Reasons to Ski Jay Peak, Sugarbush, Stowe & Mad River Glen
One of the best things about going to college in Vermont is skiing! To make the most of your time in college (and make it through the Vermont winters happily), you need to have a college student season pass. If you have a pass, you will use it.After many days on the slopes of Vermont's ski areas, we're happy to endorse Jay Peak, Sugarbush, Stowe and Mad River Glen as our ski areas of choice this season. They are all local ski areas, provide students with the most affordable pass options, receive copious amounts of snow, and have the most student-friendly atmosphere. Here's what the mountains are offering for the upcoming season:
Jay Peak Resort (www.jaypeakresort.com) has paired up with Bolton valley & Mad River Glen (see below) this season with a new pass option this season... the Triple Major. Until November 5, $269 gets you unlimited, unrestricted access to Jay Peak, Mad River & Bolton Valley all season long. Jay gets the most snow in the east and Bolton has the most extensive night skiing and riding in Vermont. The Triple Major is less than what the other area mountains are charging. That means you get unlimited access to all 76 trails and 8 ski lifts at Jay and all the Mad River Glen & Bolton terrain too... from when the first snow falls in late autumn to the last snowfall in early spring. Jay Peak also extends its pass members free transportation every Saturday and Sunday from Burlington to the base of the mountain. Student pass holders get a variety of VIP benefits, including First Tracks access to the triple chair at 8:30 a.m. weekdays and 8:00 a.m. on weekends and holiday periods!
Sugarbush Resort (www.sugarbush.com) in Warren, Vermont provides its skiers with two of the best ski mountains in the East. If you purchase your student pass before November 12th, you'll pay $299 with absolutely no date restrictions. This deal gives student's unfettered access to all 115 trails, two terrain parks, its half pipe, and all 17 chair lifts-including 5 express quads. Sugarbush has by far the most diverse terrain in the state, from beginner runs and cruiser to steep bump trails and the infamous Castle Rock. Sugarbush North and Mad River are also the closest major ski areas to Burlington (yes, it's a shorter drive than to Stowe). Also, Sugarbush’s offer is being extended this year to recent alums, so if you were a full time student during the ’06-’07 school year, you can still purchase your pass at the $299 rate!
They say there is only one Stowe (www.stowe.com) - and they're right. The mountain has done a good job of balancing old skool Vermont with up to date facilities, and the huge Spruce Peak project will hopefully draw the family skiers off the main mountain again this season. The terrain here is sweet, as Mount Mansfield's topography is second to none in Vermont. Stowe also has the gondi, which is the place to ski on those cold Vermont winter days. Stowe came out with a 4x4 plan this season, which means that if you round up three other friends and purchase your pass together, you can get if for $375 (with no blackout dates!). The purchase deadline is October 26, and there are also discounts for 3-packs & 2-packs, so be sure to check them out here (https://www.stowe.com/tickets/college_pass.php) for more information.
Mad River Glen (www.madriverglen.com) located in Waitsfield, Vermont is blessed with a totally consistent and steep 2037' vertical drop plentiful natural snowfall (250"). Mad River offers skiing (not snowboarding) in its most natural and challenging state. Natural snow, legendary bumps, narrow gladed trails and endless secret woods lines create an ever changing test of skiing ability. Contrary to its reputation as the hard-core's paradise, Mad River Glen has beautiful, empty beginner and easy intermediate cruisers in Birdland, and a fantastic and affordable ski school. Mad River Glen also offers students great deals. As mentioned above, Mad River has joined on with Jay Peak & Bolton Valley to offer the Triple Major pass for only $269! This season pass provides access to all trails, has no black out dates, and comes with the benefit of two other mountains. While snowboarding is not allowed at Mad River Glen, rumor has it they’ll offer a free ski rental if you show up with your snowboard. They new Single Chair will be opening this season too!
With the best ski terrain on the east coast, Vermont extends college students a ski experience of a lifetime. Since it's cold and snowy from November to April here, make the most of your time in Vermont by purchasing a ski pass. If you have it, you'll use it, enjoy great days on the slopes, participate in a fun, outdoor athletic activity, and make friends of a life time. Take our recommendations above, save a buck or two, and enjoy skiing at the great ski passes being offered by Jay Peak, Sugarbush, Stowe and Mad River Glen.
If you have any questions about the student passes offered by any of the three mountains above visit their websites at www.jaypeakresort.com, www.sugarbush.com, www.stowe.com, and www.madriverglen.com.
