Sugarbush is located in Vermont’s scenic Mad River Valley, offering a classic New England ski experience across 484 acres of terrain. With 111 trails and 16 lifts, the resort spans two distinct mountains-Lincoln Peak and Mt. Ellen-each with its own character and appeal. Visitors choose Sugarbush for its terrain diversity, authentic mountain atmosphere, and stunning views of the Green Mountains. The vertical drop of 2,600 feet and the 3-mile-long Stein’s Run provide plenty of room to roam, whether you’re carving groomers or exploring tree-lined glades. With a blend of challenge, charm, and convenience, Sugarbush delivers a memorable ski experience for all types of riders.
View of Sugarbush Ski Resort from Route 100.
Current Snow and Ski Conditions
The Sugarbush snow report provides details on piste and off-piste ski conditions. The Sugarbush snow report for December 28 indicates a 12" base depth with 12 of 16 lifts open. Please note ski conditions and snowfall at Sugarbush are sourced directly from the ski resort and are only recorded during the official ski season's opening to closing dates.
Here's a summary of the recent snowfall and conditions:
- Recent Snowfall:
- 24 hours: 1"
- Mid Mountain Depth: 24"
- Machine Groomed Depth vs Average: 83% vs average of 14" on Dec 28
- Intermediate Runs Open: 48/47
The mountain receives an average of 213 inches of natural snowfall annually, and extensive snowmaking ensures reliable coverage throughout the season.
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Trail difficulty is well-balanced:
- 23% beginner
- 42% intermediate
- 27% advanced
- 7% expert runs
7-Day Weather Forecast Overview
Here’s an overview of the 7-day weather forecast for Sugarbush:
| Day | Date | Temperature (Mtn. 1240m) | Temperature (Base 452m) | Chance of Precipitation | New Snow (Mtn. 1240m) | New Snow (Base 452m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun | Dec 28 | -4°C to -17°C | 0°C to -14°C | 15% | - | - |
| Mon | Dec 29 | 0°C to -10°C | 4°C to -7°C | 85% | <1 cm | <1 cm |
| Tue | Dec 30 | -10°C to -17°C | -6°C to -14°C | 15% | - | - |
| Wed | Dec 31 | -7°C to -16°C | -3°C to -13°C | 85% | 4 cm | 4 cm |
| Thu | Jan 1 | -12°C to -19°C | -8°C to -16°C | 15% | - | - |
| Fri | Jan 2 | -12°C to -19°C | -8°C to -16°C | 15% | <1 cm | <1 cm |
| Sat | Jan 3 | -12°C to -20°C | -8°C to -17°C | 15% | 1 cm | 1 cm |
This detailed weather log makes it easy to predict snow conditions at Sugarbush, even when the snow report is too old to be useful. The hindcast shows when our weather model last predicted snowfall at Sugarbush. It shows how much snow we think fell then, and the way freezing level, wind and weather have varied through time. You will be able to predict whether to expect off-piste powder, slush, spring snow, ice or wind crust.
Tips for Predicting Snow Conditions
Whenever weather conditions change, Sugarbush snow conditions will change too, so it is important to check the time and date of the Sugarbush snow report and to guess what effect the weather will have had on snow quality between then and now. For example, the Sugarbush snow report on Friday afternoon may indicate fresh powder but if Friday night is mild and rainy then ski conditions will be very poor on Saturday morning. Conversely, if the weather stays stable and cold, the same snow report can be valid for more than a week. We advise that you check the Sugarbush snow forecast to see if conditions are likely to change before your visit.
Many skiers enjoy moguls and fast icy pistes but for off-piste skiers and free-ride snowboarders, fresh snow starts to deteriorate from the moment it settles. Wind, rain and periods of above-freezing temperature are the primary cause of the evolution from fresh powder to windslab, ice or slush. High altitude slopes that are shaded from the sun and sheltered from the wind preserve powder stashes longer after fresh snowfall. If the snow report mentions pockets of powder at Sugarbush, study the Sugarbush piste map in relation to the wind direction to determine the most likely locations.
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We stress the importance of checking the date on the Sugarbush snow report particularly around weekends. For example, the snow report for Sugarbush on Friday may indicate powder after recent snowfall but following a sunny and busy weekend, when the locals hit the mountains en masse, the ski conditions (at any resort) can deteriorate rapidly and late arrivals may see very different ski conditions. Of course some people look for deteriorating conditions in the snow report for the likely development of mogul fields but for powder lovers and particularly snowboarders this can mean tracked out off-piste snow.
Of course, this doesn’t always happen quickly after fresh snowfall particularly at quiet North facing resorts at high altitude where genuine powder stashes may be found days or even weeks later. It is worth checking the piste map for Sugarbush (found in menu above) for the location of favourable slopes that may be described in the "Sugarbush Snow Conditions" part of the snow report.
Families will find Sugarbush especially welcoming, thanks to its dedicated learning zones, tubing lanes, and four terrain parks with 18 rails. The resort’s ski and ride school offers programs for all ages, and the base areas are designed for easy navigation with access to rentals, dining, and childcare. Lincoln Peak’s Village is a hub of activity, while Mt. Ellen offers a quieter, more laid-back vibe with wide-open trails and fewer crowds.
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