February 14, 2005
Mad River Glen, VT – Ski Area
Copious amounts of new snow in the last five days (30+”) in addition to an absence anything the likes of high speed lifts, ticket scanners, cell phone signals and out of control crowds only adds to the appeal of the time warp called a ski area in Fayston, VT.
Camel's Hump form Paradise
Mad River Glen was the biggest, brightest and loudest spot on the Guru’s radar. Monday it was the only choice. After a weekend of ripping around Stratton (more latter) some quiet time was exactly what the doctor ordered. Skied all day, No Lines at the Double or Single, which suddenly becomes work after a half dozen runs.
Shocked that they had one Monday morning, I asked the parking lot attendant about the weekend... Slammed! Cars everywhere Fri – Sun, both sides of route 17, all 3 lots full. Becoming concerned, some folks at the Camel’s Hump View Farm Country Inn (Guru rec for quiet bed and exellent country breakfast @ more than reasonable $, call 802.496.3614, ask for Wilma, bring cash, no credit) were telling me during breakfast that is was a little skied off on Saturday when they were there.
Turns out conditions were magnificent, stokenly stellah, for all skier types. There was some ice in the troughs and places where it was turned down to the grass, but limited and easy to avoid. The circles were all groomed and good. Squares, some soft bumps, less ice then steeper terrain. Paradise, Fall Line and everything in-between were A-game. Expert skiing expected and delivered.
Ski Patrol sign top of single
Mad River Glenn is not so much of the stuck in the past area it often is portrayed as. The Non Profit Co-Op makes snow, grooms, has a weather station on the summit with a live feed to the base box, 2 computers with internet access for all to use, state of the art digital clocks, etc. Sometimes one would think they handwrite lift tickets by the ways it is spoke of or written about.
Most difficult was finding a place to write this up in the Warren/Waitsfield area, not exactly an Internet hotbed. After asking over 20 locals “where?” I got lucky. Stopped into NOWIRZ on 4318 Main Street, Waitsfield. Saw the sign out front and got this done. Keep an eye out for them when in the valley so you can stay connected and ski powder.
Worm holes in the woods
Something Mad River Glen Does NOT Allow? Snowboarding! It is just a Ski Area. One of only four left in the country, MRG is the real deal. Due to the methodology of how it is owned/operated/managed it will be ensured this remains the same, as is now, as was many moons ago and With Luck... Forever.
Still Thinking Snow!
S.G.
Photos - Ethan Binns
Top of Single Chair
