top of page

MAGIC MOUNTAIN RESORT GUIDE

Images courtesy of Magic Mountain

Magic Mountain
Overview
Mountain Guide
Après Ski

Magic Mountain Overview

Magic Mountain prides itself on being a place "where skiing still has a soul.” Located just outside of Londonderry, Magic stands out amongst Vermont's ‘Golden Triangle’ — including Stratton and Bromley, for its unique, laid back vibe coupled with some of the most challenging terrain in Southern Vermont. Magic remains affordable; it is Independently owned and offers 2 days on the Indy Pass. The resort limits sales of season passes and daily tickets to prevent the crowds more typical at neighboring resorts.


Magic's storied history is part of its charm. Though the mountain was abandoned for a few winters in the '90's and had multiple owners in the early 2000's; it has always maintained a passionate and loyal following. In the fall of 2016 Magic was acquired by an investor group led by Geoff Hatheway, and a renaissance has been underway ever since.  They've added fixed-grip quads, increased snow-making to cover ~50% of terrain, grooming and the base area are benefitting from ongoing upgrades and night skiing is back.


At the end of the day, relax at the Black Line Tavern and make sure to check out the Grateful Dead inspired swag.

Snow Reliability

Family Friendly

Snow-Making & Grooming

Ski School

Travel Convenience

Accommodations

Terrain Variety

On Mountain Dining

Extreme / Off-Piste Terrain

Après Ski

Quick Take

Let's Go
  • The resort's ridge lines and steep topography (up to 45° at the top of Master Magician) are unique in Southern Vermont. The runs are naturally narrow and twisting and descend 1,500 feet along with extensive tree-skiing

  • Geoff Hathaway and team are committed to upgrading the resort 

  • Powder days here are legendary

  • An oasis away from the crowds thanks to limits on daily lift ticket sales and Indy Pass sales

  • Well designed terrain parks and tubing are accessible from the base

Hesitations
  • Magic remains "old school." Though the lifts have been updated, there are no high-speed lifts to the Summit

  • Magic is better for intermediate to advanced shredders; those just learning should consider nearby Stratton and/or Bromley

  • The trails here have remained virtually the same since the 1960s 

  • Sizewise, Magic is smaller than other nearby mountains 

  • There is no base village

Insider Tips
  • Powder days here are truly 'magical,' Magic is only open Thurs - Sun and holidays, UNLESS there are 6+ inches of snow by 6am. Then they offer special ticket sales Mon-Weds (see more info here)

  • Home to Southern VT's only after-hours lighted, terrain park; open on Fridays and Saturdays 

  • The lodge, though fairly recently renovated, still has a throw-back feel. Plus, there is always a table

  • Londonderry was Jake Burton's hometown and it has a lot of character as well as good eats

  • Consider uphilling here Mon-Weds when the lifts are closed. Access is free and you will have the mountain to yourself

Trail Map

For an in-depth breakdown of Magic's terrain, head to our Mountain Guide. Top trails and mountain stats included. 

Magic Mountain

Getting To & Around

Magic is about 3 hours driving from Boston and 4 hours from New York City. Manchester is  ~25 minutes away.  Magic Mountain is part of the 'Golden Triangle' and only 10-15 minutes from Stratton or Bromley. When in Southern Vermont, definitely consider spending a day here.

Getting To

Closest Major City: Boston, MA

  • Distance: ~145 miles South East

  • Travel Time: ~ 3 hours drive

Other Notable Areas in Driving Distance

  • Manchester, VT, ~20 miles, ~30 minute drive

  • Albany, NY, ~76 miles, ~1 hr 30 minute drive

  • New York City, ~220 miles, ~ 4 hours drive

Neighboring Resorts

Magic Mountain is part of the Green Mountains and has many neighbors that make a good day trip


Closest Vermont Neighbors 

  • Bromley (10 miles, ~15 mins)

  • Stratton (13 miles, ~20 mins)

  • Okemo (~19 miles, ~27 mins)

  • Mt. Snow (30 miles, ~45 mins) 

  • Killington (40 miles, ~1 hour)

Closest Neighbor on the Indy Pass

  • Berkshire East, MA (~60 miles, 1.5 hours)

Travel by Plane

Closest Major Airport: BOS (Logan International Airport)

  • ~150 miles South East, ~3 hrs

Closest Regional Airport: ABL (Albany International Airport)

  • - ~75 miles South West, ~90 minutes

Travel By Bus

Take the Stratton Jitney from NYC to Manchester

Travel by Car

We prefer to have a car here, its an easy drive from Greater NYC and Boston and most places have free parking

Magic Mountain
Overview
Mountain Guide
Après Ski
bottom of page