March 17, 2005
Mount Ellen
Been sneaking glances up at the imposing mountain all season as I spent time behind the windshield in Waitsfield, VT. Usually running late, hoping to and fro between Mad River Glen and Sugarbush South. Finally, yesterday I had the opportunity to pay a visit to Sugarbush North for some Spectacular Skiing!
Wicked Wednesday = $25 for a lift ticket. An astounding deal for what North delivers. I can not figure out why No One was there?!?
Heading up he Summit Quad
Conditions: Bright late winter Sunshine was abundant. Temps in the 30’s were more than comfortable. All the slopes that make up the 2600’ of vertical were covered with packed powder. Some powder and loose snow around the edges of trails and in the woods made for a really fun, consistent snow surface. I spent most of my afternoon riding the Summit chair, which gets you very close to the top of Mount Ellen (the 3rd tallest peak in the state of VT standing at 4,083 feet).
Loking down from FIS woods at the Summit Chair and mid-lodge
Judgment: I have not had the chance to ski at North in years. Yesterday I made it a point to get over there. I was not the least bit disappointed, everything as good as I remembered it to be. The place has the vibe of a ski area that is independent of Sugarbush South even though the two were connected years back by the Slide Brook Express Quad. It is a simple spot, old fashioned fun. You get a parking lot, base lodge, ticket booth and a chairlift that whisks you up the slope. North and South have a relationship similar to Pico/Killington & Haystack/Mount Snow.
Notes: Mount Ellen (Sugarbush North) is the first part of the resort to open every season and last to close. This year they are scheduled to run well into April. The mountain has an abundance of terrain for levels of all abilities. The lift system is set up perfectly to compliment the different ability levels. North is also home to the resorts Half Pipe and a beginner terrain parks under the Sunny D lift. During the off season over 40 acres of new glades were thinned out adding to already plentiful tree skiing.
Family training day in the soft bumps on Bravo
Situated between its more popular two neighbors (South and MRG) there is hardly ever a crowd, never mind a lift line to be found at North. A midweek paradise! This place is as good a big mountain, easy going friends and family type area that you will encounter. If you are looking for a change in your skiing routine go makes some turns at Mount Ellen ~ Sugarbush North.
Think Snow,
S.G.
photos - Ethan Binns
The view of Camel's Hump and Mansfield from North
