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Job: GMX-GMX-M93484A-ALT Document name: 3G73015_GMX_b5.2_pg.indd Description: Evergreen bleeD: 8.625" x 11.125" trim: 7.75" x 10.5" safety: 7" x 9.75" Gutter: None publication: , Vermont art Director: Bob Buzas 8-4728 copyWriter: David Brenner 8-3640 acct. mGr.: Jonathan Grayson 8-3161 art proDucer: Deena Fayette 8-3368 print proD.: Rick Krieger 8-3514 proJ. mnGr.: Frank Tommasini 8-4673 this advertisement prepared by young & rubicam, n.y.

3G73015_GmX_b5.2_pg.indd client: Green Mountain tmG #: 3G73015 HanDle #: 7 Job #: GMX-GMX-M93484A-ALT billinG#: GMX-GMX-M93484 Document name: 3G73015_GMX_b5.2_pg.indd paGe count: 1 of 1 print scale: None inDesiGn Version: CS5.5 stuDio artist: paul guberg last saVe Date: 7-16-2013 3:12 PM creator: KMS creation Date: 7-16-2013 3:12 PM

Document patH: TMG:Volumes:TMG:Clients:YR:Green Mountain:Jobs:2013:3G:3G73015_GMX-GMX-M93484:Mechanicals:3G73015_GMX_b5.2_pg.indd font family: Helvetica Neue LT Std (57 Condensed, 55 Roman), Block Berthold (Regular), Triplex (Light) link name: 3G73015_GMX_a1_w.tif, 2J790819_KeurigBarArt.ai, GMC_logo_3color_white_stroke_cmyk_yr.eps, 3F72744_GMX_d1_v_simp.psd ink name: Cyan, Magenta, Yellow, Black REDEFINING vermontSTYLE

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Porsche recommends 23 Getting Schooled A bluebird day out on the mountain with Russ Kauff, the new director of Sugarbush’s Ski & Ride School. Plus: Kauff’s philosophy on learning. By Peter Oliver

29 Valley Exposure The seasons of Sugarbush captured by local photographers.

35 The Early Years of Glen Ellen On the fiftieth anniversary of the development of Mt.E llen, a look back at the carefree early days of a family mountain (with a few adult traditions). By Candice White

43 Top-Shelf Golf on the Side of a Mountain The course at Golf Club, designed by the famed Robert Trent Jones Sr., challenges golfers with the variables of a beautiful mountain setting. Plus: Tips from Sugarbush’s head golf pro, R. J. Austin. By Peter Oliver

The sun sets over Mt. Ellen as she celebrates her fiftieth anniversary in December 2013. Photographer: John Atkinson SUGARBUSH 8 12 MAGAZINE

EDITOR Candice White

10 Managing Editor Katie Bacon

production Editor Amy Stackhouse

Art director Audrey Huffman

Photo editor 6 Inside Lines 20 Wayfinder Mary Simmons One on one with Win Smith, owner and Meet James Niehues, the artist president of Sugarbush Resort. behind the trail map of Sugarbush— atidver sing director and just about all the other big Kyler Turnbull 8 Community mountain resorts in the U.S. Bragg Farm, a longtime symbol of the atidver sing design beauty and productivity of the Valley’s 40 Style Tara Gordon working landscape, has a new lease Fashionable finds from the Mad on life. River Valley. contributors John Bleh 10 Arts & Culture 48 Timeline Patrick Brown Some of the world’s top-rated craft A quick history of Sugarbush. Chris Enman Peter Oliver beers are produced right here in Vermont. How did we get so lucky? 50 Environment Initiatives to make Sugarbush For advertising information, 12 Summertime ever-greener. please contact: The Valley is known for having Sugarbush Resort some of the most spectacular biking in 52 Sugar-Kids 1840 Sugarbush Access Road . Former mountain bike Family-friendly festivals, kids pizza Warren, VT 05674 800.53.SUGAR pro Audrey Huffman shares some of her and movie nights, and torchlight sugarbush.com favorite on- and off-road routes. parades—there’s a lot to make kids happy at Sugarbush. 14 Sugarbusher Plus: Have fun with Murphy Moose’s ON THE COVER Longtime Sugarbush pass holder word scramble and word search. WINTER: Gerry Cayne speaks with us about Candi Chase embraces elegance the early years of gondolas, celebrities, 54 Local Bargains and fun on the slopes of and dancing on the rafters at Orsini’s. From $2 tacos to $30 Thursdays: Glen Ellen in the early years. Photographer: Sandy Macys a guide to some of the best deals 16 Training Grounds in the Valley. SUMMER: The alpine program director at Music, friends, family, and craft beer Green Mountain Valley School offers 60 Sugarbush Close-Up at the Sugarbush Brew-Grass an expert perspective on the Sochi The Mad River Valley offers something Festival, June 2013. Olympic Games—and what it takes for everyone—in all seasons. Photographer: John Atkinson to get there. 64 Events Calendar 18 Behind the Scenes Mt. Ellen’s fiftieth-birthday bash, The art and science behind calling mogul competitions, and maple- a wind-hold. sugaring festivals—entertaining events around the Valley. 4 SUGARBUSH MAGAZINE Get to the most popular destinations in the Mad River Valley for FREE.* MAD BUS RoUteS: Valley Floor Valley Evening Service Snowcap Commuter Mountain Condos Harwood Freerider Access Road

* All routes are free, except for Snowcap Commuter

Call 802-223-7287 or visit gmtaride.org for more info. INSIDE lines macys

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This is a meaningful year for my family. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith, where my father was a founding partner and where I worked for twenty-eight years, turns 100. Sugarbush, founded by the Gadd family, celebrates its fifty-fifth year. And Glen Ellen, founded by the Elliott family and a part of Sugarbush since 1979, turns fifty.

People often say to me, “Owning a must be so different than your previous life.” Yes, in some ways it is. But in many ways, the values Win with his Blazer grandkids and their parents. that my father and his partners practiced, that the Gadds and Elliotts taught, and that my team at Sugarbush now aims for, are all quite similar. All of us have believed that for an organization to run well, it has to be well run. And to be well run, it has to embody a set of values and principles that create a culture that can endure. Principles like making sure the customer’s interest is placed first, and always acting with integrity, are winning values for any enterprise. In a business whose primary asset is its people, creating a culture of teamwork and respect for all is critical. While providing an adequate return to one’s shareholders is essential in order to be sustainable, it is important to provide the right return to all stakeholders. And being a responsible member of one’s community is as important a principle as any.

Inheriting the traditions of a fabled resort like Sugarbush, and working to make the resort better each year, is an important and rewarding responsibility. What makes this effort even more joyful is watching family, friends, and guests enjoy themselves in this beautiful Vermont setting. Last winter, two of my grandchildren participated in our Blazers program each weekend from December to March. Their younger sibling is eager to join them this year. They are learning skills and becoming excellent skiers—but more importantly, they are making new friends and having fun.

The Sugarbush community that my grandchildren are discovering is a large part of what makes this place so special. It is a community that began with a handful of families who committed to spending their winters here, and it expanded to include their families and friends and their friends’ families and friends, all of whom shared a passion for the mountains. The Sugarbush community today has many facets: the founding families from the mountain’s beginnings, and families who have more recently made Sugarbush their home or second home, including our Seasonal Programs community, our Clay Brook community, and our new Rice Brook community (whose members may find themselves overwhelmed with new friends who want to try out their slope-side hot tubs!). We welcome the new generation of skiers and boarders, who may be hitting ramps in the terrain park at Mt. Ellen or drinking a PBR in the Wünderbar. We are lucky to have good neighbors, like Mad River Glen and our local cross-country ski areas. And we are privileged to have some skiers who have been here since the beginning, like Gerry Cayne, a longtime season pass holder who still every auff k weekend at the age of ninety. (See Gerry’s profile on page 14.)

russ Skiing is the perfect lifetime gift. I hope you all plan to be skiing here when you are ninety—I certainly plan to!

My wife Lili and I, and the rest of our family, look forward to seeing you here this year.

Cheers,

Win Smith President, Sugarbush Resort

Lincoln Peak base area.

6 SUGARBUSH MAGAZINE

community bragg farm is Back A longtime symbol of the beauty and productivity of the Valley’s working landscape has a new lease on life. By rob williams

Bank Barn, a project that would take him three years. He died of illness soon after completing it, and the farm was sold. Erlene and f you’ve ever visited the Mad River Valley or are lucky enough Willis Bragg obtained a smaller portion of the family farm in 1952 to live here, take a moment and conjure up an image of the to operate a small dairy. In 2008, their son Reggie and his wife I iconic Bragg Farm: a beautifully weathered old barn and silo Dorothy put the property up for sale. sit on a pastured hillside, while just westward, off in the distance, Recognizing Bragg Farm’s importance to the Mad River Valley, Sugarbush’s ski trails spill down the steep sides of the Green the Vermont Land Trust partnered with the Mad River Watershed Mountains, framed by both trees and barn. Perched in the high Conservation Partnership (comprised of the Mad River Valley hills of Fayston, and an impressive showpiece of both the beauty Planning District, the Friends of the Mad River, and the Fayston and productivity of the Valley’s working landscape, Bragg Farm has Natural Resource Committee) to purchase the property in August become a unique and potent symbol for all who know and love the 2012 at its appraised value of $760,000. The conservation of Mad River Valley. No wonder that, without an ounce of hyperbole, Bragg Farm and its iconic barn was seen as vital by local leaders, the Preservation Trust of Vermont refers to Bragg Farm as “an explained Ky Koitzsch, the chair of the Fayston Natural Resources unusually large dairy barn in a spectacular setting.” Committee; it was, he said, “a wonderful opportunity for our town Perhaps the Mad River Valley’s most photographed single property, to ensure a permanent link to our rich cultural heritage and to Bragg Farm has a storied history. Purchased in the 1850s by Anna preserve the beauty of Fayston’s agricultural landscape.” and Azro Bragg, the farm encompassed a generous 550 acres at With the Bragg Farm property conserved, the Vermont Land its nineteenth-century production height, with forty dairy cows, Trust launched a public search for a new farmer with a clear fields for potatoes, raspberries, and strawberries, and a robust vision for bringing the farm back to life. Enter Marisa Mauro. maple-sugaring operation. A half century later, Azro and Anna’s The enterprising twentysomething cheese maker and founder of son Frank started milling local lumber to build the imposing Late Ploughgate Creamery had lost her leased farm facility in Albany,

8 SUGARBUSH MAGAZINE macys

simmons

mary sandy

Hartshorn’s Santa Davida Farm Stand.

In addition to Bragg Farm, the Mad River Valley boasts an abundance of agri-preneurial initiatives. For a complete list, visit the Mad River Localvores website at madriverlocalvores.org.

Gaylord Farm Featuring seasonal vegetables, turkeys (in season), and beef. 2587 Main Street Waitsfield, Vermont 05673 802-496-2043 gaylordfarm.org

Hartshorn’s Santa Davida Farm Specializing in organic vegetables, flowers, and berries. 54 Quarry Road Waitsfield, Vermont 05673 802-279-8054 Bragg Farm in Fayston. davesfarm.wordpress.com

NeilL Farm Vermont, to a devastating fire in the fall of 2011. Mauro’s Vermont Land Trust Growing/raising local vegetables and beef. Bragg Farm application bested a dozen other proposals, and Ploughgate 1812 North Road Creamery has now moved to the hills of Fayston, where Mauro will build her Waitsfield, Vermont 05673 small-scale dairy to an eventual twenty Jersey cows (with suckling pigs as 802-496-4468 an added bonus); she hopes to produce 5,000 pounds of butter annually, to Small Step Farm be sold through her existing network of buyers and chefs throughout central Providing local vegetables to local residents, Vermont. “I feel the utmost gratitude toward the supporters and contributors of restaurants, and markets. the Bragg Farm conservation project,” Mauro recently explained, calling Bragg 7784 Route 100 Farm “the fulfillment of a lifelong dream” and a “community meeting place that Waitsfield, Vermont 05673 everyone can enjoy.” She plans to host music and locavore events along with 802-999-2573 smallstepfarm.blogspot.com other public gatherings on the property in the months ahead. Indeed, the Bragg Farm revitalization initiative is a wonderful example of the Von Trapp Greenhouse spirit of collaboration that makes Vermont’s Mad River Valley special. “The Offering greenhouse-grown seedlings, plants, and cut flowers (in season). Bragg Farm conservation project is a chance to protect a place that captures 208 Common Road the beauty and heritage of our watershed, providing new opportunities for Waitsfield, Vermont 05673 farming to continue to thrive and diversify. We could not have done this without 802-496-4385 the support of the Vermont Housing and Conservation Board, the town of vontrappgreenhouse.com Fayston, and so many contributing businesses, residents, and visitors,” summed up Liza Walker, the Vermont Land Trust’s local director. “There is a remarkable Von Trapp Farmstead rise in the spirit of partnership and innovation in the Valley which is linking Distributing organic small-batch cheeses to local and national retail outlets. farmers, customers, schools, and restaurants in exciting new ways.” Thanks Common Road to the generosity and vision of many Mad River Valley supporters (including Waitsfield, Vermont 05673 Sugarbush), the now-productive Bragg Farm enters the twenty-first century 802-496-6100 with a new lease on life—good news for all of us who love this special place. vontrappfarmstead.com

2013/14 9 arts & culture On tap at the Alchemist. The Alchemist—Heady Topper Hours: Tasting room open 11 a.m.–7 p.m. daily Address: 35 Crossroad Road, Waterbury Phone: (802) 244-7744 “Drink this beer immediately, we’re always making more.” So reads the last sentence on the A State of Alchemist’s 16-ounce Heady Topper can, and for those lucky enough to be within a 20-mile or so Hoppiness radius of Waterbury, Vermont, finding, drinking, and replenishing a Heady Topper four-pack involves inson

k only a carefully timed trip to the beverage store on at Some of the world’s top-rated craft beers are produced right distribution day, or a pilgrimage to the cannery. here in Vermont. How did we get so lucky? By chris enman But for those not so regional, landing a can of

john BeerAdvocate’s “#1 Rated Beer in the World” can be a bit of a challenge. The state of Vermont is home to more Burlington. (These days, Mad River Glen than thirty different breweries, and from hosts SIPtemberfest, and Sugarbush’s The story of the Alchemist goes back to the mid- the Alchemist to Zero Gravity, Vermont Brew-Grass Festival is heading into its 1990s when a recent college graduate named John brewmasters are producing some of the fourth year.) Kimmich left Pennsylvania for Vermont in search of his dream job. More specifically, he sought the most recognized craft beers in the world. The Vermont brew scene continued to What is it about this small state that keeps brewing expertise of the late Greg Noonan, and flourish, and by the 2010 census, the state his travels took him to Vermont Pub & Brewery in it at the top of the beer-making world? was leading the nation with the most Some say it’s the water; others, the clean downtown Burlington. He got a job there waiting breweries per capita. The quality of beer tables, and in 1995 was promoted to head brewer. mountain air. One thing’s for sure—the being brewed in Vermont has remained do-it-yourself Vermonter attitude and superb, and beer aficionados travel to Eventually, his thoughts turned to opening a locavore movement definitely play a role. Vermont tasting rooms from all around brewery of his own. In 2003, John and his wife, The Vermont craft beer culture started the world. They come to try beer from Jen, opened the doors of the Alchemist Pub and more than twenty-five years ago with the Lawson’s Finest Liquids, a nano-brewery Brewery in downtown Waterbury. founding of Catamount Brewery (now in Warren where Sean Lawson uses For years the pub was a hot spot, attracting locals, defunct) in White River Junction. It was concentrated maple sap as the only form tourists, and après-ski crowds. But on August 29, one of the first microbreweries in New of liquid in his Maple Tripple (a seasonal 2011, floodwaters began to climb from Tropical England; one of its owners had gone to strong ale, with 10.1 percent alcohol by Storm Irene and the brewpub was destroyed. The England for six months to study beer volume), a brew that just received a silver only bright spot was that in just two days the first making and then brought those skills medal at the World Beer Cup. They come cans of Heady Topper rolled off the lines in the back to Vermont. At around the same to Hill Farmstead Brewery in Greensboro, Alchemist’s new cannery, high on a hill. time, the brewing expert Greg Noonan whose owner, Shaun Hill, just took the Almost immediately the cannery had a problem published a pioneering book on home title of Best Brewer in the World from keeping up with demand, and in the fall of 2012 they brewing called Brewing Lager Beer and RateBeer.com and has five brews on the increased brewing capacity from 180 barrels per started working with Vermont’s legislature Top 50 Worldwide list. And they come to week to 200. The brewery doesn’t plan to add any to pass a bill allowing brewpubs. In 1988, the Alchemist in Waterbury, whose Heady more capacity. As Jen Kimmich puts it, “We don’t Noonan succeeded in opening Vermont’s Topper is currently ranked number one in want to be the biggest brewery. We want to focus first brewpub—Vermont Pub & Brewery the world by BeerAdvocate magazine. on brewing one beer perfectly—Heady Topper, an in Burlington. The next year, beer lovers All this raises an important question for American Double IPA.” That said, the Alchemist will formed a home brew club called the Vermonters, who can stay local to try be adding a few “new” beers to the mix this fall, but Green Mountain Mashers, and the Long some of the world’s best beers: “How only in growlers at the cannery. They will be some of Trail Brewing Company opened its doors. did we get so lucky?” The answer is the old favorites from the brewpub days. Vermont was now a real player on the right around the corner, or just down the So what’s the best way to get a Heady Topper? craft beer scene. street, at the current or soon-to-be local Head to the cannery in Waterbury for a sample, a In the early 1990s, both formal and brewpub. One glance at the menu and purchase, or both. (For purchases, the earlier in informal home brew gatherings started you’ll notice a theme—Vermont cheese, the week the better, as the cannery tends to sell gaining popularity in Vermont. Stores homemade bread, native produce, local out on busy weekends.) Additional retail and bar like Sweet Pea Natural Foods in the Mad meats, and, of course, house-crafted beer. distribution happens in a 20-mile radius; you can River Valley began carrying home brew Vermont is taking “local” seriously, and in get details at alchemistbeer.com. supplies, and small groups of brewers a state with 251 cities, towns, and villages, waded through trial and error, success and just over thirty local breweries, that Heady Topper in production. and collaboration; slowly a scene of high- leaves a lot of room for locally brewed quality nano- and microbreweries and growth, competition, collaboration, and brewpubs emerged. Sugarbush began creativity. hosting brew festivals with attendees like and Magic Hat, and in 1993 For more information on all Vermont

the scene was big enough to support breweries, tours, tasting rooms, and inson k

the first Vermont Brewers Festival in t

the like, visit VermontBrewers.com. a

10 SUGARBUSH MAGAZINE john

summertime macys

The Valley on sandy Two Wheels

A mountain biker at the top of Gadd Peak.

The Mad River Valley is known for having some of the most spectacular biking in New England, for both road and mountain bikers. Former mountain bike pro Audrey Huffman shares some of her favorite on- and off-road routes. By AUDREY HUFFMAN ROAD CROSS-COUNTRY MOUNTAIN BIKE Warren to Granville Gulf [easy] Blueberry Lake Mountain Bike Trails [easy to moderate] Start in Warren Village and spin south out of town along Route 100 The Blueberry Lake trails feature gentle grades, sweeping turns, toward Granville. The road gradually climbs along the Mad River to and smooth transitions with few rocks and roots. This recently its watershed in Granville Gulf. A magnificent waterfall rewards you developed and still-growing mountain bike trail system is family at the top of the gulf. On your return-trip descent, stop and cool friendly and enjoyable for riders of all abilities. After your ride, take off at Warren Falls, one of the state’s most spectacular swimming a dip in Blueberry Lake or, in midsummer, nibble on an extensive holes. Route: Out and back from Warren Village along Route 100 to crop of blueberries. Just watch out for bears! the Granville Gulf waterfall. Distance: 16 miles Trailhead: Park at one of Warren’s Blueberry Lake lots and bike across Plunkton Road. There are two trailheads located on Sugarbush—Warren—Waitsfield Loop [moderate to difficult] the south side of Blueberry Lake Dam. Currently, there are two Known to locals as the Tour of the Valley, this 20-mile road ride intersecting loops. Distance: 4+ miles is the perfect way to experience the seasons and take in the area’s breathtaking panoramic views. The route takes you on a Mad River Classic Mountain Bike Ride [difficult] meandering trip around the Valley, on historic covered bridges, This trail system features some of the best technical riding in the along free-flowing brooks and rivers, under soaring gliders, Valley. Starting from the top of Tucker Hill Road, the relatively and through abundant corn fields and vineyards. Route: Start at mellow Enchanted Forest will lead you to trails such as Cyclone, Base Area on Sugarbush Access Road — right on Clinic, and Busternut, providing no shortage of rocks, roots, turns, Golf Course Road — left on West Hill Road — cross Route 100 into climbs, and descents. Ride bonus: Descend the Revolution Trail Warren Village — left on Brook Road — turns into East Warren and end up at American Flatbread in Waitsfield for some après- Road and then Bridge Street — left on Route 100 — right on Route ride wood-fired pizza. Trailhead: Camel’s Hump State Forest 17 — left on German Flats Road — right on Sugarbush Access parking area at the top of Tucker Hill Road, Fayston. Be sure to get Road. Distance: 20 miles a map from a local bike shop. Distance: Unlimited LAMB Ride [difficult] DOWNHILL MOUNTAIN BIKE LAMB is short for Lincoln, Appalachian, Middlebury, and Brandon Sugarbush Resort Downhill Mountain Bike Trails Gaps. This is a tough but fun route for those who love to climb. [all abilities, downhill equipment strongly recommended] There are many country stores along the way to refuel, streams From the top of the at Lincoln Peak, discover thirty-seven to cool off in, and views to admire. The back side of trails stretching 20 miles, with long descents, high-speed downhill is dirt for a couple of miles, so be aware. Route: Head south out runs, and free-ride features in the park. Full-featured bike rentals, of Warren Village and turn right on Covered Bridge Road — cross with pads and helmets, are available in the Farmhouse for kids Route 100 onto Lincoln Gap Road (Lincoln Gap) — right on Route and adults. Check out the “Skills for the Hills Intro to Downhilling” 116 — right on Route 17 () — right on Route 100 — clinics for all ages and abilities, along with kids mountain bike right on Route 125 (Middlebury Gap) — left on Upper Plains Road adventure camps. Trailhead: Sugarbush Resort at Lincoln Peak — left on Route 53 — left on Route 73 (Brandon Gap) — left on Route 100 back to Warren. Distance: 110 miles

12 SUGARBUSH MAGAZINE macys

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Green Mountain Stage Race.

Local Cycling Events: Mad River Riders Time Trial Series (last Tuesday every month, May–September) These free timed competitions take place around the Mad River Valley and are open to all abilities. www.madriverriders.com Eastern Cup Downhill and Super D Mountain Bike Race (June) Compete against or watch the world’s top downhill mountain bike professionals race on the slopes of Lincoln Peak. The event is part of the USA Cycling Downhill MTB Championship Series. www.easternstatescup.com Green Mountain Stage Race (Labor Day Weekend) A four-day cycling stage race based out of the Mad River Valley. The stages cover several of the most picturesque roads and toughest climbs in Vermont, ending with an exciting criterium—a quick bike race on a short course on downtown Burlington’s Church Street. www.gmsr.info Kelly Brush Century Ride (September) This ride offers three routes depending on your desired mileage: 28 miles, 50 miles, and 100 miles. The crowd has a high quotient of athletes—Green Mountain Valley School students, parents, skiers, and cyclists—and the ride Discover the Greener Side itself offers many well-stocked support stations and spectacular views of the Champlain Valley. of the www.kellybrushfoundation.org Mountain Allen Clark Hill Climb (October) In this difficult time trial, racers must climb 1,600 vertical feet in 6.2 miles, from the intersection of Routes 100 and 17 to the top of Appalachian Gap. Recently joining the Biking Up Mountains Points Series (BUMPS) of races, it has fast become a popular rite of cycling passage in the Mad River Valley. www.hillclimbseries.com Local Bike Shops: THE FARMHOUSE BIKE SHOP Lincoln Peak, Sugarbush, 802-583-6504 FIT Werx 4312 Main Street, Waitsfield, 802-496-7570 Enjoy Sugarbush in the warmer months with our summer mountain activities including: Infinite Sports 5274 Main Street, Waitsfield, 802-496-3343 Scenic Lift RideS, diSc GoLf, BunGee tRampoLine, Bike Works mountain BikinG, Bounce HouSe, ZipLine, HikinG 9 Route 17, Waitsfield, 802-496-4800 Local Cycling Resource: Mad River Riders, www.madriverriders.com Open daily late June – Labor Day Road and trail conditions can vary depending on the Open weekends Labor Day – Columbus Day time of year, so please check in with the local bike shops for a map and recommended route. Season passes and day passes available. sugarbush.com | 800.53.SUGAR

2013/14 13 sugarbusher glory days at Sugarbush Gerry Cayne Resident of: New York City Season pass holder since: 1963

As Sugarbush celebrates Lincoln Peak’s fifty-fifth anniversary and Mt. Ellen’s fiftieth, Sugarbush pass holder Gerry Cayne speaks with Sugarbush Magazine about the early years of gondolas, celebrities, and dancing on the rafters at Orsini’s. By candice white Gerry Cayne participating in the 2013 Porsche Winter Driving Experience at Sugarbush.

SM: When was your first year skiing at Sugarbush? And I remember Peter Estin giving a lesson to [actress] Kim Novak on Moonshine, on one ski. He had broken his leg in Chamonix the GC: I think it was the late fifties or early sixties. week before. SM: What made you come to Sugarbush? SM: I don’t think we’d allow that now … GC: I had been skiing at Mad River Glen and Stowe, but I had heard What did you do for après-ski? about the gondola at Sugarbush, and wanted to check it out. I liked it. GC: After skiing, we’d go to the Wünderbar in the Valley House. It SM: Where did you stay? was such a success that you had to know the bouncer to get in. GC: I stayed at the Schuss Bush Chalets on German Flats Road, Damon and Sara Gadd [Sugarbush’s first owners] would be sitting now called the Peaks, opposite the Common Man Restaurant. in there having their cheese fondue. SM: Tell us some of your best memories. I remember other people there, like Vincent Sardi Jr., who owned Sardi’s restaurant in New York City. GC: Once I was skiing with Teddy Kennedy and Hans Estin, whose brother Peter was the first ski school director for Sugarbush At night, we’d go dancing in the back room at Chez Henri until [and subsequently a Kennedy speechwriter]. There was no two in the morning. Orsini’s Restaurant [owned by New York City , of course, and it was springtime. We were skiing restaurateur Armando Orsini and now known as Common Man] down Lower Snowball, which was half grass and half snow. Teddy was the first disco around here, and many people would dance on hit a rock with his ski, and I could see sparks fly. He fell, and broke the rafters. his ski pole. He was so upset, because he had just bought them! SM: Would you? But later on, we had a few drinks, and all was well. GC: Yes, I loved to dance, and yes, I was up on the rafters. On Sunday mornings, Stein Eriksen would go to the slope near the SM: What was the best part of last season? Valley House, and he would do a complete flip wearing a leopard resort

parka. I believe this hadn’t been done before. GC: The Porsche Winter Driving Experience. I drove ten Porsche cars. Cindy Hollingsworth [a top model in NYC] and her friends loved to SM: Gerry, you’ve mentioned that you do your own Sugarbush

ski under the gondola. And afterward, some of them would come Triathlon. What exactly is that? arbush dancing, which was a real treat. sug

GC: I ride my bicycle from my home in New York City to my car. I get in my car and drive 300 miles up to Sugarbush. And then and sometimes, I make it here in time to get a run or two in Cayne’s Volvo after a big snowstorm at Lincoln Peak. Cayne’s first Sugarbush season pass. before the lifts close. ayne C Après-ski dancing at Orsini’s. erry G of

courtesy

images

14 SUGARBUSH MAGAZINE Photographer: Dan Ferrer equipment &Accessories children’s Seasonal equipmentleasing custom BootFitting Ski/Board Tuning &repair &Demos Ski rentals Full Service SkiShop–MountainsideatSugarbush Shredding thewoods withtherightsledsiscritical. in Sugarbush Village, Warren, VT Conveniently locatednext toRiceBrook Residences www.mountainsideski.com 802-583-WAXX (9299) training grounds williams

doug

All Eyes on SOCHI Steve Utter, the alpine program director at Green Mountain Valley School, offers an expert perspective on the Sochi Olympic Games. By PATRICK BROWN Danny Duffy (GMVS Class of 2012), currently on the U.S. Ski Development Team.

This winter the eyes of the world focus on Sochi, Russia, a Black SM: What are some things about the process of coaching these Sea resort town in the Caucasus, as the world’s elite athletes aim athletes that the general public might not know? for a bid at Olympic glory. The alpine events will take place up in SU: Athletes and coaches do try to make the Olympics “just the mountains at the Rosa Khutor ski area. Purpose built for the another race.” Those with the greatest expectations often do not Olympiad, Rosa Khutor boasts some impressive statistics: a skiable have their dreams materialize. vertical of over 5,700 feet and ten new hotels to host the throngs of visitors who will arrive from around the world. The resort lies 30 SM: Who from the U.S. team should we be watching in Sochi? What miles east of the Black Sea, and weather patterns bring moisture- are you expecting to see out of them? laden systems to the heights of the Caucasus Mountains, dumping SU: Ted Ligety is a real threat in all events, particularly the giant some 33 feet of snow per year. slalom, super giant slalom, and combined. Julia Mancuso always Athletes and trainers the world over—including at Sugarbush— shines in championship events, and she is on track to do the same have their eyes trained on Sochi. Sugarbush is home to Green in Sochi. The real wildcards are Lindsey Vonn and Bode Miller. If Mountain Valley School, one of a handful of elite ski academies in both are healthy and feel confident, I think they can really do well. America that train athletes seeking to reach the highest level of the SM: What are your hopes for GMVS athletes for upcoming Olympics? sport. The school has reared an impressive list of winning racers, some of whom have reached the Olympic Games. Steve Utter, the SU: We have several graduates in the pipeline for the 2018 alpine program director at GMVS, offers an expert perspective on games. From now to then is important buildup in terms of the Sochi Games and what it takes to make it there. experience, volume of training, and overall improvement in skills. SM: How do academies like GMVS feed into the Olympic pipeline? SM: Why do you think they might make it? SU: We train kids here to be able to qualify for their respective SU: GMVS kids tackle challenges whenever they are faced with national teams. Thereafter the national teams take over. The best them. They are confident, as a lot, and they work hard. of the best make the Olympics. SM: What is the training process at GMVS like? SM: What is the training process like at GMVS that sets up athletes for SU: GMVS continues to work on the next generation of winning the Olympics? athletes. We demand they work hard and smart to acquire skills SU: GMVS is geared toward the early phases of development of necessary to get to the next level. Kids devote fifteen to twenty hours athletes with Olympic dreams. We focus on developing sound a week to training— technique and tactics in skiing. We work on conditioning, nutrition, on snow and in the

and mental training, too—all at the fundamental level. Kids work gym. To get better, arroll c

hard and become disciplined and responsible through the process. persistent, positive preparation is the key. SM: What are the Olympics themselves like for the athletes? todd SU: Competing in an Olympics is everyone’s dream realized. So few do it—yet they all have that dream when they start. SM: How are the athletes training right now, leading up to the Olympics? SU: Athletes at the highest level prioritize preparation for the Olympics over seasonal objectives—such as World Cup events— GMVS alpine director that would normally dominate their schedule. This means more Steve Utter high-fiving in-season training than usual for top athletes, with many in the his student after a great Olympic medal hunt sitting out World Cup events. practice run.

16 SUGARBUSH MAGAZINE Thank you Sugarbush Resort for providing us with a world-class training venue and for your continued support of our dreams!

From the athletes of the Sugarbush/GMVS Ski Club and Green Mountain Valley School

Treating skiers and snowboarders GREEN MOUNTAIN VALLEY SCHOOL Fostering a life-long love of learning, sport and adventure of all ages since 1981 Middle School and High School Academy for full-time ski racers Waitsfield & Sugarbush Offices Weekend race program ages 6-18 802/496-4292 www.gmvs.org • 802-496-2150 www.backtoactionpt.com

GMVS and the Olympics A. J. Kitt ’82 Kitt skied with the U.S. Ski Team for over a decade and made it to the medal podium six times on the World Cup circuit, with twenty- nine finishes in the top ten and one World Cup downhill victory. He competed in four separate Olympic Games. Doug Lewis ’82 Lewis, the Valley’s native-son ski celebrity, had a U.S. Ski Team career that included a trip to the Olympics in Sarajevo in 1984 and Seoul in 1988. He is currently a TV analyst for World Cup alpine events on Universal Sports, and still resides in the Valley. Daron Rahlves ’91 Rahlves skied thirteen successful years on the U.S. Ski Team. His accomplishments included twelve World Cup victories and a world championship. He competed in the 2010 Olympics in the ski cross event. Coach Mike Day GMVS recently hired Day, a veteran ski coach who is best known for working with Ted Ligety from the club level in Park City through his most recent success on the World Cup tour. Ligety handily beat the competition in the technical events over the last year on the World Cup circuit and is a skier to watch in Sochi.

2013/14 17 behind the scenes inson k at

john “Blow,WinterWi Blow,nte Thour Wind”Wind” The art and science behind calling a wind-hold. By Candice WHite

Skiers and riders are a bit like surfers in their reaction to storms, which is in stark contrast to the general public’s. When a hurricane approaches, many people take cover in a windowless basement, When performing a wind check, Hammond’s team is looking for while surfers strap boards to cars and head for the open seas. lateral deflection in the chairs measuring 15 degrees or more. The Similarly, when a winter storm nears, skiers and riders leave the team is also looking to see if the chairs can travel smoothly around madhouse grocery shopping and hunkering down to everyone else the bull wheel. A detachable chair typically travels at a speed of 11 while they pack their gear and point their four-wheel-drive up the mph. If there is a chance to mitigate the wind’s impact on the chair mountain road. by slowing its speed, the operator will do so. But if slowing the lift Sometimes, though, the welcome snow arrives with wind, its not- does not change the impact, “wind-hold” is called: Dispatchers so-welcome partner. And our expectations for the perfect ski day radio to the lift operator to call “last chair,” all remaining skiers are dimmed. What is the big deal about high winds, when do we have and riders already on chairs are delivered to the top of the lift, and to worry that our powder day may be compromised, and why did the the lift is stopped. The lift is then put on watch and monitored for 2012–13 ski season seem so much windier than others? changes that may allow it to reopen. John Hammond, Sugarbush’s vice president of mountain Tony Vazzano of North Winds Weather in has been operations and recreational services, would say that wind is a very supplying Sugarbush’s weather reports for thirty years. Vazzano’s big deal. Overseeing ski patrol and lift operations, among other report is often the first indicator to Hammond of an approaching things, Hammond is ultimately responsible for maintaining safety wind and its strength and direction. “When we get a big snowstorm on the mountain … for everyone. It’s kind of a big responsibility, [at Sugarbush], often there are big northwest winds behind it,” and one he doesn’t take lightly. And high winds are one of the says Vazzano. “And a nor’easter brings with it a wind from the East things Hammond worries about the most. Winds can affect us in that blows for much of the duration of the storm.” several ways, by causing problems for people getting off a chair, At Sugarbush, lifts are constructed at varying aspects of the by impacting the ability of high-speed detachable chairs to go mountains, allowing for some to stay open in high winds when around the terminal, by causing the lift line to oscillate, by pushing others may close. Typically, the good places to ski on windy days chairs into towers, and, the worst-case scenario, by causing the are the lifts that are protected by trees or situated low to the lift line to derope. Hammond doesn’t even like to say the word ground. At Sugarbush, this includes Gate House Express and “deropement”—when the lift line jumps the track and falls, Castlerock at Lincoln Peak, and the Sunny Double and Inverness dropping chairs to the ground. While deropement is an uncommon at Mt. Ellen. occurrence, it has happened in the Northeast in recent years, though luckily not at Sugarbush. The good news is that skiers and riders don’t have to worry, because Hammond and his team do the worrying for us. “As wind approaches 40 miles per hour, we’re concerned,” says Hammond may be aggressive in other areas of his job, like Hammond, sitting in Sugarbush’s mountain operations office. snowmaking and grooming, but wind safety is one area where he “When it goes above 40 mph, we’ll post mechanics at the tops of is ultraconservative. “This is not an exact science, but we want the lifts to watch how the lift and the wind interact.” to be on the side of guest safety and equipment safety. We’re not A 40 mph wind exerts 4 pounds of force on every 1 square foot going to push the limits on this.” Makes sense to me. Maybe I of surface. As the speed of the wind increases, its force grows won’t be so upset next time Heaven’s Gate goes on wind-hold. exponentially, so that a 60 mph wind exerts a force double that And as for the perception that the 2012–13 season was windier of a 40 mph wind. than usual? Wind-hold hours did measure above average at The force of the wind is critical, but wind direction is just as Sugarbush. In recent years, the last season that tracked more important. A strong wind blowing straight up the line may allow wind-hold hours was the winter of 2008–09. But when thinking a lift to continue running at normal speed, while a strong wind about the weather, Tony Vazzano takes more of the long view. In blowing across the line may exert a sideways force on the chairs, the 2011–12 season, he says, “There was no winter, and there was causing dangerous lateral deflection. Additionally, winds are often almost no wind. This past year was just more typical.” Okay. I’ll inconsistent, so the wind at the base of a lift may be tolerable, take another typical year with 279 inches, and a little wind along while the wind at the summit may be gusting significantly. with all the snow.

18 SUGARBUSH MAGAZINE PHOTOGRAPHY BY: PETER CIRILLI ‘16 MAJOR: GRAPHIC DESIGN LOCATION: MCDONALD HALL | CHAMPLAIN

RULE No 8 FUEL YOUR PASSION WHY LEARN TOMORROW WHAT YOU CAN EXPERIENCE TODAY?

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Wayfinder niehues

james

of Mapper ofMOUNTAINS courtesy

Meet James Niehues, the artist behind the trail map of Sugarbush—and just about all the other big mountain resorts in the U.S. By katie bacon Map illustrator James Niehues.

When you study Sugarbush’s trail map to figure out a good route individual tree, making sure to show which are evergreens and from Middle Earth to Stein’s Run, do you ever wonder how that which are deciduous, so skiers have a sense of the landscape. image of the mountain came to be? James Niehues, the premier He also makes judgments about how to give skiers the best ski-mountain artist in the world, spent weeks painstakingly sense of what a mountain is really like, along with how to present drawing and painting Sugarbush’s trail map, just as he’s done the mountain, with all its different faces, on one easy-to-read for more than 160 other ski resorts in the , Austria, and accessible map. He points out that if he were to just take an New Zealand, and elsewhere. He estimates that he’s depicted 75 aerial photograph and paint exactly what he saw, the distances percent of all large U.S. resorts. would be flattened out and wouldn’t look as great as they do in In an era when more and more images are created on computers, person. “To get it to look vast like it is, I’ll add vertical. In some Niehues argues—and his paintings back him up—that the task of cases, whenever a trail is wide, I’ll give it a bit more width to give capturing a complicated ski mountain is still best accomplished by skiers the feeling it’s a wide trail.” For Sugarbush’s trail map, the human mind and hand. He starts by taking aerial photographs which Niehues painted in 1990 and updated in 1994, he made of the mountain from 4,000 feet above the summit, then 2,000 the decision to adjust the distance between Mt. Ellen and Lincoln feet, then lower, dropping with each pass until he reaches just a Peak, bringing them closer together to make an effective trail map few hundred feet above the base. By the time he lands, he usually that fit on one page. has an idea of the angle he’ll take for the mountain, and how he’ll Niehues had many careers before he found this work in the late twist the multiple faces to capture the best views of all the runs. 1980s, after he approached the reigning ski map illustrator of the “There’s usually just that one key perspective that will work best—I day, Bill Brown, and asked for his advice about getting into the don’t know how to tell you that I get it. It’s manipulating the ski field. It turned out that Brown was looking to try something else, area in your mind and considering all the things that come into and he gave Niehues his first assignment on the spot: doing an play. Each mountain has its own formula.” inset for the map of Winter Park in Colorado. The work perfectly In his studio in Loveland, Colorado, Niehues does a sketch of the suited Niehues’s skills; he could use the analytical side of his mountain and sends it to the client for approval. Then he begins personality to map a ski mountain in a logical, clear way and his the longer, more detailed painting process, which usually takes artistic side to show the landscape’s inherent beauty. “I try to give a couple of weeks. He airbrushes the sky and the snow, but then each mountain an individual feeling unique to that mountain. I uses gouache, an opaque watercolor, to paint in the rest, detail want my maps to be both beautiful and accurate, so whenever by detail. He paints in shadows to add depth and delineates each anyone looks at one, they want to visit that mountain.” CONTEST New this season Sugarbush has integrated Claim My Run into its trail map. Claim My Run allows you to upload and view videos of yourself shredding any trail on the mountain right in the trail map. It’s a great way to see first-hand footage of how each trail skis or rides. Throughout the winter season Sugarbush will be running a series of video contests: Best Overall, Most Creative, Best Kids, Best Park, and Best Glades, and will award the favorites in each category. On top of that there will be smaller contests run throughout the season via Facebook and Twitter. Check it out at www.sugarbush.com.

20 SUGARBUSH MAGAZINE Executive Chef Gerry Nooney and his culinary team offer a variety of dining options with menus featuring locally produced meats, vegetables, and cheeses, as well as fresh New England seafood.

Dry-aged steaks, locally raised meats, and seafood presented Sugarbush’s original après-ski hot spot serves up an eclectic in an atmosphere modeled after a nineteenth-century dairy lunch menu with items such as quesadillas, wraps, and barn. Try our handmade cocktails, carefully chosen wine list, salads along with a funky bar scene. Open Fridays–Sundays, and periodic specialty wine dinners. Vegetarian and gluten-free and daily during holiday periods. Winter only. options available. Open year-round for breakfast and dinner, and lunch during holiday periods. U N R I S E Coffee, bagels, wraps, soups and S salads served in a casual setting in the Farmhouse at Lincoln Peak. CastleroCk C Pub A F E Winter only. A better-than-your-average-bar food menu with locally Allyn’s lodge produced Neill Farm burgers, creative sandwiches, wings, Hot cocoa, soups, sandwiches, brownies and beer by day, and and one of the best Vermont craft beer menus around. elegant fireside dining by night via the Lincoln Limo cabin cat. Specialty beer dinners featuring a local brewer on select Winter only. evenings. Open winter and summer for lunch and après when Super Bravo spins, and dinner on select nights. Green Mountain LounGe Nachos, pizza, soups and sandwiches accompanied by creative cocktails and a range of Vermont draft beers in a lively bar atmosphere. Don’t miss $30 Thursday après-ski parties (non-holiday). Mt. Ellen. Winter only. With breathtaking views of the mountains and the Valley, Hogan’s Pub serves up a variety of salads, specialty sandwiches, and burgers for lunch, and cold beer and cocktails for après. Open May through October. sugarbush.com 800.53.SUGAR Stop in and check out the new Chams and our other premier brands. Sales/Demos/Rentals/Pro ski and tuning/Accessories & Apparel

Post your Cham moments and Contest win good stuff. Go online or call for details. 802-583-2511 | VermontNorth.com 48 Sugarbush Access Rd | Warren, VT 05674 GettingGetting inson k at SchooledSchooled john A bluebird day out on the mountain with Russ Kauff, the new director of Sugarbush’s Ski & Ride School. By Peter Oliver

Kauff with Bush Pilot instructors on Castlerock.

A radiant spring morning was in the making when I met with Russ Kauff, director of the Sugarbush Ski & Ride School, at the base of the Super Bravo lift. It was a collision of sparkling colors—the bluest of blue skies in tandem with the whitest of white snow.

Our purpose: to ratchet up my skiing game a notch or two, not just by improving my technical proficiency but, more comprehensively, by lifting my time spent on the mountain into a higher, more holistic realm of pleasure and fulfillment. That might seem like a tall and existential order, but in his first year as directorK auff was thinking big in trying to reshape the Ski & Ride School’s central focus.

To make this happen, a recalibration of the basic relationship between instructor and pupil would be essential, especially when skiers of a higher ability were involved. Resistance to “ski school” among high-level skiers has been a pandemic throughout the skiing world; the inson k at

john

Kauff and a fellow instructor working on knee and shin angles to create a powerful and efficient carved turn.

reasoning of advanced skiers is, with some logic, that the better a control, more technical efficiency, more confidence, and, ultimately, skier you are, the less instruction you need. more fun. Kauff wants the skiing experience to be, to use his own word, more “enriching.” In moving the Ski & Ride School forward, Kauff wants to shake the foundations of that mind-set. He wants to see a bond between He has several factors working in his favor. First and foremost school and skiers that extends throughout a full spectrum of skiing is Sugarbush’s terrain, a fundamental attraction for him when ability. In explaining his instructional philosophy, his discourse he accepted the director job last year. In addition to his personal is peppered with the word “continuum”—as in the unbroken fondness for skiing the mountain’s extensive mosaic of variety and continuum of the learning experience from beginner to expert. challenge, he is inspired by a bounty of instructional opportunity. By most objective and subjective standards, I am an expert skier. New skier or rider starting from scratch on the beginner slope? Got I can get down anything on the mountain. I even taught skiing for the terrain for that. Want to work on rapid-fire, speed-control turns a year at Sugarbush and continue to teach cross-country skiing at on a 40-degree slope through tight trees? Check that column, too, Ole’s, across the valley. Several people have told me I am a “pretty” and pretty much everything in between. skier, a description that suggests at least some elegance and That variety of terrain translates into a variety of learning fluidity, although it’s a word just effeminate enough to discomfit my possibilities hard to find elsewhere, especially for advanced skiers, fragile male ego. who can put all that terrain to use in programs such as the school’s That makes me a card-carrying member of one of Kauff’s target celebrated Women’s Ski Discovery Camps and Bush Pilots program. demographics: middle-aged male expert. The guy firm in his belief These are just a few of the veritable smorgasbord of instructional that he already has all the skills, who reflexively strides by the ski choices available for more advanced skiers. Because tree skiing at school desk wearing the blinders of know-it-all pride. The guy who Sugarbush is of the highest caliber, for example, the Tree Skiing has historically proved to be the hardest nut to crack for ski schools and Riding Workshop gets my attention as a pretty tasty program. across the country. But I was game. If I were still in my teens, I would probably demand that my parents enroll me in the winter adventure program. And although I am obviously not eligible, Essential Elements for Women strikes me as several people have told me a concept that connects at just the right level for its target audience. I am a “pretty” skier, Second, history is on Kauff’s side. Back in the day, forty or more years ago, when European instructors with clipped accents, a description that suggests debonair, old-world manners, and stylishly angulated turns were emblematic of ski instruction—when wedeling, not carving or at least some elegance and fluidity, freeriding, was the sport’s highest art form—Sugarbush was led by two of the best, first Stein Eriksen, fresh off Olympic and World although it’s a word just Championships gold medals, and then Sigi Grottendorfer, a driving force behind the development of professional ski teaching in effeminate enough to discomfit America. If you wanted to learn how to ski, Sugarbush was one of the places in the country to go. Of course, instructional methodology my fragile male ego. has changed radically since then, but the spirits of Stein and Sigi still resonate. “We want to capture the imagination of our guests This would be a variation on the ski school’s new “Early Access the way Stein and Sigi did,” Kauff says. Privates” program—having the mountain and an instructor to Third, he has a somewhat unlikely ally in John Egan. Egan has been yourself before the official lift opening. At midmorning, Kauff and something of an instructional iconoclast, having made his name as I would have to share the mountain with a handful of other skiers, a progenitor of the extreme-skiing movement and as a ski-movie but still … Check the male ego at the door. Sign me up. star, rather than as a force within the Professional Ski Instructors In Kauff-speak, the rewards of taking a lesson at Sugarbush “are of America. Although he’s a gifted coach and instructor, Egan is benefits that go far beyond technically skiing better. We want neither a PSIA member nor someone who wants to feel boxed in by something that elevates the skiing experience, where there is no the guidelines and learning progressions of the PSIA method. In his gap between learning and enriching.” What Kauff is shooting for, Bush Pilots and other adventure programs for advanced and expert with any skier or rider who participates in the school’s programs, skiers, he defines instruction through his own terminology: “terrain is to open the doors to exploring a bigger range of terrain and management” rather than technique development. While Kauff is experience. “More” is an important concept—more mountain, more a fully certified PSIA guy who strongly supports the organization

24 SUGARBUSH MAGAZINE and its goals and methods, he still embraces Egan’s freewheeling, I now had the tools to figure out nonconformist approach. Remember, the goal is enrichment, not simply instruction. a way through the carving conundrum Finally, there is Kauff’s own dedication to his profession. After graduating from college in New England, where he competed that had bollixed me for so long. as an alpine racer, he did a brief stint in Vail in the early 1990s, The transformation working for what at the time was one of the best ski schools in the country. He soon returned to the East to work for five years wouldn’t be instantaneous, as a collegiate race coach. There was a hiatus from professional skiing at that point, but the siren of the sport called him back, and of course, but it was as if after the turn of the millennium he jumped into the deep end of the instructional pool. He joined the Okemo Ski & Ride School in I had been given a road map to follow, 2001 for Northern Hemisphere winter work, and spent Southern Hemisphere winters teaching in Wanaka, on the South Island of providing a clearer sense New Zealand, starting at an area called Treble Cone and more recently moving to nearby Cardrona. The result: twenty winters in of where I was, technique-wise, the last twelve years spent as a coach and instructor, a condensed and where I needed to go. and complete immersion in his work.

Put it all together, and it makes for a pretty attractive package. It So that’s what we worked on for two runs, making relatively long, was more than enough to persuade me to abandon middle-aged moderately paced turns down Spring Fling, Lincoln Peak’s giant slalom male-dom’s entrenched recalcitrance toward instruction and seek trail. My brain issued orders to my lower extremities: Roll those shins the path of enrichment and enlightenment. in tandem, especially at the transition between turns. Feel that boot- Pretty as my technique might be in the eyes of some people, top pressure and feel those little toes getting into the act. it is undeniably old-fashioned. I last took a formal lesson back As long as we skied at a tempo that gave me time to let the action when bell-bottoms and listening to the Jefferson Airplane on my flow easily, I could followK auff’s cues. But when we moved over record player defined my cultural identity. Furthermore, in the to Downspout and Lower Organgrinder, tightening up the turn years since I first learned to ski—before even the Stein era at shape and accelerating the turnover rate, I regressed to old habits, Sugarbush—equipment has changed dramatically, especially in essentially bouncing up from one outside ski and then down to the the last decade or so, and my technique has not kept pace. Most other. When you are burdened with several decades of habituation, noticeable to me has been my inability to match the powerful and you can’t expect a complete transformation in one or two hours. efficient carving turns of modern skiers using both skis. Such a technique would have been impossible with the equipment back in But we made progress. And beyond the technical details, something the Stein era. Nor would it have worked with teaching pedagogy of more important was forming: a bond between two guys engaged the time, which stressed maximum weight on the downhill ski as a in an interchange of ideas and an exercise in puzzle solving. Kauff fundamental axiom. didn’t produce instantaneous and complete results in making me a better skier, but he gave me a keener awareness of what I could see the incredible knee and shin angles that modern I was doing, and a feel for the natural movements of modern skiers create with their inside legs, and I tried to imitate those skiing. I now had the tools to figure out a way through the carving angles. But as usually happens when we go the self-education conundrum that had bollixed me for so long. The transformation route (in skiing or other matters of life), we latch onto misguided wouldn’t be instantaneous, of course, but it was as if I had been cues and cling to them fruitlessly, believing they will eventually given a road map to follow, providing a clearer sense of where I lead to a breakthrough. was, technique-wise, and where I needed to go. And to spend time I was trying to create inside edge pressure by adjusting my knee on a gloriously beautiful day with the wisdom and expertise of a and shin angles, and it wasn’t working. The tracks I would leave preeminent instructor focused entirely upon my needs … any skier, behind me in the snow were graphic evidence—a crisp, clean line even a stubborn, expert male, should be able to find something very where the outside ski had traveled, just a wisp of ski-on-snow cathartic, and enriching, about that. contact where the inside ski had gone. The youngest Blazers getting on snow with Sugarbush instructors. So as Kauff and I boarded the lift, I asked if he could unlock for rylov me the mysteries of modern, two-ski carving. Well, of course he k could, explaining that “two-footed skiing” does not necessarily mean weighting both feet—rather it means being active with both feet, both legs, both skis. After we traversed to the top of Snowball, eugene a wide, groomed intermediate trail, he gave me new cues to work with. Rather than focusing on leg angles, he said, think about boot- cuff pressure, a half-halo arc traced evenly across the tongue of each boot from one side across the front and onto the other through the course of a turn. A second cue was to use my pinky toes. In old-school skiing, you could probably have had your pinky toes amputated without any noticeable effect on your technical proficiency. Now, that once- expendable pinky was being introduced to me as instrumental in modern carving—it proved to be a valuable indicator of whether I was active or passive with my inside foot and ski.

2013/14 25 Russ Kauff.

Sugarbush’s Ski & Ride School director inson k at russ kauff’s philosophy on learning.

“When was the last time you tried something totally new?” It’s john a question I often ask beginners when they’re obviously self- conscious about taking their first cautious steps toward becoming skiers and riders. Those of us who are dedicated to these sports often take for granted how foreign some of the details of skiing and can be to the novice, so it’s always my goal to help beginners understand that feeling a bit awkward at first is totally appropriate. After a very short amount of time, some of the stranger bits of skiing and riding become mundane (walking in ski boots, for example), and it’s amazingly fun to participate in that evolutionary process with our newest guests. As rewarding as that rapid evolution is for beginners and for those of us who teach them, it begs the question: Why is it that experienced skiers and riders lose sight of the joys of continuing to learn, explore, and evolve? Why is it that in sports where adventure is a natural and essential component, complacency becomes so normal, even acceptable? For decades, Sugarbush was not only a destination for skiing into the whole of the experience—all have made snow sports (and, eventually, for snowboarding)—it was a destination for more accessible, simpler to do, and easier to do successfully. It’s learning. Generations of skiers from throughout the Northeast terrific—we get to share our sports with more and more people. and the country would come to Warren, Vermont, to participate Still, there’s that issue of complacency. in learning as an essential component of their life as skiers. As the director of the Sugarbush Ski & Ride School, it is not my Doing so while in the company of so many others equally devoted goal to return us to the glory days of the resort. It is true that to learning made the experience tremendously rewarding and at times the weight of history seems quite great here, almost contributed to the convivial atmosphere for which Sugarbush was as though the ghosts of Sugarbush past are roaming around justly celebrated. Taking a ski week at Sugarbush was simply part the Valley House getting ready for the next Life magazine photo of what skiers did here, inextricably woven through how guests shoot with Stein Eriksen and his coterie of hobnobbers. That experienced skiing and winter life in our mountains. history is important—it informs who we are and how we think of Skiing and the ski industry have changed a great deal since ourselves as a resort—but it would be wrong to move the Ski & the halcyon days when my predecessor Sigi Grottendorfer and Ride School into the future by using nostalgia to fuel our engines. his small band of international pros at Sugarbush were at the What interests me and our exceptional staff of pros, what drives pinnacle of their profession. In many ways, it’s our own fault as us to extend our reach to an ever-growing number and array of an industry. Snowmaking, grooming, modern equipment, better guests, is to tap into the joys that come from learning, growing, clothing, and the blistering growth of the sport, not to mention and sharing that experience. As coaches dedicated to our own the addition of snowboarding and its infusion of youthful energy continuing development, we understand completely how it feels to be engaged in a learning process, and that understanding makes us better teachers and coaches. We offer a complete range of programs to guide our guests through their entire evolution as skiers and riders, and our professional staff is every bit as talented now as it was back in the days of Eriksen and Grottendorfer. From techniques for those first awkward moments on our purpose-built beginner terrain, to tactics required to charge through the steep bumps, dense woods, and gnarly crags that bless Sugarbush like no other resort in the eastern United States, the Sugarbush Ski & Ride School is uniquely positioned to reintroduce learning to everyone’s time in the mountains. If nothing else, I’d like to re-inspire our guests to seek out learning now, like they did back then. All of us are committed to the idea that learning elevates the entire mountain experience, making it far richer and far more rewarding for all ages and all levels of skiers and riders. We say at Sugarbush that you can “Be Better Here,” and that applies to all of us— guests and staff alike. Done right, the legends who populate our

inson history and stare down from the photos on the walls of my office k t

a in the Valley House may just smile at our stewardship of their

incomparable legacy here in the mountains of Sugarbush.

The Schoolhouse—base camp for children’s day programs. john

26 SUGARBUSH MAGAZINE jeb wallace-brodeur

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28 SUGARBUSH MAGAZINE valley exposure The Mad River Valley in all seasons.

Snowliage. Photo: jeb wallace-brodeur valley exposure ❮ John Egan finding Nemo, February 8, 2013. Photo: John Atkinson

❮ Getting centered in the terrain park at Mt. Ellen. Photo: jeb wallace-brodeur

30 SUGARBUSH MAGAZINE ❯ Boys taking a moment to enjoy the sunset. Photo: eugene krylov

2013/14 31 ❯ The sun sets behind Camel’s Hump. Photo: john atkinson

32 SUGARBUSH MAGAZINE valley exposure

❯ Heading for the finish line at the Mad Marathon kids race. Photo: John atkinson

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34 SUGARBUSH MAGAZINE The Early Years of Glen E llen On the fiftieth anniversary of the development of Mt. Ellen, a look back at the carefree early days of a family mountain (with a few adult traditions). By Candice White

ynthia Greenfield remembers it well.

archives C “Walt came home in December of 1961, and informed me that he was going to build a ski area.”

sugarbush

“Really?” Cynthia responded at the time.

from “What does that mean for me?”

hotos

“It means we’re moving.” Walt replied. P “To Warren, Vermont. And you’re going to love it.”

Greenfield was skeptical. Raised in New York City, Greenfield was an urbanite living in Connecticut and expecting her first child. Her husband, Walt Elliott, had spent time in South Africa in his youth, and had then gone on to earn an engineering degree from Cornell. They had met at Gustin-Bacon Manufacturing, an acoustic tile company based in New York, where Walt still worked. But not for long. What seems to have been more influential to Elliott than his urban existence was his presidency of the Stamford Ski Club. During his tenure, Elliott had been involved in building a ski lodge up at Killington, Vermont, just an hour south of what would become the Glen Ellen Ski Area.

Greenfield remembers the drive up to her new home in Warren. The town was not much different in the early 1960s than it is today—a post office, a library, a fire station, an inn, and a general store. Elliott had rented a house next door to the post office.

“In those days, I drove a sports car—an Austin-Healey. I drove up in January, and it was snowing,” Greenfield remembers. “The floors [of the house] went downhill. And the people were not that friendly … Where was Fifth Avenue?”

The change from New York City to Warren, Vermont, was—and still is—stark. And the closest Cynthia Greenfield would get to Fifth Avenue would be Sugarbush, a ski resort just south of Glen Ellen that had opened a few years before and was already a weekend retreat for New York models, editors, and socialites. Walt Elliott, however, was founding a new and different ski mountain, one that would never aim to achieve the glamour of neighboring “Mascara Mountain.” Fun Most people who were part of the early Glen Ellen years mention the cowbell, a gift to Elliott from Stadeli-Lifts. The cowbell hung in the bar on the second floor of the base lodge, then called the Golden Thistle. Elliott would end many of his days here, not unlike resort owner-operators today. “Walt would pull out the champagne,” Greenfield remembers. “You’d stand behind the bar and pull the cork. If it hit the cowbell, you didn’t pay for your drinks that night.” “I remember one night opening a bottle, the cork hitting the [ceiling] beam, then the bell, and then falling right into Walt’s champagne glass,” recalls de Lima. A Family Mountain Après-ski gatherings in the bar were a fundamental part of the The ski area that Elliott conceived in the early 1960s would be, scene back then. So too were the Sunday afternoon brunches, above all, a family mountain. Purchased from a private landowner which Greenfield still remembers vividly. “In those days, we’d with funds raised by Elliott and a small group of investors, Glen have a Sunday brunch,” she recalls, “a big buffet upstairs from Ellen opened for business in December 1963, with twenty-eight noon until eight p.m. It was famous for the seafood Newburg with trails, three chair lifts, and a T bar. Greenfield remembers that scallops and shrimp … scrambled eggs, bacon, rolls, and coffee.” individual shares of the mountain were sold for $1,500 and The weekend visitors would have a hearty meal before loading up included twenty years of free skiing; family shares sold for $4,500. their cars to return to Connecticut, Massachusetts, or New Jersey, Bud Lynch, who hailed from Stratton Mountain, designed the and the seats would then fill with staff coming off the mountain for original trails. Area loggers cleared the land and sold off the the day, with big appetites and visions of pinging the cowbell. wood. Greenfield oversaw food and beverage sales and, as she says, “watched the money.” Neil and Zip Robinson moved up from The Golden Thistle hosted a New Year’s Eve dinner dance each Bromley to run the ski school. year, and Condon remembers folks “riding their snowmobiles up the mountain to watch the fireworks from the Glen House, and Elliott’s training as an engineer was a useful background for then skiing down afterward.” The Fasching Costume Ball, a party running a ski area, and people who worked with him remember honoring the German Carnival season held around Fat Tuesday him being very hands-on. “He could do just about anything,” recalls each year, was yet another opportunity for the mountain and its Barbara de Lima, who was hired as his marketing assistant in 1969 skiers to celebrate. and worked on and off for Glen Ellen and Sugarbush until 2009. Tony Egan, who had moved up from New York City in the early “That man never asked you to do anything he wouldn’t do,” adds ’60s and managed public relations for Glen Ellen, recalls another Bill Bozack, who joined Glen Ellen as an assistant ski patroller in tradition, the Gelandesprung Championship. (The title comes from 1965. (Bozack went on to become the national professional director the German word for “jump.”) “We’d build a takeoff area right off of the National Ski Patrol and was named NSP Outstanding the base lodge, and watch a lot of people with no brains and big Professional Ski Patrolman in 1972. His wife, Mary Ann, became balls go off,” Egan says. “There were lots of spills. It was a great the second woman in the nation to be certified by the NSP.) spectator event.” Walt and Cynthia’s daughter Tracie Condon recalls riding the Another spectator sport, Pond Skimming, was held in the early school bus to the mountain every day after school along with her days of Glen Ellen, and rumor has it that, along with the six-foot- younger sister, Dawn. Much of her childhood was centered there. three Walt Elliott skimming (and coming up short), one of the And despite Cynthia Greenfield’s early impressions of Warren, ski patrollers participated in the event in the nude. Races were Vermont, she, too, grew to embrace the new ski area. “I always felt held between the ski patrol and the ski school each year, as well it was a lot of fun,” she says, “and never minded working seven as slalom races pitting local restaurant waiters and waitresses days a week after getting two kids off to school.” against one another.

36 SUGARBUSH MAGAZINE archives sugarbush Photos from

Internationalism Racing Over at Sugarbush, Norwegian Olympian Stein Eriksen promoted Walt Elliott had been an early proponent of ski racing, and Pierre his signature style of skiing—graceful, and with a narrow stance— Stamos’s arrival furthered Elliott’s interest. Glen Ellen was one of followed by Austrian ski racer Sigi Grottendorfer. Glen Ellen set the first eastern resorts to adopt National Standard Race (NASTAR) itself apart in December 1968 by hiring French National and ski racing, and it is said that Stamos may have been the NASTAR Olympic team member Pierre Stamos. Earlier that year, Stamos’s national pacesetter shortly after his arrival. In 1970, Glen Ellen teammate Jean-Claude Killy had made a clean sweep of medals won the privilege of hosting the USSA National Championships, in the Olympics in Grenoble, thus drawing considerable attention planning to stage the downhill event on F.I.S., the slalom on Cliffs, to the somewhat unorthodox wide-leg stance of the French and the giant slalom on Inverness. After the first two events went technique. Stamos brought with him a small group of French ski off without a hitch, the Inverness lift suffered a mechanical problem instructors and a bit of international intrigue. According to the before the giant slalom race; neighboring mountain Mad River Glen Glen Ellen Reports, a 1968 brochure for the mountain, Stamos was stepped in to host the event, one of several examples of longtime “a handsome and charming 27-year-old bachelor.” collaboration between the two mountains. “He certainly was Mr. Smooth,” recalls Tony Egan. Elliott’s early support of the racing culture provided a welcome environment for the nascent Green Mountain Valley School (GMVS). Started in 1973, GMVS first began training at Mad River Glen, but soon moved to Glen Ellen. By the late 1970s, the school had started a relationship with the mountain management that would serve to fund and build necessary facilities for student training well into the future. Al Hobart, one of GMVS’s founders, recalls a deal over snowmaking: “Glen Ellen was looking for money. I gave them a loan to put in snowmaking on the top of Inverness so we could use the trail.” (Elliott was an early pioneer of snowmaking, installing his first guns on the number 4 lift, now the Sunny Double, in the late 1960s.) In 1982, GMVS helped fund the installation of a Poma lift specifically for student training on Inverness. And as recently as 2011, GMVS and Sugarbush co-funded the purchase of forty energy-efficient Snow Logic guns for additional snowmaking on Inverness.

2013/14 37 riddell

michael

Heading to the bumps on F.I.S. A New Era

Cynthia Greenfield returned to New York in the late 1960s with her Après-ski in the Green Mountain Lounge. macys

two daughters, leaving Walt to run the mountain with the team he had built. Walt and Cynthia divorced shortly after her departure.

In 1973, Elliott sold the mountain to Fayston resident Jenna Van sandy Loon. Elliott remained in Vermont, but died tragically in a plane crash in 1978. Van Loon’s ownership was brief, ending with a bank intervention. Former Canadian Olympic team member and Stratton Mountain manager Harvey Clifford bought the mountain from the bank and returned it to solid footing. Then, in 1979, Roy Cohen—who had purchased Sugarbush the previous year—made an offer to Clifford and took over Glen Ellen, changing the name of the mountain to Sugarbush North. The mountain was referred to as both Sugarbush North and Mt. Ellen going forward; since 2001, it has been called Mt. Ellen at Sugarbush. While Lincoln Peak at Sugarbush has benefited from an investment strategy that includes development of a slope-side hotel, private town homes, and an upgraded base lodge and skier services

buildings, little has changed at Mt. Ellen. The base lodge is much brodeur - as it was in the Golden Thistle days. Pond Skimming has moved to Lincoln Peak, as have the New Year’s Eve celebrations, but Mt.

Ellen remains true to Walt Elliott’s original mission: the mountain wallace

is a family ski (and ride) area, offering affordable season passes, jeb a variety of discounted ski days, and an après-ski bar scene that some claim is the best at Sugarbush. This season, Mt. Ellen turns fifty, with a weekend-long celebration scheduled for January 9–12. There will be discounted skiing as well as on- and off-slope events throughout the weekend that give a nod to the mountain’s past. It will be a time for veteran skiers and newcomers to come together and celebrate Walt Elliott’s vision—one that is still alive and well today. And with any luck, the mountain will have an opportunity to welcome characters from its storied past—owners, employees, pass holders, racers, and Catching air in the award-winning perhaps even the hallowed cowbell. terrain park.

38 SUGARBUSH MAGAZINE Route 100, Central Vermont ELD V FI IL S L T A I

G

A

E E

E sweet rustic charm W A mellow, rustic enclave of galleries, restaurants,

and chic boutiques, featuring local artists, arti- H C I S R I T O san food, a funky museum, the oldest covered

bridge in Vermont, big-time local charm, a river DISCOVER that runs up, cool locals, and a vibrant, scenic HISTORIC WAITSFIELD VILLAGE village center.

NEW • VIBRANT CLOSER THAN YOU THINK ... BETTER THAN YOU CAN IMAGINE

4orty Bridge Boutique: Redefi ning Vermont Style; All Things Bright and Beautiful: Ornaments, Teddys, Collectibles; Artisans’ Gallery: Vermont Art Craft; Bridge Street Butchery: Fish, Meat, Cheese; Bridgets Widgets: Artisan Handcrafted Gifts; Complexions: Facials, Waxing, Skincare Products; Mad River Glass Gallery: Glass Blowing, Sculpture, Vessels; Madsonian Museum: Industrial Design Collection; Mint: World-Vegetarian Cuisine; The Green Closet: Resale, Clothing, Accessories; The Emporium: Gallery of Distinction; The Studio: Graphic Design Studio; The Sweet Spot: Coffee, Bakery, Ice Cream; Waitsfi eld Pottery: Handmade Functional Stoneware; Waitsfi eld Wine Shoppe: Wine, Beer, Cigars

coreyhendrickson.com Style… can be found in every corner of the Mad River Valley. Sunglasses Holbrook by Oakley (Sugarbush Adventure Gear, Lincoln Peak)

Wool hat by Mischa Lampert (4orty Bridge Boutique, Waitsfield)

Sterling & jade cuff links by Sheri DeFlavio (4orty Bridge Boutique, Waitsfield)

Glass and sterling earrings by Charlotte Potter (Artisans’ Gallery, Waitsfield)

Turquoise bangle bracelet by Maureen Urell (Bridge Street Emporium, Waitsfield)

Driving mocs by Ugg (Sportive, Waitsfield)

Turquoise & crystal bead necklace by Lori Klein (Artisans’ Gallery, Waitsfield)

Wrap watch by Tokyo Bay (Warren Store)

Hair elastics by Natural Life (Sugarbush General Store, Lincoln Peak)

Woven belt by Pistil (Warren Store)

Art direction and styling by Mary Simmons. Photography by Andrew Wellman. Play one of Mother Nature’s

A RobeRtmasterpieces. tReNt JoNes, sR. desigN.

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For more information and to purchase a pass BE PREPARED ON AND OFF call 802.53.SUGAR or visit sugarbush.com. THE MOUNTAIN with products from Smith, Oakley, Scott, Giro, Grandoe, Neve, Nils, Terramar, A wedding to remember in a setting you’ll never forget. Gordini, Transpack, Hot Chillys, Weddings at Sugarbush, Vermont. Seirus, Smartwool, Eurosock and many more . . .

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42 SUGARBUSH MAGAZINE Top-Shelf Golf on the Side of a Mountain macys sandy

Sugarbush Resort Golf Club, designed by the famed Robert Trent Jones Sr., challenges golfers with the variables of a beautiful mountain setting. By Peter Oliver

Sugarbush Resort Golf Club’s seventh hole.

o walk onto the tee of the seventh hole at Sugarbush Resort Golf Club is to step up to the threshold of an almost otherworldly promised land. Ahead lies a panoramic sweep of ineffable Vermont beauty—the ski area to the left, the Northfield mountain T range to the right, Hunger Mountain at center stage in the far distance. The landscape is a muscularly mountainous tour de force. That was very much what the original course architect, the late Robert Trent Jones Sr., had in mind. Commissioned in 1961 by the Herman family, who were the owners of the Sugarbush Inn at the time, Jones was assigned to transform a hundred or so mountainside acres into an eighteen-hole championship layout. (At the time, the inn was not affiliated with the ski resort.) A hallmark of Jones’s design philosophy, according to his profile in the World Golf Hall of Fame, was “a fanatical devotion to preserving the land’s natural beauty.” Of course, with views like the one from the seventh tee—or from the fourteenth fairway, or the seventeenth green, or almost anywhere on the course, for that matter—he had great material to work with. Still, he made the most of it.

“I know my father was very proud of the design,” says Jones’s son Rees, who worked as an understudy for his father for ten years before becoming one of the world’s most respected course architects in his own right. “He wanted to make the golf course not just a test but also an experience.” In other words, playing a course like Sugarbush was not just about the golf itself but about the more encompassing experience of spending time in a breathtaking environment.

But while Jones might have had inspiring natural backdrops at his disposal, he was also confronted with the inherent challenge of trying inson k at

john

Ladies driving at the second tee.

to shape a golf course from a mountainous setting that might have his father “thought greens were a form of hazard.” By modern seemed to discourage course building. In recent years, golf courses standards, the Sugarbush greens featured a tremendous amount of coupled with ski areas have become ubiquitous, but that wasn’t the slope. But if big breaks were to be a part of the Sugarbush putting case in 1961. The topographical severity of the ski world was largely game, they were mitigated, says Rees, by the fact that greens fifty terra incognita for golf course architects accustomed to working years ago were designed for putting speeds far slower than on with far gentler tracts of land. greens built today. If the slope of Sugarbush greens were to be coupled with the fast, closely cropped surfaces of modern greens, The elder Jones was famous for saying that a fundamentally well- putted balls would fly by holes at an uncontrollable speed. designed golf hole should yield a hard par but an easy bogey. But with the inevitability of sloping fairways, blind shots, elevation changes to confound yardage calculations, and the near presence on every hole of dense woods to suck in errantly struck balls, Jones was assigned to transform staying true to the second half of that guiding principle wasn’t easy. a hundred or so mountainside “It was a rugged site,” says Rees, “and routing”—the exact mapping of each hole—“was important.” acres into an eighteen-hole Almost 400 vertical feet of elevation change from the Sugarbush championship layout. site’s high point to its low point had little precedent for Jones; in a 450-course portfolio, the only mountain course that Rees A hallmark of could recollect was the famed layout at the Broadmoor resort in Jones’s design philosophy, Colorado, which Jones helped to design and rework. And while that course might have comparable mountain backdrops, the actual lie according to his profile in the of the land is flatter and more open than the Sugarbush terrain. World Golf Hall of Fame, was There were a few other hiccups in the design and construction process; according to R. J. Austin, Sugarbush’s vice president of “a fanatical devotion to preserving golf and fitness, the tee for the third hole was originally supposed the land’s natural beauty.” to be well back of today’s tee. The only problem? The inn didn’t own the land and the right to build there. The third hole was shortened and ultimately built as the hole that it is today. Combine those design components with the variables of a The course opened for play in 1962 as a 6,524-yard layout, with mountain setting, and the result is unique. Austin calls the complex signature features of a Jones course in evidence: big, undulating puzzle presented by the Sugarbush course “ever-changing on every greens and tee boxes with multiple options. Jones had a particular hole. You could play the course ten ways to Sunday and never get fondness for diabolically challenging greens; according to Rees, the same score. It offers so many opportunities to test your game.”

44 SUGARBUSH MAGAZINE he 1960s, of course, were a time of high and youthful Basic Training exuberance in the life of Sugarbush. Both the ski area, then less than a decade old, and the golf course had the For the first half hour of my lesson with Sugarbush’s vice Tsexy allure of newness. Sugarbush was chic. The ski area was president of golf and fitness, R. J. Austin, I thought I was on a attracting the rich and famous of that era—Hollywood stars, game show. Rather than simply having me step up to the tee famous politicians, high-society figures, business moguls—earning and then correcting my technical flaws after I had whacked a in the process a compelling nickname: Mascara Mountain. The golf few balls, Austin bombarded me with questions. course was built to tap into that celebrity cachet at a time when What’s the difference between a driver and a pitching wedge? the Sugarbush Inn was perhaps the most fashionable place in the (Answer: Shaft length, club-face loft.) Why are pro golfers Valley to stay. more consistent than amateurs? (Answer: On every shot, pros By the late 1970s, however, the Mascara Mountain image had focus on a target.) And on it went, one question after another. begun to fade. The Hermans were ready to sell the inn and the At first, the grilling flustered me, especially when answers golf course, and they found ready buyers in 1977 in a group proved slow in coming. But the beauty of the method gradually of Bermudian resort developers. Jay Young, a principal in the grew on me. The process forced me to work out in my own Bermudian group, says the hope was to recapture some of that mind the fundamentals of a sound golf swing. And while bygone glamour. “There had been a name and a reputation, and it correcting flaws is an essential part of any lesson, Austin didn’t have that anymore,” says Young. “But it had the potential for wanted to start by first embedding in my mind the basics of getting it back.” good golf for any golfer—chest alignment and foot position in The new owners were more familiar with building resorts in the lining up to hit the ball and good shoulder turn upon starting Caribbean than running them in Vermont. But with the political the swing. The question-and-answer session was a great way unrest on islands such as Jamaica at the time—Young says he got of going about it. tired of having to carry a pistol with him wherever he went—buying Austin was also astute in using analogies he knew would holdings in the Sugarbush area represented an effort to shift at least be helpful in my case—comparing the physical and mental some of the group’s resort focus to a less politically volatile region. processes of good skiing to good golf. He knew I was a skier, Still, they wanted the golf course to be a centerpiece in the and he knew that tapping into my skiing experience could be fostering of what Young calls “an international atmosphere.” relevant in improving my golf game. For example, picking a Toward that end, they hired as the new head pro Michael Busk, target before hitting the ball, he said, wasn’t much different who had made a name for himself at the famed Mid Ocean Club on from choosing a line through the moguls before starting down Bermuda. They hired Algie Pulley, a well-known course architect, Stein’s Run. to produce a course-improvement plan. I then went on course and double-bogeyed the first two holes Pulley’s recommendations weren’t followed at the time, although I played. No instant gratification there. But I quickly got better. one of his principal ideas—to add more forward tee boxes for And as I focused on a few of the swing components we had women and shorter hitters—would eventually come to fruition years discussed—creating a forward shaft angle at impact and not later. But, according to Mark Grenert, the course superintendent reaching for the ball, for example—I was armed with technical from 1976 to 1984, the Bermudians didn’t give up on the idea of ammo that I knew would have me firing pars and birdies soon tweaking the course layout. enough. Final Q-and-A: What’s the best way to improve your golf game? Answer: Take a lesson.—PO Frank Duane, himself a highly respected architect who had been Robert Trent Jones’s boots on the ground during the original course construction, was called in to make the course more playable for inson higher-handicap golfers. It made good business sense; because of k at its inherent difficulty, says Grenert, “a course that had been designed to draw hotel guests was actually driving them away.” Traps were john added in places and removed elsewhere, mowing patterns were changed to enlarge greens and bring the fairways closer to the tees, and trees were trimmed to push back the encroaching forest. Whether or not Young’s international atmosphere was achieved is open to question, but Sugarbush retained at least some of its celebrity allure during the Bermudian years. Grenert remembers Carl Yastrzemski, the Hall of Fame Red Sox player, arriving at Sugarbush in the late 1970s, not long after his retirement from baseball, in a Lincoln Continental loaded with golf balls. Balls began flying off-line almost immediately, and, says Grenert, Yastrzemski

“never made it to the twelfth tee” because he ran out of balls. R. J. Austin giving a lesson to the author. (continued on p. 46) 2013/14 45 In another incident, Grenert went up to a Grenert recalls that, during his time as But by and large, Rees Jones is correct— well-heeled corporate tycoon while he was in superintendent, a few renegade members the layout is very much the same as it the middle of playing a round. The man had would surreptitiously do their own was when the course first opened in 1962. arrived with an entourage of bodyguards, and trimming to improve shot angles or open None of the holes has been dramatically as Grenert approached, “suddenly, six guys up landing areas and sight lines. (The sub- reconstructed, and no new holes have came out of the woods with guns,” he says. rosa tree trimming was behavior no doubt been added. Sugarbush President Win When you are a man of unfathomable wealth, borrowed from the habit of Sugarbush Smith says that additional forward tees— you apparently can’t take chances, even deep skiers to clear branches and brush to on the eighteenth hole and possibly the in the forest of central Vermont. create private, skiable lines in the woods.) fourth and fifth holes—are in the works, as New forward tees added in the last few is additional drainage management. But The Bermudian era lasted until 1984, when years on the third, sixth, tenth, twelfth, and Smith adds, “I think it is important to keep the inn and the course were sold to Claneil, sixteenth holes have heeded the redesign the integrity of the original Robert Trent the pharmaceutical company that owned the concept Algie Pulley had in mind thirty- Jones course.” ski resort at the time. It was the end of an era five years earlier to make the course more of sorts but also the beginning of a new one— playable for shorter hitters. The two nines An avid golfer who puts in about twenty the union of the ski resort and golf course have swapped positions; what is now the rounds a year at Sugarbush, Smith has under the same ownership, which continues front nine was originally the back nine, been to many of the world’s great courses into the present. and vice versa. Improved drainage has but still reserves a special appreciation ees Jones (who has skied at helped relieve the sogginess that in the for the masterwork that Jones created Sugarbush but admits that he has past plagued some low collection areas; here. “I haven’t been on another mountain never played golf here) says that improved irrigation has relieved the need course that is so beautiful,” Smith says. Rone of the things that impresses him today for water in higher and drier parts of the And his appreciation rises to its zenith about the course is how true it has remained course. Because of changing mowing when he stands on the seventh tee at over the years to his father’s original design. patterns, some greens have become larger the height of the fall foliage. In the pink, Still, various changes have been instituted— and some smaller. And so on, as any golf crimson, and golden hues of autumn, the “renovations to enhance the game,” as course might evolve and mature with the promised land reveals itself in its full, Austin puts it. This is nothing unusual; even passage of a half century. majestic glory. the world’s greatest courses, designed by the greatest architects—Pebble Beach, for example, or Augusta National—have Give your Corporate Retreat periodically been subjected to makeovers. A Breath of Fresh Mountain Air Sugarbush is no exception, but the makeovers have been unusually minor. In some cases, change has been unavoidable. The eleventh green, for example, was once guarded by a fronting pond, adding intimidation to a relatively short par 3. But after a 1998 flood blew out the small dam that created the pond, acquiring the permits to rebuild the dam presented an unresolvable roadblock. Now a stream runs in front of the green where the pond once was—not as intimidating, but Daria Bishop Photography perhaps a return to the natural beauty that Robert Trent Jones originally had in mind. Specializing in team building Full complement of meeting As Austin points out, “golf courses are activities including zipline, necessities, A/V equipment, living, breathing entities” that naturally climbing wall, backcountry skills, high-speed wireless internet and inevitably change over time. Greens and Cabin Cat adventures. Meeting accomodations from settle in some areas or get pushed up Casual to elegant dining choices, intimate gatherings up to 450. in others, producing ever-changing both indoors and out. contours. Elm trees that once separated On-site luxury accomodations at the third and fourth fairways succumbed to Clay Brook Hotel & Residences. disease. The battle to hold back the forest along the fairways has been ongoing; Visit sugarbush.com, call 802.583.6370, or email [email protected].

46 SUGARBUSH MAGAZINE OTTERCREEKBREWING.COM Pamper yourself with a THERAPEUTIC MASSAGE or BODYWORK from one of our certified therapists.

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2013/14 47 timeline

2012 Construction begins on Rice Brook Residences, private homes linking Lincoln Peak Village to historic ‘13 Sugarbush Village.

2010 Housing children’s programs and skier services, the Schoolhouse and Farmhouse open, rounding out the base facilities at Lincoln Peak Village.

2006 Lincoln Peak Village opens to the public. The new facilities include Gate House Lodge and a luxury hotel and restaurant complex: Clay Brook and Timbers Restaurant. The new village is modeled on the traditional style of Vermont farmhouses, barns, and schoolhouses.

2002 Summit Ventures begins to lay the groundwork for a new master plan for the resort that closely reflects the values and philosophies of the original owners, as well as the character and 2001 Summit style of the Mad River Valley and Vermont. Ventures, a small group of local investors led by Win 1995 The American Skiing Company era begins. ASC makes major infrastructure Smith, purchases investments including installing seven new lifts, three of which are detachable quads. Sugarbush. The Slide Brook Express ferries skiers back and forth to newly renamed Mt. Ellen. Snowmaking improvements include a new 25-million-gallon pond and miles of pipe. 1996 Warren Miller films local legends John Egan, Doug Lewis, 1990 Three new chair lifts are installed at Mt. Ellen—including Green Jesse Murphy, Sally Knight, and Mountain Express. At the time, it was the fastest quad in the world, Seth Miller at Sugarbush for the transporting skiers at 1,100 feet per minute. film Snowriders.

1983 Roy Cohen sells Sugarbush to ARA Service. ARA removes 1984 With a plan to operate as a four- the three-person top-to-bottom gondola. Super Bravo and Heaven’s season resort, Claneil Enterprises purchases Gate chairs are installed and uphill capacity increases fourfold. the mountain, Sugarbush Inn, the racquet club, the golf course, and numerous condo and townhouse developments. 1977–79 Roy Cohen purchases Sugarbush (in 1977) and Glen Ellen (in 1979). The two areas 1978 Sugarbush is featured in Warren Miller’s join under the Sugarbush brand. Glen Ellen is film Ski a la Carte. Trails highlighted in the segment renamed Sugarbush North to reflect the union. include a powdery Murphy’s Glades, Organgrinder, (In 1995, it is renamed Mt. Ellen.) Birdland, and Middle Earth.

1964 Chez Henri, a Parisian-style Late 1960s Plans develop to build a lift between bistro, opens in what is to become Inverness at Glen Ellen and the summit of Stark Mountain historic Sugarbush Village. at Mad River Glen. Two trails from the summit would connect skiers to trails at Mad River. Although the lift line to the summit was cleared, the project never materialized. 1963 The Gate House area opens with a new double chair, spreading skiers 1963–66 Olympic Gold Medalist Stein Eriksen serves as director around the mountain, of the Sugarbush Ski School. Each Sunday afternoon he entertains the opening up more Sugarbush faithful with his signature flip on skis. beginner terrain, and allowing ski- 1963 Walt Elliott opens Glen Ellen Ski Area. Complete with Scotch-themed to access to trail names, Glen Ellen claims “the greatest vertical descent in the East” with its Sugarbush tiered lifts to the 4,083-foot summit of Mt. Ellen. Village. 1960 With a newly rebuilt access road, a top-to-bottom gondola, and varied terrain, Sugarbush quickly attracts throngs of New York glitterati. Vogue magazine dubs Sugarbush “Mascara Mountain” because of its glamorous guest list, including actress Kim Novak, the Kennedy clan, musician Skitch Henderson, and fashion designer Oleg Cassini.

‘58 1959 The resort installs a Carlevaro & Savio double chair lift, opening up the legendary Castlerock area. This area was immediately known for its expert ski terrain. That reputation continues today.

1958 Damon and Sara Gadd, along with Jack Murphy and Lixi Fortna, open Sugarbush Resort. Sugarbush boasts the “greatest vertical rise in the East” thanks to its top-to-bottom gondola. — Patrick Brown 48 SUGARBUSH MAGAZINE A FULL SERVICE INTERIOR DESIGN STUDI0

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CAT SKIVT The Lincoln Limo is available for: Remote Fireside Dining Sunset Groomer Rides Powder Morning First Tracks Kids Cat Parties Private Parties at Mt. Ellen in April SUGARBUSH.COM 802.583.6590

2013/14 49 environment

Snow is plowed into piles in the middle of tree and grass swales of the parking lot, as well as in grass ditches along the sides.

Clean Water Is As the snow starts to melt, runoff flows along the swales Good Business in the middle and along the sides of the lot. Sugarbush recently completed a large part of a multi-year water-quality remediation project that significantly improved The grass and trees slow and clean the stormwater before it reaches the brook in two ways: the health of nearby streams. It was the first project of its kind • By slowing down the runoff, much of the water in Vermont and led directly to the removal of a stormwater- has a chance to seep into the ground. impacted waterway from the Vermont Agency of Natural • Once in the ground, the water is filtered through the subsurface geologic layers or taken up by the surrounding vegetation. Resources’ list of impaired waterways. Here’s how it works.

Rainfall and snowmelt create polluted runoff by picking up Some of the sediment in the water particulate matter, including road salt, sand, and gravel, that remains pooled in the swales filters down into the grass. as the water moves over the ground toward brooks and The runoff is then directed toward stormwater grates, streams. That runoff ends up in local rivers and, ultimately, which drain to collection ponds called in . stormwater ponds. In order to ensure that streams remain healthy, the main There are several stormwater ponds in the parking lots at Sugarbush use a series of management Sugarbush base area to treat and detain runoff. practices to treat the runoff of nonpoint source pollution before it reaches waterways. In the stormwater ponds, Through these best-management practices of groundwater the remaining sediment settles to the bottom of the pond. infiltration, filtering runoff through grass swales, and stormwater ponds, Sugarbush is able to keep its and stormwater runoff clean and maintain the water quality of Clearer cleaner water at the surface of the pond is piped to the closest stream or brook. the nearby streams.

In 2012, Sugarbush and partner Vanasse Hangen NSAA Climate Challenge Brustlin, Inc., received the In 2012, Sugarbush joined the National Ski Areas Association’s Climate Challenge— a voluntary program dedicated to helping ski areas assess, target, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reap other benefits in their operations, such as reducing costs for energy use. Energy Savings Sugarbush purchased forty ultra-high-efficiency snow guns in 2012, resulting in an estimated annual energy savings of 556,424 kilowatt hours. That’s enough electricity to power eighty Vermont homes for an entire year. Source: http://www.eia.gov/electricity/sales_revenue_price/xls/table5_a.xls

Waste Diversion Sugarbush diverted 117 tons of waste from landfills and composted a total of 8 tons of waste in 2012.

Closed Loop Recycling: “Power of Three”—How It Works Closed loop recycling at Sugarbush means that less waste enters landfills. The system is a simple partnership between three companies: Casella Waste Systems (CWS), SCA, and Foley Distributing. for the development and Pickup: Sugarbush’s waste company, CWS, collects recyclables and sorts the material using implementation of one state-of-the-art technology. of the first successful Process: Sorted recycled paper travels the short distance to SCA to be made into various paper products. water-remediation plans in Vermont, Provide: Closing the loop, Foley Distributing delivers these paper products back to Sugarbush to be used as detailed above. at the resort. — Patrick Brown 50 SUGARBUSH MAGAZINE

k SUGARBUSH k ADVENTURE CAMPS hike bike swim zipline golf tennis rock gym bungee trampoline

WEEKLY SUMMER CAMPS Available for kids ages 3-17 Mini Adventure Camp Also available: Adventure Camp First Timer to Advanced Mountain Mountain Bike Adventure Camp Bike Clinics/Programs Junior Tennis Camp Private and Group Lessons Junior Golf Camp

For reservations and more information, visit SUGARBUSH.COM or call 800.53.SUGAR.

Kingsbury ConstruCtion Co., inC. Working with Sugarbush to make their visions become a reality. Let us help you build your dream too!

Performing quality work for Sugarbush and the Mad River Valley since 1978. Allow us to help you grow your ideas! Kingsburyconstruction.com (802) 496-2205

2013/14 51 SUGAR-kids

family fun Family Fun Night. at Sugarbush Family activities and kids events are plentiful at Sugarbush, from Kids Pizza and Movie Nights to events like dog sledding and Kids Torchlight Parades. All told, the mountain plays host to more than 100 family-focused events each year. BY KYLER TURNBULL Community Weekend Family Fun Nights Come up to the mountain for a memorable This family-friendly festival includes face painting, foliage celebration over Columbus Day street performers, live music, and delicious food weekend. The event schedule includes a in the Gate House Lodge at Lincoln Peak. There cooking demonstration with Executive Chef is a little something for everyone at this festive Gerry Nooney, a dog-friendly foliage hike, carnival. Adults can relax to the live music and pumpkin carving and face painting, and a enjoy a frosty beverage while kids indulge in the locavore harvest dinner buffet. Be sure to festival activities, including the ever-popular stick around on Sunday for the Mad River Path Balloon Man. No reservations are required, but Association’s 5K and 10K Mad Dash followed by fun is promised! (December 31, 2013; January 18, Murphy Moose at Sugarbush’s First Annual Family Oktoberfest. 2014; and February 15, 2014.) Torchlight Parade. (October 12–14, 2013.) Junior Castlerock Extreme Kids Pizza and Movie Nights For junior extreme skiers and riders only! Kids ages No parents allowed at the kids-night adventure! eight to thirteen can compete in the most extreme

While parents get a chance to go out on their rodeur junior freestyle competition in the East. As a part of own, kiddos ages six to twelve will enjoy crafts, -B the Ski the East Junior Triple Crown tour, the Junior pizza, and kid-friendly movies—with fresh Castlerock Extreme is a qualifier for the main event popcorn, of course—at Sugarbush Health & in March—the Castlerock Extreme, where both adults wallace Racquet Club’s Adventure Zone. For just $30 and top juniors compete. This popular competition kids can share an entertaining night of laughs jeb always sells out, so preregister your junior athlete and learning with the Sugarbush Children early to secure a spot. (February 8, 2014.) Programs team. Parents can make dinner reservations at Timbers or another Valley Kids Torchlight Parades restaurant while the younger family members Want to know what it feels like to be involved in a have their own night out. (Christmas week, real torchlight parade? Kids from three to twelve are Martin Luther King weekend, President’s week, invited to hop on the Welcome Mat during holiday and select Saturdays.) weeks to participate in Sugarbush’s own version of a great tradition. This beloved event is a great spectator VINS Large Birds of Prey Performances opportunity and family activity. Warm up after the Observe live raptors and learn about their habits Pond Skimming. parade and smile for pictures with Murphy Moose over from the experts at the Vermont Institute of cookies and cocoa in the Schoolhouse. (December 31, Natural Science. Come to the Schoolhouse at 2013; January 18, 2014; and February 15, 2014.)

Lincoln Peak during holiday weeks for a live cys

ma Pond Skimming thirty-minute presentation with eagles, hawks, owls, and more, followed by an up-close- This adored (and feared!) annual springtime tradition is sure to deliver an afternoon of enjoyment for every and-personal bird-on-glove demonstration. sandy This interactive performance allows audience member of the family, spectators and participants members to learn about the raptors native to the alike. Pond Skimming is a must-try competition at Vermont wilderness. There are only 100 tickets Sugarbush. Throw on your wackiest costume and available, so be sure to make reservations for this prepare to take on the pond. Only a few will make it, fan favorite in advance. (Christmas week, Martin but all will enjoy trying. Take the plunge as a family Pumpkin carving. Luther King weekend, and President’s week.) for this spring event. (March 29, 2014.)

52 SUGARBUSH MAGAZINE Murphy’s Word Scramble Unscramble each word below to help Murphy find a chair lift to ride to the top of the mountain. The circled letters unscramble to name his final destination. Hint: You can find the names of Sugarbush’s chair lifts on the trail map on pages 62–63. ylealV Hesou eMlecWo tma tnrho xLNy ______

uStimm vnIsserne atGe usHoe ______

upeSr oBarv CocseRalkt eliaglV loDbue ______

tNohr geRid edlSi oBkor ______’_ ____

Murphy Moose. Murphy’s Word Search Y B D D P N C K R S L E E P E R O U X F simmons R R O r a u r c o x i b r a m b L E S U

mary s a m o r r a o t F i r e W o r k s s k P V i c a m c r a r u m b L e u m m m b G O N P D i k e n m u r p h y m o o s e r n o i i r e L i t G C U A W S R A M Z E E i r s t r t m p h n o D n e i i b G Glissading near Gate House Lodge. R N t m e x J s r k o G W F D O D F O N D V I S M O A A E I X E I N F D R N T S O O F h e i c c t t r s i L L E D A L W inson k

at W E G V S J k a x a o r u e h o e o m G

N K i s J n u s e F G H E N L C W R L A john S A S N L D O B D n i a s i r p r a u i P L T T A E R O A N R D E T O I D O F N O F n r e a D G m t o r p k o e s m t r U W G X G i r D H N S P E G S H L E F Z John Egan coaching a T O Ss u V O N D i e L L I V S L L i p s young mountain biker. F N S D N L s s e n r e V n i s i G i s K S R E D a e h p c G L L A B W O N S Z E M e r t x e k c o r e L t s a c b p G simmons

BRAMBLES FIREWORKS MOONSHINE SLEEPER mary BRAVO FIS MURPHY MOOSE SLOWPOKE CASTLEROCK GLADES ORGANGRINDER SNOWBALL CASTLEROCK EXTREME GONDOLIER PANORAMA SNOWFLAKE COFFEE RUN GRADUATION PARADISE SPILLSVILLE CRACKERJACK HEADER POND SKIMMING STEINS DOG SLEDDING HOT SHOT RIMRUN SUGARBEAR DOMINO INVERNESS RIPCORD SUNRISE Flipping on the bungee trampoline. DOWNSPOUT JESTER RUMBLE TORCHLIGHT

EXTERMINATOR MIDDLE EARTH SIGIS Word Scramble answers: Valley House. Summit. Super Bravo. North Ridge. Welcome Mat. Inverness. Castlerock. Slide Brook. North Lynx. Gate House. Village Double. Heaven’s Gate. Heaven’s Double. Village House. Gate Lynx. North Brook. Slide Castlerock. Inverness. Mat. Welcome Ridge. North Bravo. Super Summit. House. Valley answers: Scramble Word

2013/14 53 local bargains inson k at

TOPDEAL$ john in the Valley Everybody loves a good deal. You know that. We know that. So a trip to Sugarbush and the Mad River Valley is that much sweeter when you have a little inside information. Here’s a guide to some of the best deals in the Valley. By john bleh Great gear at great prices at the Waitsfield School Ski and Skate Sale.

Taco Tuesday at Zach’s Tavern Mad River Glen—Roll Back the Clock Day Located at the Hyde Away, Zach’s Tavern hosts visitors from It’s no secret that skiing continues to get more and more expensive far and wide throughout the winter and summer thanks to its as the years go by. But how much cheaper was it sixty-six years close proximity to Mad River Glen and Sugarbush’s Mt. Ellen. It’s ago? Our friends at Mad River Glen roll ticket prices back on Tuesday, however, that often brings out the local crowd for their January 28, 2014, to their 1948 rate of just $3.50. It doesn’t matter Mexican-inspired taco night. $2 tacos, $5 margaritas, discounted what the conditions are, this is a deal worth taking advantage of. beer specials, and other Mexican cuisine create a fun and inexpensive night for all. Baked Beads Sales On both Memorial Day and Columbus Day weekends, Baked Beads valley night at Big Picture Café & Theater hosts a huge clearance sale right in Waitsfield. Products range A true Valley landmark, the Big Picture Café & Theater is home from bracelets and earrings to scarves and pashminas, and they not just to the only nearby movie theater but also to a vibrant café all make great gifts. serving a bounty of locally grown foods (much of it coming from Waitsfield’s Small Step Farm). Every Wednesday night is Valley Opera Rehearsals Night, with live music, $4 Switchbacks, and $2 PBRs. The Green Mountain Opera Festival presents a unique opportunity to experience opera for free. From late May Free Cooking Demonstrations and Cocktail through mid-June, opera lovers and opera neophytes alike Tastings can attend several open rehearsals—the cast won’t be dressed Enjoy samples and instruction as Sugarbush Executive Chef Gerry up, but the show is still certain to be beautifully entertaining. Nooney and Timbers Restaurant Manager Marcus Champoux Last year, performances included Mozart’s Don Giovanni and host a series of entertaining cooking demonstrations and cocktail Benjamin Britten’s Albert Herring. tastings throughout the year—and all of them are free. Themes from this past season included “All About Apples” and “Smoking $30 Thursdays at Sugarbush and Grilling.” And don’t miss Chef’s Choice on Mondays at Timbers For only $30 per person, skiers and riders can shred Mt. Ellen (non-holiday weeks)—a fixed three-course menu for $25. all day in the winter, and golfers can play the links at Sugarbush Resort Golf Club (foursome required). Non-holiday Thursdays Waitsfield School Ski and Skate Sale beginning January 9, 2014, on the mountain, and starting on the As the days grow colder and the snow guns start blasting, first open Thursday in spring 2014 on the golf course. attention shifts toward skiing and riding. The Waitsfield School Ski and Skate Sale has you covered, with everything from skis Mad Bus and boards to boots and jackets. There’s no better deal on used During the winter, the Mad River Valley’s Mad Bus provides free equipment, and there are great prices on new equipment as well. transportation service to many points in the Valley. Wait for it at any Skis can be found for under $100 if you get there early, with other designated bus stop, including those at both local ski resorts. As gear and equipment even cheaper than that. The sale has been an added bonus for night owls, the bus is on call Saturday nights a Valley institution for more than thirty years, and typically takes and will pick you up and drop you off most anywhere in the Valley. place on the first weekend of hunting season in November. For schedule details, go to gmtaride.org.

Sugarbush—For20s Pass Hostel Tevere This pass gives twentysomethings a break. The For20s season Hostel Tevere in Warren offers some of the cheapest lodging pass is only $299 at its lowest price (the earlier you buy, the more available—if you don’t mind the hostel tradition of sleeping in a you save). For another $80 you can ski at Mad River Glen midweek room with others. Pricing typically falls in the low- to mid-$30s as well. range; plus, there’s an excellent restaurant and bar in the same building. Sunday brunch is an area favorite, and the bar regularly hosts local bands.

54 SUGARBUSH MAGAZINE BREAKFAST & LUNCH: 8AM – 2:30PM DAILY DINNER: 5 – 9PM WED–SUN

Sugarbush Health & Racquet Club (SHaRC) THEATER CAFÉ FULL BAR SODA FOUNTAIN is a fully-appointed year-round fitness and racquet club. Whether you seek group classes, personal training, tennis or swim instruction, family entertainment, or relaxation, a visit to SHaRC promises to enhance your Sugarbush experience. Discover the best Open to members and non-members alike.

MASSAGE & BODYWORKS ride in the Valley. POOLS & HOT TUBS SPin CLASSES Leave your car behind VALLEY ROCK GYM and hop on the FREE PERSOnAL TRAininG Valley Floor Shuttle! SQUASH & RAQUETBALL GROUP FiTnESS & YOGA CLASSES Serving Mount Ellen, CARDiO & WEiGHT Lincoln Peak, Bridges Resort, TRAininG EQUiPMEnT American Flatbread, PHYSiCAL THERAPY BY BACK TO Pizza in the Valley, ACTiOn Mint, and more! TPi–PERSOnAL TRAininG FOR GOLFERS nEW EnGLAnD TEnniS HOLiDAY inSTRUCTiOn

For more information, call 802.583.6700 or visit sugarbush.com For GMTA MadBus route and schedule info: 496-RIDE (7433) • gmtaride.org

2013/14 55 photo: Deshler Photography photo:

E xquISITE HANdcrA f TEd grANolA ANd cH ocolATES SINc E 2003

The Chocolate Boutique with an Edge

Nutty Steph’s chocolate factory transforms into a family-friendly, European-style pub every week from 6 PM – 12 AM called Bacon Thursday. It is a weekly event with fresh-cooked plates of five different local bacons, plus beer, chocolate fondue, homemade sodas, wine, hot music, live conversation, and a killer house salad. Nutty Steph’s - an experience like no other. Handcrafted granola, chocolates, and a mountain of fun. located just off Hwy 89 Exit 9 on route 2 in Middlesex next to red Hen Baking co. NoGMo call 802.229.2090 or visit our online store at Fair Trade www.nuttystephs.com 10 years

brew grass

SATURDAY, JUNE 14, 2014 LINCOLN PEAK SUGARBUSH RESORT SUGARBUSH.COM

56 SUGARBUSH MAGAZINE dining in the mad river valley at Sugarbush Resort in the Mad river valley

Timbers Restaurant Bacon Thursday 275 Main Street at the Pitcher Inn Sourcing as much high-quality food from Vermont Nutty Steph’s chocolate shop transforms every 275 Main Street at the Pitcher Inn features and the Mad River Valley as possible, Timbers Thursday into a family-friendly, European-style dishes thoughtfully prepared with fresh local features items such as dry-aged steaks, locally raised pub called Bacon Thursday. Taste five varieties of ingredients, served in an elegant candle-lit dining meats, and seafood in an atmosphere modeled after farm-fresh bacon, chocolate (for dipping!), beer, room, and supported by an award-winning wine a nineteenth-century Vermont round dairy barn. Enjoy wine, and homemade sodas. Enjoy the sounds of cellar. Dinner served Wednesday to Monday. General Manager Marcus Champoux’s handmade- the raucous piano, live conversation, and bawdy Reservations suggested. cocktail list and carefully chosen wines. songs from the Bacon chef. pitcherinn.com / 802.496.6350 sugarbush.com / 802.583.6800 nuttystephs.com / 802.229.2090

Castlerock Pub Castlerock Pub is the perfect place to take a break during a day of skiing or mountain Big Picture Café & Theater Tracks at the Pitcher Inn biking. Featuring a great vibe and good people, A vibrant café serving breakfast, lunch, and Tracks at the Pitcher Inn offers a casual menu Castlerock’s better-than-bar-food menu features dinner daily. Coffee/espresso, full bar, and vintage featuring fresh, local ingredients, local beers locally produced Neill Farm burgers, delicious soda fountain. Homemade desserts, bread, and from Lawson’s Finest Liquids and Hill Farmstead, sandwiches, and local craft brews. Open year- famous maple-glazed donuts. First-run and art- and creative cocktails served in the comfort of a round when Super Bravo spins. house theater (drink-in/dine-in theaters), live cozy, firelit lounge. Dinner served Wednesday to sugarbush.com / 802.583.6594 music/events, and a community gathering space. Monday. Reservations suggested. bigpicturetheater.info / 802.496.8994 pitcherinn.com / 802.496.6350

Hogan’s Pub With breathtaking views of the mountains and the Valley, Hogan’s Pub serves up a variety of salads, specialty sandwiches, and burgers for lunch, and cold brews and cocktails for après. Try the melted blue cheese and onion Neill Farm burger, from Zach’s Tavern Warren Store cows raised only a few miles away. Summer only. Featuring farm-to-table cuisine, Zach’s Tavern Delicious coffee, breakfast on the deck, sugarbush.com / 802.583.6723 is a local favorite and offers a relaxed setting, sandwiches. Come down for local buzz around the Vermont craft beer, the American Wine List, and potbellied stove and sample our local produce, Mason jar cocktails. Families welcome. Open cheese, beer, and boutique wines. “It’s not just a seven nights (food served from 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.). store, it’s a living, breathing Vermont Spirit. You’ve At the Hyde Away Inn on Route 17, Waitsfield. got to make a stop at this eclectic deli.”—Boston hydeawayinn.com / 802.496.2322 Common Magazine, September 2006. warrenstore.com / 802.496.3864 Sunrise Cafe Coffee, bagels, wraps, soups, and salads served in a casual setting in the Farmhouse. Winter only. sugarbush.com / 802.583.7444

The Wünderbar Mutha Stuffers Sugarbush’s original après-ski hot spot serves Mutha Stuffers is a year-round New York–style up an eclectic lunch menu with items such as eat-in deli located in Sugarbush Village. Open quesadillas, wraps, and salads, along with a funky until midnight on Friday and Saturday. Ski-in/ski- bar scene. Open Fridays to Sundays, and all week out. Serving a full line of Boar’s Head Provisions. long during holidays. Winter only. Ask for Dino. sugarbush.com / 802.583.6786 muthastuffers.com / 802.583.4477 2013/14 57

“Best One Stop Shopping West Hill House in Vermont” (802) 496-7162 – Yankee Magazine www.westhillbb.com

“275 Main at the Pitcher Inn is a jewel of sophisticated dining. This may be Vermont’s best restaurant.” – The New York Times Built in 1839, this spirited country store combines an eclectic deli and bakery, an THE PITCHER INN HAS BEEN WELCOMING One mile from Sugarbush GUESTS SINCE 1850. ORIGINALLY A SIMPLE INN, award winning wine shop, artisanal beer 2 minutes by shuttle bus IT NOW COMBINES VERMONT CHARM WITH THE and plenty of local color. From penny candy Great Ski Packages COMFORTS OF A RELAIS & CHATEAUX PROPERTY. to contemporary clothing and gifts...” 9 unique guest rooms with steam A CONDE NAST TOP 100 HOTEL. shower and/or Jacuzzi, really • Open 363 1/2 days a year! 275 MAIN OFFERS ELEGANT DINING UPSTAIRS, comfortable beds, gas fireplaces, • Located 1 mile south of the TVs, free phone calls & WiFi WHILE TRACKS, ON THE LOWER LEVEL, Sugarbush Access Road off Route 100. SERVES A CASUAL LOUNGE-STYLE MENU. Delicious Breakfasts OPEN WEDNESDAY – MONDAY “It’s not just a store; it’s a living, 3 large common areas with 802.496.6350 breathing Vermont spirit.” bar, fireplaces, games, PITCHERINN.COM – Boston Common Magazine HD TV and pool table A Select Registry B&B

Shareholder owned

Shareolder owned

Mad River Glan shae

Clay Brook Hotel & residenCes Modern luxury meets slopeside convenience with studio to five-bedroom suites, concierge services, ski and boot valet, heated outdoor pool and hot tubs, and onsite dining.

For a more casual stay, explore the classic country charm of Sugarbush Inn or our selection of over 100 privately-owned, resort-managed condos. Complimentary access to Sugarbush Health & Racquet Club and Valley-wide shuttle service included.

sugarbush.com | 800.53.SUGAR

58 SUGARBUSH MAGAZINE lodging in the mad river valley

at Sugarbush Resort

CLAOO Y BR K HOTEL & RESIDENCES SUGARBUSH INN RESORT CONDOS Clay Brook’s slope-side residences range from Classic country charm in an affordable package. Choose from an array of one- to four-bedroom studios to five-bedroom suites and deliver a level of Every stay includes breakfast and access to the mountainside condos located within the service, luxury, and convenience that sets them apart. Health & Racquet Club. Onsite casual dining is Sugarbush Resort area. Each individually owned Each room is furnished with hardwood furniture, available (winter only). Conveniently located less than condominium is managed by the resort and custom cabinetry, stainless steel appliances, granite one mile from the lifts and on the Mad Bus route. features a full kitchen. Many units are ski-in/ countertops, and Wi-Fi. Private concierge services, sugarbush.com / 800.537.8427 ski-out and have a fireplace or woodstove and a valet and underground parking, ski and boot valet, balcony and/or sundeck. Health & Racquet Club heated outdoor pool, and hot tubs. access and Mad Bus transportation included. sugarbush.com / 800.537.8427 sugarbush.com / 800.537.8427 in the Mad river valley

BEAVER POND FARM INN PITCHER INN Five minutes from the lifts, let the historic charm Featured on Condé Nast Traveler’s “Gold List” for of this 1840s, quintessentially restored farmhouse the past five years, the Pitcher Inn features eleven inn rejuvenate your spirit. Gourmet breakfasts, uniquely designed and appointed guest rooms, afternoon treats, and views of snowy hills leave each a reflection of Vermont life and offering the you feeling pampered. Enjoy a glass of wine amenities and services expected of a Relais & or a Vermont craft beer by our fire or hot tub. Châteaux member. beaverpondfarminn.com / 802.583.2861 pitcherinn.com / 802.496.6350

THE BRIDGES RESORT TUCKER HILL INN The Bridges is ranked among the Top 50 U.S. Recommended by the Boston Globe, the Tucker Hill Tennis Resorts by Tennis magazine. Featuring Inn is nestled on fourteen peaceful acres five minutes twelve tennis courts (indoor and outdoor), three from Sugarbush. Deluxe rooms with fireplaces, and pools, fitness center, hot tub, massage and family and individual rooms. Full breakfast included. acupuncture, and an on-site bistro, the Bridges Hiking/snowshoe trail, pool, and tennis courts offers year-round fun for the whole family. (seasonal). Rooms from $139 to $269 per night. bridgesresort.com / 802.583.2922 tuckerhill.com / 802.496.3983

THE GARRISON WEATHERTOP MOUNTAIN INN Located in the heart of Vermont’s Sugarbush and Mad Not your typical country inn ... Asian antiques and art, River Valley, the Garrison offers condos, studios, and eclectic evening dining, and thoughtful amenities to motel rooms. Units both small and large available. enhance your holiday. Eight tastefully decorated guest Includes our indoor heated pool, tennis, and washer rooms, expansive great room with fieldstone fireplace, and dryer. All just five minutes to skiing. well-equipped game room, hot tub, sauna, A/C, and garrisoncondos.com / 802.496.2352 Wi-Fi. weathertopmountaininn.com / 802.496.4909

HYDE AWAY INN WEST HILL HOUSE BED & BREAKFAST Comfortable, unpretentious ten-room lodge. We Award-winning B&B next to Sugarbush offering offer varying set-ups, and families are welcome. hospitality and great food. Comfortable beds, Close to Sugarbush and Mad River Glen. Rates from fireplaces, en suites with jacuzzi and/or steam $119 to $199; midweek discounts. Home of Zach’s shower. Three public rooms with fireplaces, movies, Tavern, featuring farm-to-table cuisine and Vermont games, and pool table. Enjoy wine, Vermont beers, craft beers. Located on Route 17 in Waitsfield. and single-malt scotch from our bar. hydeawayinn.com / 802.496.2322 westhillbb.com / 802.496.7162

MAD RIVER INN WILDER FARM INN 1860 country Victorian inn with seven guest rooms “Where farm fresh meets fashion forward.” With the and one small suite with private baths, some Wilder Farm Inn’s relaxed vibe and fresh decorating, with television and A/C. Relaxed atmosphere. it’s apparent that Grandma doesn’t live here anymore. Comfortable living room with wood fireplace. We serve scratch-made dishes from local, organic, BYOB lounge with pool table, TV, stereo, guest and foraged ingredients on our handmade pottery refrigerator, and woodstove. Outdoor hot tub. (studio on-site). Let us share the Valley’s best spots madriverinn.com / 802.496.7900 with you. wilderfarminn.com / 802.496.9935

2013/14 59 sugarbush close-up brodeur - wallace

jeb

Summer downhill mountain biking at Lincoln Peak. SUGARBUSH cys a

After years of skiing at the mountain, Sugarbush owner and M y president Win Smith purchased the resort in September of 2001 and

with a group of local investors. They have since embarked on S reshaping the Sugarbush experience to reflect the nature of the Mad River Valley. The management team includes Adam Greshin, a longtime Warren resident who has served as the state representative for Washington County. Incorporating traditional Vermont architecture into the village, hosting arts performances, and highlighting the local agricultural economy in the resort’s culinary offerings are just some of the ways Sugarbush delivers a rich experience for its guests. In 2006, Sugarbush completed construction of Clay Brook Hotel & Residences and the Gate House Lodge. Four years later, two more Taking the plunge in a local swimming hole. skier-services buildings—the Schoolhouse and the Farmhouse— were added to Lincoln Peak Village. And this winter, the new Rice Brook Residences—fifteen new homes in three buildings—will

connect Lincoln Peak Village and historic Sugarbush Village. They simmons

are part of a larger-scale project that will include up to ninety new

spaces for residential and commercial use. mary Sugarbush continues to invest in improvements at both Lincoln Peak and Mt. Ellen. This year, the resort has purchased additional energy-efficient snowmaking equipment and two new groomers. To alleviate congestion on peak winter days, additional seating A zip-line ride on a sunny day. has been added to Gate House and Mt. Ellen base lodges, and more parking spaces have been added. New road-paving projects have been completed at the entry to Lincoln Peak and Sugarbush

Health & Racquet Club (SHaRC), as well as over at Mt. Ellen. And inson k t

SHaRC has received much-needed improvements, including a a

new roof, a refurbished entryway and women’s locker room, and

upgrades to exercise equipment. john

Linking Sugarbush history, the authenticity of the Mad River Valley, and the modernity and style of new amenities, Sugarbush is committed to offering the best in customer service, four seasons of outdoor recreation, and an unrivaled and quintessential Vermont experience. And each year, Win Smith and his entire resort team work hard to make good on the Sugarbush brand promise: Be Better Here. Getting comfy with Lincoln Peak’s cow.

60 SUGARBUSH MAGAZINE Launching off “the Church.” john at k inson riddell

michael inson k at

john

A family ski day at Mt. Ellen. Big air. THE MOUNTAINS LODGING There is something for everyone at Sugarbush. Like many of the ski From slope-side luxury to quaint country living, the Sugarbush areas west of the Mississippi, Sugarbush’s Lincoln Peak spreads out Vacation Team will find something to suit your family. The slope- in a natural bowl of terrain. Runs at Lincoln Peak face north, south, side Clay Brook Hotel & Residences offers sixty-one suites, and east and make for spectacular skiing no matter the time of day. ranging from slope-side kings to five-bedroom penthouses, and The natural bowl also makes the trail network easy to navigate. features ski-in/ski-out access, full valet service, a year-round Beginners, intermediates, and experts can all start from the same outdoor heated pool, a fitness center, and Timbers Restaurant. place, find terrain suitable to their tastes, and end up together back Down the road is the forty-two-room Sugarbush Inn, open all where they started. The layout of the lift and trail network quickly winter and for private groups in the summer. The inn—with nooks disperses crowds on peak traffic days, while mid-mountain lifts serve for reading and a parlor with an adjoining taproom—has the cozy higher elevation runs that minimize long lift lines in the base area. charm of a Vermont country inn with all the services of a resort. Lincoln Peak is home to the legendary terrain of Castlerock Peak. Its Sugarbush also offers a mix of resort-managed condominiums narrow, steep, and winding trails offer seasoned experts a challenge surrounding Lincoln Peak. All Sugarbush lodging comes with and an old-time New England ski experience. Powder hungry? Get complimentary access to Sugarbush Health & Racquet Club, up early for first tracks on the Lincoln Limo. When it’s snowing, the which offers a pool, hot tubs, steam rooms, the Adventure Zone twelve-passenger snowcat heads to the top as early as 7 a.m., before for kids, rock climbing, tennis, and massage. For additional the lifts even open. lodging recommendations, please call the Mad River Valley Connected by the Slide Brook Express to Lincoln Peak, Mt. Ellen is Chamber of Commerce at 802-496-3409. the third highest peak and hosts the highest chair lift in Vermont. With thirty-nine trails, Mt. Ellen has steeps, wide-open cruisers, and some great beginner terrain. The base area at Mt. Ellen is a no-frills experience with a classic lodge that’s home to the convivial Green Mountain Lounge, where it’s not uncommon to see three generations of skiers recapping the day’s exploits. Mt. Ellen is where you’ll find

the Riemergasse Terrain Park, recognized in 2012 as one of the top teare five terrain parks in the East by Transworld Snowboarding. With rails, tables, and jumps for all levels, the park is home to local talent and susan a series of events and competitions. Whether at Mt. Ellen or Lincoln Peak, skiing in the trees is often the best way to find great snow. Twenty marked areas provide beginner to advanced tree skiing. Want more? The 2,000-acre Slide Brook backcountry, tucked in between Lincoln Peak and Mt. Ellen, is an adventurer’s paradise. Guided trips are available with legendary skier John Egan and the staff of the Adventure Learning Center’s Ski & Ride School. Sugarbush isn’t the only attraction to the Mad River Valley. Mad River Glen, just a few miles to the north of Sugarbush, boasts some of the most challenging terrain in the East. The Valley is also home to two Nordic skiing centers, Blueberry Lake and Ole’s Cross Country Center. Lincoln Peak Village.

2013/14 61 sugarbush close-up TRANSPORTATION The Burlington International Airport is just fifty minutes from Sugarbush, with direct flights arriving from New York City, Boston, Chicago, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C., and Atlanta, and seasonal direct flights from Toronto. Amtrak runs trains from major eastern cities into Rutland (one hour south of Sugarbush) and Waterbury (thirty minutes north). And once you’ve arrived, Green Mountain Transit offers free public transportation services in the winter season within the Mad River Valley region via the Mad Bus. Distance from: Burlington: 46 miles Boston: 180 miles New York City: 300 miles Montreal: 139 miles (224 KM)

62 SUGARBUSH MAGAZINE MOUNTAIN STATISTICS OPERATING HOURS 4,083 & CONTACT INFO 578 summit Skiable elevation Weekdays: 9 AM – 4 PM acres 1,483 base Weekend/holiday: 8 AM – 4 PM elevation terrain3 (16 TOTAL) LIFTS parks Season: mid-November – April 7 quads (5 high speed) 53miles 2,600 802.583.6300; 800.53.SUGAR vertical 2 triples of trails drop 269 sugarbush.com inches 4 doubles 20tree-skiing average annual snowfall Areas 3 surface lifts Warren, Vermont

2013/14 63 calendar 2013-14

Castlerock Extreme. Brew-Grass Festival.

Pond Skimming.

New Year’s Eve.

10/12–14 Community Weekend 1/9-12 Mt. Ellen 50th 3/15 Sugaring Time Festival 7/6 Mad Marathon Celebrate the height of foliage Celebration This spring tradition celebrates Billed as the “World’s Most Beautiful season in the Mad River Valley Mt. Ellen turns fifty this year! Join the start of the sugaring season. Marathon,” this challenging race with fresh local foods, Win’s us as we revisit many time-honored Sample maple syrup–inspired foods sends runners by farms, along annual resort update, kids camps Mt. Ellen customs, including a and specialty drinks and take part rolling dirt roads, and inside covered and hikes, pumpkin carving, live discounted ski day on Thursday, on- in the day’s events, including a bridges throughout the Mad River music, scenic lift rides, and a dog- and off-mountain events throughout maple culinary demonstration and Valley. Run as a whole marathon, friendly family hike. Also enjoy the the weekend, and the Elliott Sunday cocktail tasting hosted by Executive half, or relay. Family Oktoberfest on Sunday, brunch buffet. Chef Gerry Nooney, a resort-wide with Bavarian-inspired food, drink, scavenger hunt for maple nips (with 8/1–31 Festival of the Arts and music. 1/17–20 Martin Luther King Jr. prizes), local farmers’ market, live A monthlong celebration of art in Weekend music, and more. the Mad River Valley, featuring a 11/17 The Big Kicker A long weekend of live music, “Taste of the Valley” culinary feast Kick off the winter season at the family activities, and fireworks. The 3/21–23 Nantucket Weekend at Lincoln Peak, the Big Red Barn Big Kicker. Join Mad River Glen World Bazaar will return this year Nantucket Island Fever spreads to Art Show, theatrical performances and Sugarbush Resort to celebrate with international vendors, family- Sugarbush this March! Nantucket’s at the Skinner Barn and the Phantom the upcoming 2013–14 ski and ride friendly food, and performers. official radio station, WACK FM, hosts Theater, and much more. season with a party that includes a a variety of island businesses at Mad River Glen/Sugarbush freestyle 2/2 USSMA Sugarbush–Mad Sugarbush for live music and beach 8/29–9/1 The Green Mountain team exhibition, an all-star lineup River Glen Randonee Race party activities, including a beverage Stage Race of ski movies, music, beverage This endurance race benefiting the tasting from Cisco Brewers. The largest Pro-Am road stage race specials, and a presentation from Green Mountain Club begins at Mad east of the Mississippi, this four-day High Fives Foundation. Fun for the River Glen, climbs up and over to 3/29 Pond Skimming event attracts close to 1,000 cyclists, whole family. Sugarbush’s Mt. Ellen, runs through Springtime at Sugarbush brings who take on some of the Northeast’s the Slide Brook wilderness area, with it a long-standing tradition— most scenic and challenging terrain. 12/7 The SugarBash and finishes at Lincoln Peak. braving ice-cold water! Throw Throw on your best retro ski gear on your best costume, tuck, and Recurring Events and boogie the night away at 2/8 Junior Castlerock Extreme attempt to cross a 120-foot pond. Sugarbush’s birthday party. Live The most talented young skiers Or stay dry and join the crowd to 1/16, 2/17, and 3/15 music from the Grift—and costume and riders in the Northeast (ages watch from the sidelines. Contests Tour de Moon contest at 8 p.m. thirteen and younger) take on are judged on style, costume, and This Sugarbush favorite features Sugarbush’s famous peak in the splash. Winner takes home a shiny an after-hours skin up Mt. Ellen, 12/9 A Taste of Timbers fourth Annual Junior Castlerock new pair of K2 skis. dinner and beverages in the Glen Sample items from the Sugarbush Extreme. A qualifier for March’s House, and a ski or ride down—all culinary team’s new winter menu. Castlerock Extreme and a stop 4/20 Easter Celebration under the full moon. Reservations on the Ski the East Freeride Tour. Begin your Easter Sunday with a required. Holiday Week Be sure to register early—the 110 sunrise service at Allyn’s Lodge, 12/22–31 followed by egg hunts and a gourmet Celebration registration slots sold out last year. 12/29, 1/25, 2/22, and 3/8 brunch at Timbers. Celebrate your holiday slope- Timbers Wine Dinners style. Meet a team of sled dogs 2/15–23 President’s Week Timbers Restaurant hosts a series Sugarbush Brew-Grass during the Christmas Eve dogsled Check out this marathon of 6/14 of dinners with specific wine

demonstration, enjoy après-ski live mountain fun, featuring our annual Festival pairings each month throughout The fourth annual brewfest features music all week, and send the kids Torchlight Parade and Fireworks, the winter season. This unique more than twenty local and regional to Pizza and Movie Night in the ice sculpting, the Vermont Institute culinary experience allows guests to brewers, three live bands, and Schoolhouse (no parents allowed!). of Natural Science’s live bird show, experience an intimate wine tasting multiple local food stations. Last The fourth Annual Dog Parade kicks ski films, a wine tasting at Timbers, over a five-course meal hosted by year’s festival sold out, so get your off the New Year’s Eve celebration, and much more. wine experts. $100 per person. tickets early. Tickets go on sale May 1. followed by the Family Fun Night Reservations required. with street performers or Timbers’ 3/8 Castlerock Extreme elegant dinner, and a spectacular Gear up for the sixteenth year of this 7/4 Independence Day 12/27, 1/19, 2/17, and 3/15 fireworks display. on-mountain Sugarbush favorite— Celebration Castlerock Pub Beer Dinners the Castlerock Extreme presents a Celebrate the Fourth Mad River Join Sugarbush’s culinary team true challenge as competitors take Valley–style with Warren’s iconoclastic as they prepare a fresh meal with on the daunting Lift Line run. parade and festival, a spectacular seasonal offerings coupled with air show, the Waitsfield farmers’ local beers in the Castlerock Pub. market, live music, and Sugarbush’s Chat with the brewer and learn largest fireworks show of the year. about the craft brewing process. Reservations recommended.

64 SUGARBUSH MAGAZINE

Winter 2014 Collection In Store Now

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