Hi everyone! Emma here. If you know me, you know I have a soft spot for ski areas that keep the soul of the sport alive, and I have some absolutely wonderful news coming out of Vermont this week.
Mad River Glen, the legendary skier-only co-op (sorry snowboarders, this one is still strictly two planks!), has just achieved something incredible. They’ve successfully raised over $2.8 million to acquire and protect 1,100 acres of land right next to the ski area.
Why This Matters for Families
For us parents, seeing open spaces preserved rather than developed is always a win. This land, known locally as the "19th & 20th hole terrain," is a beautiful wooded area north of Route 17. It was originally part of the ski area's land back in 1948 but was held privately by the Pratt family when the co-op formed in the 90s.
It looked like this land might get sold off to a private LLC last year, but the Mad River Glen community rallied in a way that truly warms my heart. Over 1,500 people chipped in—from big donors to folks pitching in ten bucks—to help the co-op exercise its "Right of First Refusal." Now, instead of private development, this land will be protected by a conservation easement. That means more nature for our kids to explore for generations to come.
What About the Skiing?
Now, before you pack up the minivan and head straight for the new territory, a quick heads-up from your mountain mom. This isn't going to be groomed cruisers for the little ones. The plan is to use this area for sidecountry and backcountry skiing, as well as hiking in the offseason.
If you have teenagers who are strong skiers and looking to explore beyond the ropes, this opens up some amazing adventure potential. But please, remember that sidecountry is still backcountry.
Safety First: If you are venturing into unpatrolled woods, you need the right skills and the right gear. We never go out of bounds without our safety equipment.
Emma’s Backcountry Essentials:
- Safety Gear: BCA Tracker S Rescue Package – This includes a beacon, shovel, and probe. It’s an investment, but safety is non-negotiable.
- Warm Layers: Patagonia Down Sweater Hoody – It’s going to be chilly in those Vermont woods!
- Eye Protection: Smith I/O Mag Goggles – Good visibility is key in the trees.
A Different Kind of Resort
I love that places like Mad River Glen exist. While massive destination resorts like Vail (which scores 71.5/100 on ShredIndex) certainly offer incredible amenities and vast terrain, there is something deeply special about a community-owned mountain where families pitch in to buy the land next door just to keep it wild.
With the land fundraiser complete, the co-op is now shifting focus to renovating Stark’s Pub. If you’ve ever warmed up there with a hot cocoa (or a local brew for the parents) after a freezing day on the Single Chair, you know it’s the heart of the mountain. They are aiming to raise $2 million for those renovations.
Weekend Outlook
If you are heading to MRG this weekend, bundle up the kiddos! They have 60 trails and 4 lifts spinning, including the famous Paradise trail, but the forecast is looking “nippy,” as they say in New England. Make sure those hand warmers are packed!
See you on the slopes,
Emma
Source: Unofficial Networks
