Warren, Vermont — Sugarbush has faced operational challenges in recent years. There have been lift issues in the winter, resulting in terrain closures. Summertime operations have been reduced, including the elimination of lift-served mountain biking. Some have held out hope of a revival of the trail network, but it doesn’t look like that’s happening.
Sugarbush gave an update on its mountain biking trail network this week. While promoting the mountain biking network around the Mad River Valley, Sugarbush revealed the status of its downhill mountain biking park. Previously served by the Super Bravo Express Quad, the area offered a wide array of technical trails. However, the park didn’t catch on enough. Sugarbush reportedly kept it going as an amenity for guests. The operation had to close due to the construction around Heaven’s Gate, which was the unofficial nail in the coffin.
In an attempt to make it more financially viable, they attempted an expansion onto Gate House. According to documents filed with the U.S. Forest Service, this would have added nearly 11 miles of beginner and intermediate routes. Due to issues coming to an agreement with the state, this project was abandoned.
I do think this is the latest example of how challenging it is to operate Sugarbush. Alterra has invested in the place, including the new Heaven’s Gate chairlift, the new covered conveyor at Mt. Ellen, and the redesigned Heaven’s Gate Traverse ski trail. There’s also a big project down the pipeline that I’m going to be coy about. However, they’ve also had some starts and stops with projects (employee housing and the aforementioned mountain biking park expansion) due to navigating the tricky setup among the state (and Act 250), Forest Service, and the local towns (Waitsfield and Warren).
It’s basically two separate ski resorts that are connected by the country’s longest (and aging) high-speed quad chairlift. It goes to show how the Win Smith days were an impressive display of ski resort management.
While this is sad news for mountain bikers, there are still almost 60 miles of trails in the Mad River Valley to explore. For Mad River Valley bikers looking for lift-served terrain, their best bets are now going up to Bolton Valley or down to Killington.
Image/Video Credits: Sugarbush Resort
