POPULATION 1,700
MEDIAN HOME PRICE $349,300
HOMETOWN HERO Extreme-skiing pioneer John Egan, the godfather of Mad River Valley skiing and now the chief recreation officer at Sugarbush.
THE LIVING: Waitsfield is a classic ski town harking back to the pre-timeshare era. The ski resorts and upscale condos are all up the road, allowing the tiny town to remain an authentic, year-round family-focused community. That's why nonprofits 1% for the Planet, the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, and Center for Whole Communities make it their home. It's also the land of artisanal cheeses and maple, with as many cows as people. Locals tap their own trees, wear jeans and wool plaid for formal occasions, and support local food (like American Flatbread and Kingsbury Farm) and businesses (like Small Dog Electronics, one of the largest Apple resellers in the country).
THE SKIING: Two of the East's finest mountains are within ten minutes—both with zero crowds midweek. Depending on your mood, you can charge the glades and bumps of barely groomed Mad River Glen, an old-school "skier's mountain" (read no snowboarders allowed) and the only skier-owned co-op in the country, or rip groomers, snowboard, or cat-ski at Sugarbush. Cross-training? Kick and glide the 300-mile Catamount Trail, ski groomed track at Blueberry Lake nordic center, or hit the Skatium open-air ice-skating rink.
THE NEIGHBORHOOD: It you can't find a starter home in view of the ski hills, another option is neighboring Moretown, which is slightly farther from the lifts but only a 15-minute commute from Montpelier, the state capital.
Comments
This photo is incorrectly credited. Credit belongs to Brian Mohr / EmberPhoto. Thanks!
Flag ThisI first vacationed in the Mad River Valley from Philly in 1998 & quickly realized that the valley was where I belonged. My first season after moving in 2001, I skied all day and simply drove 15 minutes home, I had a huge smile on my face, that feeling of joy is still with me (Priceless!). I've been in Waitsfield 9 years now, met my husband here, started a business here and we continue to ski, bike and hike throughout Vermont, NH, ME & Utah (Alta),but the Mad River Valley is where we call home.
Flag ThisPhoto credit should read Ember Photography (Brian and Emily Mohr).
Flag ThisI get the whole multi-sport destination thing, but why was a canoeing photo submitted/used for a story that has the headline of "Best for Skiing (East)"?
Flag ThisAfter skiing everywhere in Vermont.. finding the 'gem' that is Sugarbush and the wonderful towns of Waitsfield (and Warren) - it is the best escape any urbanite in the Northeast needs! Sure the drive here is a little bit longer than some of those other resort towns, but, it is well worth it. The point about crowd free skiing, very true, and even on most weekends too!
Flag ThisWe appreciate your comments Geoff. The photo features a skier, traveling by canoe, to a backcountry ski run along the Mad River (note the skis strapped to the canoe). The skiing in the Mad River Valley goes far beyond the lift-accessed slopes of Mad River Glen and Sugarbush, and includes an abundance of backcountry and nordic skiing options, too. This variety factored into Outside's focus on Waitsfield. Thanks! - Brian
Flag ThisThe most difficult decision might be where to ski first? Sugarbush North or South? or Mad River Glen? Make it a 3 day weekend and ski them all...don't forget to eat at Flatbread for a unique experience..be sure to get there early! Another difficult choice winter or summer? Winter is well documented above...summer with extensive moutain biking (Sugarbush, Waterbury and Millstone trails in Barre), road biking along Hwy 100, and hiking the Long Trail--come visit winter or summer!
Flag ThisAwesome 5-season recreation (slalom jogging during mud season) and terrific place to raise a family. When's the video coming out?
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