A Brave Ski Mom Interview with Joe, A Brave Ski Dad from Boston, Massachusetts
If you could only ski at one resort this season with your family, which resort would you choose?
I would choose Sugarbush. I like Stowe a lot too, but Sugarbush is closer to Boston.
Why is this resort your favorite for family skiing?
Sugarbush is a family place. It really caters to the family element.
There is some challenging terrain at Sugarbush and while conditions are really variable in the East, the Green Mountains usually have the best snow. In the Green Mountain, you have the best chance of having the biggest, best powder day of your life, skiing the tight woods, all alone in the glades.
What are the best amenities at this resort for family skiing?
Sugarbush does a good job of accommodating kids in a nice atmosphere. Sugarbush Bears is an excellent day care (for the little ones) and lesson program with lessons for all abilitites up to age 12.
What needs to be improved at this resort to make it even better for family skiing?
The parking lot has some issues. It is a long march to the lodge. In addition, Sugarbush is divided into two areas: Sugarbush North and Sugarbush South (or Lincoln Peak). These two areas are not well-connected. Sugarbush North has the nicer terrain, but the children’s programs are at Sugarbush South. Parents drop their kids off for lessons at Sugarbush South and then it is difficult to get to Sugarbush North to make some turns before ski school is over.
Are there any “secrets” you are willing to share about this resort?
This isn’t a secret, but it can be awfully cold in January. Be prepared.
Bring a sled. There is sledding at the golf course and sometimes our kids sled as much as they ski.
What advice would you give other families before they come to this resort?
During the early fall, drive up and look at your lodging options. Put some leg work into deciding where you want to stay and what you want to do. There are two different towns near Sugarbush: Warren and Waitsfield. Warren is more quiet, sublime and granola-ey. Waitsfield is more developed.
What are your favorite places to eat at this resort?
We like American Flatbread Pizza in Waitsfield. It is outrageously popular. Also, Miguel’s, a Mexican place in Warren which is quite popular with families.
What is your favorite place to stay at this resort?
Unlike many Western resorts, there aren’t a lot of lodging options. We try to rent a house in the Mad River Valley. A great way to do this is to get two families and rent a place for three long weekends throughout the season. Since the snow conditions can really vary, we like to come up several times in hopes of hitting some good powder.
Some good websites to check for rentals include VRBO.com, homeaway.com, cyberrentals.com, and Craig’s List. Most of the real estate agencies in the area also offer ski season rentals.
What makes this resort unique?
Its quaintness and easy-going atmosphere. There are not alot of nutsy teenagers and college-students, so it is a really nice area to bring the family. Even though it is small you can get a good meal and get a massage.
What is your favorite memory of this resort?
We had a really outstanding family sleigh ride to an operating farm. That morning, a guy had proposed to his girlfriend, by making a heart in the snow. We passed it along the ride. The horses pulling the sleigh were gorgeous and when we got to the farm, we got to see all the farm animals. It was nice and warm in the barn. Kids really love this.
The Brave Ski Mom Adds…….
Thanks Joe!
I have only been to Vermont once, but it was to the Sugarbush area. We spent a weekend in Warren over the Fourth of July. I can vouch for how fun the town of Warren can be, at least in the summer. As a t-shirt we saw read, “I Survived a Warren Fourth.” It is a funky, beautiful little village with a gorgeous river.
For more information on Sugarbush, including ticket and ski school information, as well as lodging and dining, click here.
Joe mentioned an “outstanding” sleigh ride his family has taken at Sugarbush. Information on sleigh rides and other family activities can be found at this link.
Okay Easterners! This was my first foray into providing information on skiing in New England. I would love to hear from more of you! Please contact me if you would like to tell me about your favorite place to ski with your family.
Have fun!
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