April 1, 2009 E-MAIL PRINT

Spring is the thing at Sugarbush

by Marty Basch/

Sugarbush in Waitsfield, Vt., has 2,600 vertical feet of skiing. (photo: Sandy Macys)

Sugarbush in Waitsfield, Vt., has 2,600 vertical feet of skiing. (photo: Sandy Macys)

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When it comes to making a decision about whether to head to the mountain or not, Michael B. Barker doesn't have to leave his bed.

From his bedroom in Warren, Vt., he can see Sugarbush.

"I see Snowball (a trail) and Castlerock (a peak) from my pillow," said the 71-year-old author. "If it looks good, I go and ski. If not, I turn over and go back to bed."

Barker is one of the "Bums," a friendly nickname for the 125 or so racers in the weekly recreational series at Sugarbush that wrapped up late last month.

Sugarbush is a place that can have skiers and snowboarders in awe, too. If you still refer to the area as Sugarbush North and Sugarbush South, you're either a local or someone who hasn't been there in some time. If you're the latter, it's road trip time.

The Mad River Valley ski area has two separate areas: 3,975-foot Lincoln Peak (that was Sugarbush South) and 4,083-foot-high Mount Ellen (the old Sugarbush North). They're separated by the Slide Brook Basin — and its stashes in season — and connected by a lift or about a four-mile drive.

The 111-trail ski resort is blessed with 2,600 feet of vertical and pods of skiing for all levels of abilities on a bowl-shaped ridge with 16 lifts and plenty of tree and advanced skiing options.

Another frequent skier there is Anne Halvorsen, who lives in the valley. She started skiing at age 3 and is now finishing up her 50th season on skis. She has skied all over New England, yet it is Sugarbush that she chosoes to call home.

"They were very thoughtful in the way they built the trails on this mountain," she said. "They used the mountain's natural flow."

And flow it does, from the wondrously winding intermediate Jester from the summit (though skiers must do a short uphill herringbone first) to wide Spring Fling and the tree islands on Birch Run. Adrenaline flows on the steep straight shot of Organgrinder. This time of year the terrain count is waning, and not every trail was open to explore.

Sugarbush is loaded with super bumps, especially on Castlerock, known for its glades, chutes and moguls. No groomers there, just tough stuff with 2,237 feet of vertical. North-facing Mount Ellen is the sleeper of the two, with its wide-open cruisers such as Rim Run and expert runs such as Black Diamond and Bravo. It's steep, but the scenery from the summit can include the Laurentians on the right day.

Sugarbush has sweetened itself recently with lift replacements, snowmaking enhancements and, of course, the continued development of Lincoln Peak Village (which is why Mount Ellen has lots of room to turn; it closed for the season the last Sunday in March). The village's Phase 1 came online in December of 2006 with the upscale slopeside Clay Brook condos, new Gate House base lodge and fine dining restaurant. This season featured an addition on the woodsy Castlerock Pub located in the base lodge. The future calls for retail space and more lodging. There are more choices for post-skiing adventure in the villages of Waitsfield and Warren.

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