Mad River Glen Cooperative

Love this ski mountain! I often feel like I have the mountain all to myself on a weekday.I’m an intermediate, slow skier and the blues and greens are fun and a little challenging. The low angle woods are especially lovely after a few inches of fresh snow. The apre’ in the pub is great too. So much fun to meet up with friends and those who soon become friends.

Mad River Glen isn’t just a ski area to me—it’s where skiing became part of who I am. Five years ago, I clicked into skis there for the first time, nervous, awkward, and completely unsure of what I was doing. What I didn’t know then was that I was stepping into a place that would shape not only how I ski, but how I think about skiing altogether. Mad River Glen has a way of doing that to you. From the very beginning, the mountain felt different. There’s no glossy, manufactured vibe, no sense that skiing is something to be rushed or optimized. Instead, Mad River Glen greets you with honesty. The trails are narrow, winding, and unapologetically steep. The snow is real Vermont snow—sometimes soft and dreamy, sometimes scraped and demanding—and it teaches you quickly that technique matters here. Learning to ski at Mad River Glen meant learning the right way: weight forward, edges engaged, respect the fall line, and above all, respect the mountain. The Single Chair alone is enough to make Mad River Glen legendary. Riding it never feels like just transportation; it feels like a ritual. The slow, creaking ascent gives you time to look out over the valley, watch other skiers pick their lines below, and mentally prepare for what’s coming. Conversations with strangers happen naturally on that chair—locals, lifelong members, first-timers—and there’s an unspoken bond between everyone who rides it. You’re all there for the same reason: because you love skiing, not because it’s trendy or convenient. What I love most about Mad River Glen is its refusal to change for the sake of change. The mountain has stayed true to itself in a way that feels increasingly rare. No snowboards. No sprawling base villages. No massive high-speed lifts designed to move crowds as quickly as possible. Instead, there’s a fierce commitment to preserving the soul of the place. Every decision feels rooted in respect for tradition, community, and the mountain itself. Learning there was humbling. I fell—a lot. I remember standing at the top of trails that felt impossibly steep at the time, heart racing, wondering if I was actually capable of making it down. But each run taught me something. Mad River Glen doesn’t coddle you, and that’s exactly why it’s such an incredible place to learn. Progress feels earned. When a trail that once terrified you starts to feel familiar, the sense of accomplishment is unmatched. The terrain is endlessly interesting. Tree skiing feels organic and wild, not manicured. The trails follow the natural contours of the mountain, and you can feel that history under your skis—decades of skiers before you choosing lines, making turns, learning the same lessons. There’s something grounding about knowing you’re skiing a place that hasn’t been overly reshaped or sanitized. And then there’s the community. Mad River Glen has one of the most genuine, passionate ski communities I’ve ever experienced. From the lift operators to the ski instructors to the people you see lap after lap on storm days, everyone shares a deep love and respect for the mountain. There’s no pretension, no posturing—just people who truly care about skiing and about this place. Five years later, my love for Mad River Glen has only grown. Every visit feels like coming home. It’s the place I measure other mountains against, and honestly, very few compare. Mad River Glen taught me how to ski, yes—but more than that, it taught me why skiing matters. It taught me patience, grit, and appreciation for tradition. It showed me that the best experiences aren’t always the easiest or the flashiest—they’re the ones that ask something of you and give something real in return. Mad River Glen will always have my heart. It’s not just where I learned to ski—it’s where I learned to love skiing.

A real classic feeling mountain. We went towards the end of the season (mid March) and the temps were mid 50s. The conditions weren't the best, but the snow and trails were great regardless. The food was good and cheaper than most other mountains I've been to and the staff were all friendly and helpful.

Fall foliage scenic single chair lift ride is a must. $20 for a ticket that you can buy in person at the window and have your ride from 10am -2pm on the weekend during the season.

I had booked a lesson to learn telemark skiing. I have a history of xc skiing, so I was already familiar with some skiing technique. The staff was very responsive to my questions regarding me a lesson and booked one for me with an instructor named Tim. He could tell I was far more comfortable with Nordic form than alpine, so he taught me in a way that I would better understand. I got my lesson early in the week, and by the end of that week (with practice)I was able to pull of better telemark turns! i certainly return again!

They say Ski It If You Can! And if you can hit a snow storm on the way or before it hits…do it! Some of the best skiing on the East Coast in the weekend of March 23/24 with over 24” of snow. Park wisely as you may need a pull out, but don’t worry, there’s plenty of people around willing to help you! It took us years to get here, but what an incredible memory with the boys. The single chair is not to be missed - what an experience!

Always buy ur ski pass online!!! You can rent snow shoes for $17 and trek up the mountain. Beautiful views when the clouds clear!

One of the last few non corporate ski resorts left here!! Besides Sugar Bush IMO. The best powder days in Vermont are right here!!! Ski it if you can!