wunderbar will be hosting their New England Apr\u00e9s party \u2014 one of the best parties in the East. Stop by for some great food, giveaways, and music.<\/p>\n<p>March: <a href=\"https:\/\/maplesyrupfest.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Maple Syrup Festival<\/a> &#8211; this&nbsp; delicious weekend of festivities celebrates the start to sugaring season with maple themed activities and treats.<\/p>\n<p>April: A raucous celebration that includes watching (or participating in) some daring skiing as participants try to Pond Skim along an 120 foot partially frozen lake.<\/p>\n<h2><b>Get to Mad River Valley from NYC<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Travel to and around the Mad River Valley is easy thanks to Amtrak and the Mad Bus. From New York City, take Amtrak\u2019s <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Vermonter<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> line to <a href=\"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/68037\/why-waterbury-is-the-best-year-round-destination-in-vermont\/\">Waterbury<\/a>, and then hire a taxi service, such as C &amp; L, to get into the Valley. The <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.madrivervalley.com\/about\/mad-bus\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mad Bus<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a free shuttle service that stops at various points around the Valley during the winter months.&nbsp;<\/span><\/p>\n<p>For tips on planning your next visit to Vermont, go to <a href=\"https:\/\/vermontvacation.com\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">Vermontvacation.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p><em>Feature image courtesy of&nbsp;Hans von Briesen.<\/em><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>With the more popular towns of Stowe and Burlington located just a stone\u2019s throw away, many travelers heading to Vermont cruise right past the Mad River Valley without a second look. Vermont natives, however, know the secret; the Valley has just as much to offer as those other destinations \u2014 without the crowds. Whether you [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":113,"featured_media":63493,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[316,757,784,761,1869,1874,770,855,841,969,843,774,1604,1946,858,333,924],"tags":[238,116,176,120,130,133,93,449,282,131,1866,247,10937,169],"class_list":{"0":"post-58713","1":"post","2":"type-post","3":"status-publish","4":"format-standard","5":"has-post-thumbnail","7":"category-weekend-getaways","8":"category-activity-2","9":"category-adventure-activity-2","10":"category-beer-activity-2","11":"category-editors-picks","12":"category-editors-picks-winter","13":"category-food-drink","14":"category-health-2","15":"category-holidays-culture-2","16":"category-locations","17":"category-photography-culture-2","18":"category-restaurants-food-drink","19":"category-skating","20":"category-ski-featured","21":"category-skiing-adventure-activity-2","22":"category-vermont","23":"category-waterbury","24":"tag-adventure","25":"tag-amtrak","26":"tag-bed-and-breakfast","27":"tag-family-fun","28":"tag-green","29":"tag-outdoors","30":"tag-pizza","31":"tag-restaurants","32":"tag-romantic","33":"tag-skiing","34":"tag-taco","35":"tag-tacos","36":"tag-vermont-winter-guide","37":"tag-weekend-getaway"},"acf":[],"mv":{"thumbnail_id":63493,"thumbnail_uri":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-content\/uploads\/2017\/12\/Sugarbush_Powder-e1548264175272-350x197.jpg"},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58713","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/113"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=58713"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/58713\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/63493"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=58713"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=58713"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/offmetro.com\/ny\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=58713"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}