Mad River Glen

Mad River Glen is one of North America's most distinctive ski resorts and something of an institution for traditional alpine skiing. The resort is located in the Green Mountains of Vermont and has since its inception in 1945 consistently gone its own way – both culturally and ski-wise.

The main thing that sets Mad River Glen apart from other ski resorts is its uncompromising focus on natural skiing. Only a limited number of slopes are prepared here, while large parts of the mountain are left in more or less natural condition. The result is narrow trails, uneven snow, humps and technical skiing that rewards precision rather than speed. Off-piste-like skiing often takes place directly from marked trails, rather than in separate areas.

The facility is also known for its classic single-chair lift, which is still in operation and forms the backbone of the lift system. Snowboarding is not allowed, a conscious decision that reflects the resort's strong roots in traditional ski culture. The form of ownership is cooperative, which further reinforces the sense of community and resistance to large-scale commercialization.

Mad River Glen is not a place for wide highways of piste or comfortable holiday skiing. It is a ski resort for skiers who appreciate challenging terrain, varied surfaces, and a mountain that requires active skiing technique. For many avid skiers, a visit here is less of a trip – and more of a pilgrimage.