What to expect: More of a family winter vacation spot, Sugarbush is one of the better ski resorts in Vermont. It encompasses five peaks: Castlerock, Gadd, Lincoln, North Lynx and Mt. Ellen. Getting to Mount Ellen will be a difficult task if the Slide Brook Express Quad is closed (you will have to take a bus from the base), but I am pretty sure the other four will keep you busy for a long time.
The first day, start with the Super Bravo Express Quad, which will take you to the top of Gadd. From there you can either choose to ski down or take Heaven’s Gate to Lincoln, the highest peak. Ripcord and the Paradise are recommended for the skiers who are looking for some challenge. I’d say save North Lynx Peak for the afternoons. It houses the Morning Star and the Water Fall, which are the widest slopes on the mountain. Bear in mind that the Morning Star can get a little steep towards the end.
Getting there: Driving will take approximately 6 hours from Manhattan.
Where to stay: Clay Brook at the base is the best place to stay. It is right in the front of the Super Bravo quad and houses a great heated outdoor pool. Sugarbush Inn is a member of the Relais & Chateaux with top of the line service, but it is farther away from the slopes and require transportation services. Castlerock Condos or Glades Condominiums (the one we stayed at) are the closest residences to the ski base. You can rent a unit in one of the two at www.homeaway.com. If you choose to stay in those, you will have to walk approx. 10 minutes to the ski area. You can rent a locker for the skis and the shoes at the Clay Brook.
Recommended slopes: Ripcord, Paradise, Morning Star, Water Fall
Where to eat: Timbers at the Clay Brook is great for lunch time. Take your seat on the large leather sofas in the middle of the bar area. Order some red wine and pick your food from the menu. The Waffle shack at the end of the Gate House Express Quad is definitely recommended for tea time. The Pitcher Inn at the Sugarbush Inn is a great, high class restaurant. I recommend it for dinner. Do not come back without going at least once.
[...] has at least one gourmet location known for its delicious food and hospitality. That place was the Pitcher Inn in Sugarbush, Vt., which is still one of the best restaurants I have been to outside of [...]