Mad River Glen: The Vermont Ski Mountain That Will Always Feel Like Home

Margaux
Feb 23, 2022
4 min read

Updated: Jul 22

Mad River Glen is the epitome of what true skiing bliss and paradise are. This little mountain in Vermont holds a special place in my heart because it is where I grew up skiing and where I learned how to ski.

Before I ever traveled around the country chasing snow, before I became a ski instructor, and before I discovered all the different ski mountains out there, there was Mad River Glen.

When I was younger, the mountain was almost entirely natural snow. There was something special about knowing the conditions were never guaranteed and that you truly had to “Ski It If You Can.” That famous slogan was very fitting, especially when spring skiing rolled around and you had to work a little harder for those perfect turns.

That is part of what makes Mad River Glen so special. It has always stayed true to itself.

Snowy ski lift tower on a mountain under a bright sun, with snow-covered trees and blue sky; watermark reads Seven Seas and Winter Trees.

No Snowboarders Allowed

One of the most well-known things about Mad River Glen is that snowboarding is not allowed. This decision has definitely caused some controversy over the years, but personally, I understand why the mountain has chosen to keep this tradition.

Mad River Glen is not your typical ski resort. There is not a huge focus on perfectly groomed trails or wide-open runs. The mountain embraces its natural terrain, which means lots of bumps, moguls, and some incredible glade skiing.

And honestly, that is where the magic happens.

This mountain is where I fell in love with skiing through the woods. I loved picking a line, disappearing into the trees, and knowing that eventually every trail would lead me back to the base lodge.

When I was younger, my parents would give me a handheld radio and send me on my way. One of the lift attendants even had to put the bar down for me because I was too small to do it myself.

I could have spent hours exploring those trails.

Snowy forest road lined with frost-covered evergreens under a cloudy sun; watermark reads Seven Seas and Winter.

Single Chair

Of course, we cannot talk about Mad River Glen without talking about the famous Single Chair.

Yes, Mad River Glen has a single-person chairlift.

While many ski resorts have moved toward six- and eight-person high-speed lifts, Mad River Glen has stayed true to its history and kept the Single Chair as part of the mountain experience.

And honestly, I love that.

The Single Chair represents everything Mad River Glen stands for: tradition, simplicity, and keeping skiing about the experience rather than just getting as many people uphill as possible.

It also helps keep the mountain from feeling overcrowded. There is something really special about skiing a mountain where you can still feel like you are exploring instead of waiting in endless lift lines.

Snowy ski lift station with blue steel tower, chairlift line up a hill, warning signs, and a lone skier below.

Let's Eat

After a long day of skiing, stopping at the lodge is a must.

To this day, my favorite thing to grab is a chili dog with fries. It is my personal go-to and something that instantly brings me back to being a kid at the mountain.

The prices are also some of the best you will find at a ski area. In a world where ski resort food can get extremely expensive, Mad River Glen keeps things simple and affordable.

If you want to relax after skiing, head into the bar, grab a seat near the fireplace, and enjoy the cozy mountain atmosphere.

And of course, you cannot forget the brownies. Those were a staple of my childhood trips and still bring back so many memories.

Cheesy loaded fries topped with green onions on a tray, with wrapped sandwiches blurred in the background at a casual eatery

Growing Up at MRG

Some of my earliest skiing memories happened at Mad River Glen.

Callie’s Corner was where I started skiing when I was two years old. I would be brought to the lodge in a sled to help get food for the other kids, and I even had private lessons from the legend himself, Craig B.

He taught me so many valuable skiing skills that stayed with me as I grew older and eventually became a ski instructor myself.

But more importantly, he taught me something that has stuck with me forever:

Have fun. Enjoy the mountain. Love skiing.

That is what Mad River Glen has always been about.

Easter at Mad River Glen

Easter at the mountain was always one of my favorite traditions.

We would make homemade costumes and have a parade on the mountain. The best costume would win a giant chocolate bunny, and there was also an Easter egg hunt where we would ski around searching for eggs hidden throughout the slopes.

It was the best kind of chaos.

Looking back, those memories are what made Mad River Glen more than just a ski mountain. It was a community.

(Yes, that is me dressed as E.T.)

Why Mad River Glen Is Special

Mad River Glen is not for everyone, and that is exactly why it is so special.

If you are looking for luxury amenities, perfectly groomed trails, and a massive resort experience, this probably is not the mountain for you.

But if you love challenging terrain, natural snow, glades, and a true ski community, Mad River Glen is an incredible Vermont ski experience.

Mad River Glen is a place where skiing feels untouched. It feels like the mountains of the past, where people came together because they loved skiing.

The magic of Mad River Glen is something I hope never changes.

It will always be the mountain where I learned to ski, where I fell in love with the sport, and where so many of my favorite memories began.

Have you skied Mad River Glen? Let me know your favorite memories!