There’s something magical about the Mad River Valley with its covered bridges, cute Vermont general stores, and rolling hills blanketed in sparkling snow. Add two ski areas and three mountains of skiing – including Sugarbush's interconnected Lincoln Peak and Mount Ellen – to the mix and you have a winter winner. In fact, the Slide Brook Express swiftly transports skiers between Sugarbush’s separate slopes, over hotly debated bear mating territory.

• PLAN YOUR SKI GETAWAY Heather's family ski trips