Dummerston, Vermont — Closed since 2000, Maple Valley has remained abandoned for over two decades. Drivers on West River Road have seen the mountain sit as a time capsule, with trees slowly growing across the property. But change is afoot.
Back in 2018, Sugar Mountain Holdings purchased the old ski area. This group is led by Keane Aures, who practices construction law in Connecticut. The group is also affiliated with North Chair Brewing, a Brattleboro-based beer business with brews themed around the old ski area. Soon after purchasing, they announced plans to convert the lodge into a brewery. After years of back-and-forth with Vermont’s antiquated Act 250 process, they finally received the needed approvals in 2024 and began work later that year.
Over the past few years, they’ve been renovating the old Sugarhouse Base Lodge. The work aims to convert the base lodge into a taproom and brewery. They have been sharing progress on the site, including repainting the ski area’s iconic sign.
In July, they said they plan to open the brewery this fall. The goal is to have the lodge reopen with a new taproom.
While work continues on the brewery, a business is already operating at the ski area. Bigfoot Coffee is a small coffee shop that’s open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays, and Mondays. They also have a huge statue of Bigfoot, who is definitely real.
Will It Be Revived As A Ski Area?
While current ownership has been surprisingly open to bringing it back, a full-blown revival as a ski area seems unlikely because of the lifts’ age and the money needed to restore infrastructure like snowmaking. However, they plan to clear the old trails for hikers, bikers, and backcountry skiers.
Here’s what their business description on Google says:
“The ski area you have loved for over 50 years is undergoing a transformation that will not only restore the mountain to its former glory but welcome you to a new experience. The lodge is being converted to a brewery and event space, trails will be recut for hiking, biking, skinning, and so much more.”
Sounds like you should add this place to your travel plans. We’ll keep you posted on the latest developments regarding Maple Valley.
Image/Video Credits: North Chair Brewing/Maple Valley VT, Bigfoot Coffee, Skimap.org
