Where to base yourself
Questions, answered
What is the difference between Waitsfield and Warren?
Waitsfield is the lower, larger village on VT-100 with the covered bridge, the market and most of the everyday shops. Warren is a few miles south, smaller and prettier in a picture-book way, and closer to the Sugarbush access road. The two together are what people mean by the Mad River Valley.
Can I ski both mountains on one ticket?
No. Mad River Glen and Sugarbush are separately owned and sell separate tickets and passes. They are about fifteen minutes apart on VT-17 and VT-100, so skiing one each day of a weekend is a common plan.
Is the valley busy during foliage?
It is, but less crushingly so than Stowe or Woodstock. VT-100 through the valley is one of the classic leaf-peeping drives, so expect slow traffic and full rooms in the first two weeks of October, and book well ahead.
Do I need a four-wheel drive in winter?
Not for VT-100, which is ploughed and salted promptly. The access roads up to the ski areas and many of the dirt side roads are a different matter, and winter tyres make more difference than drivetrain. Lincoln Gap Road is simply closed for the season.
Where to stay — Waitsfield
Live prices for every hotel and inn in the area — free cancellation, updated daily.
