I know that if you’re following along on our blog, chances are that you’re quite familiar with all things Sugarbush and the Mad River Valley. But my hunch is that for many of you, most of your knowledge surrounds the winter months. Well believe it or not, as a four-season resort we actually offer quite the range of summer activities here on the mountain and around the Valley. And the great news is that whether you’re a group a friends looking to get away, a family coming up for a wedding, someone new to the area, or a seasoned winter veteran, there’s something for everyone during the warmer months of the year. Here’s a quick list to help you plan out a summer visit with us.
The Sugarbush Resort Golf Club
The Robert Trent Jones Sr. designed Sugarbush Resort Golf Club is open daily through late October. Coming off a record summer in 2020, the course is back and better than ever. $35 Thursdays return where foursomes pay just $35/per person for a round of golf. Lessons, clinics, and kids camps are all also available ranging from avid golfers to beginners. Hogan’s Pub offers breathtaking views of the Mad River Valley after a day on the links.
Disc Golf
Sugarbush’s 18-hold disc golf course winds through the trails and woods around the Gate House Quad. This year the resort is working to rebuild and upgrade the course in anticipation of the newly offered Throwdown Thursday Disc Golf League, running every Thursday in July and August. Sugarbush offers Innova discs for purchase or guests can bring their own. Most people I talk to have never played disc golf, and I pity that mistake. It’s a great way to get outside for some moderate exercise while having something entertaining to do along the way.
Mountain Biking
Sugarbush offers twenty miles of lift-served downhill, cross-country and freestyle mountain biking terrain leading to the base of Lincoln Peak. In addition, the Vermont Mountain Bike Association has connected nearly sixty miles of mapped trails to Sugarbush’s own trails including technical trails throughout the Valley and less technical terrain at Blueberry Lake. Guided bike rides and rentals are available for ability levels. Sugarbush also offers e-bike rentals for the surrounding cross-country terrain at the mountain and beyond.
Hiking
Visitors to Sugarbush can try one of the many diverse hikes, explore scenic country roads and covered bridges that scatter the Valley, or meander along the nature paths of the Mad River. The Long Trail crosses over both of Sugarbush’s mountains and provides great day hikes, including the Gap-to-Gap Hike from Lincoln Gap across the Monroe Skyline to the Appalachian Gap. The resort also offers hiking trails from its base area to the summits, as well as Burnt Rock, a moderate hike just a few miles from the resort. If you’re looking for some high value hiking, Sunset Rock is a quick and easy hike at the top of Lincoln Gap that boasts amazing views without a full day excursion.
Swimming Holes and Pools
What’s summer without a way to cool off? The Mad River Valley is home to some awesome swimming holes, some more popular than others. For a better breakdown on the world of water, check out this blog post. You’ll also find both an indoor and outdoor pool at the Sugarbush Health and Recreation Center, mentioned below, as well as an outdoor hot tub.
Shopping
At first glance the Mad River Valley might not seem like much of a shopping destination, but for those that dig a little deeper you’ll find some real gems. A few personal favorites of mine include The Collection (awesome toys and games for kids among other things), Mad River Valley Taste Place (local food goods, and lots of beer and cheese!), and the Artisan’s Gallery (some amazing local artwork). But there are plenty of other great shops and the local chamber has a nice list. If you’re up at the resort, our General Store and Adventure Gear Shop both have some great Sugarbush logo wear.
Sugarbush Health and Recreation Center
The Sugarbush Health and Recreation Center is a fully-appointed year-round health and fitness facility offering indoor and outdoor pools and hot tubs, a fitness center, indoor and outdoor tennis courts, squash, racquetball, rock gym, sauna and more. Massages are offered by appointment for Deep Tissue and Relaxation. The SHaRC also boasts personal training and fitness classes. Nearby, massage therapy and yoga options include Mad River Massage, Mad River Yoga and more.
Summer Camps
We offer summer camps for ages 4-17 from late-June to mid-August. Offerings include Adventure Camp for ages 7-12 with activities like mountain biking, hiking, creek cruising, swimming, strawberry picking, ziplining, and disc golfing. Additionally, golf and mountain bike camps are available, along with lodging packages.
Dining
Rumble’s Kitchen offers a fun and casual atmosphere with beautiful mountain views right at the base of Lincoln Peak. Hogan’s Pub at the Sugarbush Resort Golf Club also offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains along with lunch, a full bar and special events. The Lunch Box offers breakfast, lunch, snacks, and beverages on the go at the base of Lincoln Peak as well. Beer lovers will find good times at the Brew-Grass Festival and Fresh Hops Festival, and Throwdown Thursdays at the mountain provide a great venue for drinks, quick eats, and games.