
Lexi Dowdall December 2019
Sugarbush Resort, nestled atop Vermont’s Mad River Valley, has more than 110 trails and a respectable spread of beginner, intermediate, and expert terrain. You could spend a weekend or a week here and never grow bored! Sugarbush is made up of two distinct and previously separate areas - Mt. Ellen and Lincoln Peak. Mount Ellen, the smaller of the two, has a sleepier, old school vibe. With many recent improvements, the Lincoln Peak base area is where all the action and most of the dining options are found. Here you will find plenty of restaurants, lodges, retail and rental shops and the charming towns of Warren and Waitsfield are nearby.
Our Expert and Intermediate itineraries pack all of the action into one day, but if you have multiple days here, you may consider spending a full day to explore each mountain. Experts will appreciate jaw-dropping views and legendary terrain off the Castlerock lift. Sugarbush's ungroomed steeps offer a thrill, while the gentle slopes near each base area are suitable for learners. Sugarbush has spent years upgrading their snowmaking capacity. It is often one of the last in Vermont to close and the spring skiing is phenomenal with more forgiving temperatures. Sugarbush is a member of the Mountain Collective and also provides 5 or 7 days on the Ikon Pass. Recently purchased by the Alterra Mountain Company, we’ll be keeping an eye on Alterra’s plans for improvements/upgrades.
RESORT FEATURES
Gold
Avant Ski
Resort
CONDITIONS
Quick Take
LET'S GO
INSIDER TIPS
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The scene and terrain at Mt. Ellen are ideal for intermediates and those who love to rail groomers. Mt. Ellen’s base area and rental selection are smaller, however prices are cheaper than those of Lincoln Peak Village and the runs are often less crowded
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If the Slide Brook Express Quad chair linking the two mountains is closed, the resort offers frequent shuttles between the base areas. The shuttle is definitely your best option when traveling with small children
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Sugarbush stacks a dizzying event schedule, check their calendar and see if your visit coincides with fun activities or celebrations; the spring skiing scene is a riot
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If you are looking to ski bell to bell, Sugarbush offers early morning cat skiing; booking a tour the day before is a clutch move on a powder day. Their motto is "when it's snowing, we're going." Tours are also available by private appointment. Check here to learn more and book
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If you need to purchase lift tickets, do so in advance, online; you’ll save a lot of money. See our Sugarbush pass guide
HESITATIONS
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Vermont can dish up bone-rattling temperatures; bring your warmest layers just in case
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When it’s icy, it’s ICY; tune your edges!
- There is no snowmaking off the Castlerock Lift, so if conditions are poor, this area is a no-go
- Some lifts are a little slower
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Sugarbush is the real deal, for families with true beginners or strictly novice skiers, it may be best to head elsewhere
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Vermont weather is variable, but Sugarbush offers tons of snowmaking and machine-worked trails
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The resort only pours Vermont-brewed beer from its taps, a nod to the area's culture
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The backcountry access in Slide Brook Basin extends the amount of terrain and offers excellent solitude along with backcountry lines for advanced guests
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One of the biggest resorts in Vermont, there is no shortage of variety and vertical drop
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Lift lines tend to be shorter here than at Stowe or Killington
GETTING TO & AROUND
Given this is rural Vermont, it's best to have a car available. If you have reliable transit to your lodging and you are staying near a bus stop, you can depend upon the free GMT-MR bus system to get to the resort or around the Mad River Valley.
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Getting ToClosest Major City: Salt Lake City, UT Distance: ~300 miles South West, Travel Time: ~ 4.5 - 5 hours drive Closest Town: Jackson, WY Distance: ~12 miles, ~20 minute drive Teton Village is at the Base of Jackson Hole Mountain Resort.
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Travel by BusThe public transit system around Jackson and to Teton Village is easy to use with frequent routes. Jackson Hole runs START Buses (Southern Teton Area Rapid Transit) Airport shuttle services as well as taxies and ride shares are readily available to / from JAC
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Neighboring ResortsJackson Hole sits in a valley between the Teton Mountain Range and the Gros Ventre Range in Wyoming, near the border of Idaho. Closet Neighbors Snow King, WY (~13 miles, ~25 minutes) Grand Targheee Resort, WY (~45 miles, ~70 minutes) Other resorts on the Ikon & Mountain Collective Passes are further away, some of the "closest" include Big Sky, MO (180 miles, ~3.5 hours) Resorts in the Utah Wasatch Range - Alta, Brighton, Deer Valley, Snowbird and Solitude are 260 - 300 miles away, ~4.5 - 5 hours driving in fair weather (this drive is particularly heinous in bad weather with frequent road closures, high winds and terrifying blowing/drifting snow)
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Travel by CarWhen arriving by plane, renting car is not essential. Winter driving conditions to Jackson can be very difficult with hazardous mountain passes, snowdrifts, and slick roads. Do not attempt this drive without chains or 4WD. Pros: Additional flexiblity to explore the broader area Cons: There is a charge to park at the resort unless you carpool with 3 or more riders. Lyft, Uber, and many shuttles are available. Ride shares: (e.g., Uber, Lyft) are convenient and reasonabley priced
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Travel by PlaneClosest regional airport: Jackson Hole Airport (JAC); JAC has direct flights to 12 major cities in the U.S. and is also accessible by private plane ~30 minutes drive to the resort Closest major commercial airport: SLC (Salt Lake City International Airport) ~300 miles South West, ~5 hrs
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Travel by PlaneClosest major commercial airport: SLC (Salt Lake City International Airport) ~32 miles North West, ~45 minutes
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Getting ToClosest Major City: Salt Lake City, UT Distance: ~34 miles South East, Travel time: ~45 minutes Closest Major Resort Area: Park City, UT Distance: ~34 miles South East, Travel time: ~45 minutes
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Travel by CarCars are not needed if staying in Alta or Snowbird Pros: Parking is free; provides flexiblity to visit other ski areas or visit additional attraction in Salt Lake City Cons: 4 wheel drive / snow tires are required when it snows Ride shares: Ride shares to / from Alta are convenient and reasonably priced. Uber and Lyft rides to / from SLC airport are ~$40 for up to 4 passengers non-peak
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Neighboring ResortsAlta is part of the Wasatch Mountains and its easy to visit neighboring resorts. Closet Neighbor on the Ikon Pass&Mountain Collective Snowbird (~2 miles, ~7 minutes or ski between) Big Cottonwood Canyon Neighbors on the Ikon Pass Brighton (~26 miles, ~45 minutes) Solitude(~24 miles, ~40 minutes) Neighbors in Park City Deer Valley (~42 miles, ~1 hour), also on the Ikon Pass Park City (~40 miles, ~55 minutes), on the Epic Pass
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Travel by BusUTA provides buses from downtown Salt Lake to Snowbird; fares are cost effective (~$4.50 one way). Within the Alta / Snowbird area, the Alta Lodges provide free shuttles to get around. Airport shuttle services are availabvle between Alta and SLC Airport Canyon Transport; starting $41 /per person each way Shuttle service is available to Alta from the town of Park City Canyon Hop; shuttle service from Park City to resort of your choice; starting $59 / person
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Travel by CarWe prefer to have a car here, its an easy drive from Greater NYC and Boston and most places have free parking. Pros: Free parking at base; access to wider selection of restaurants, stores and visits to other nearby resorts Cons: None (though a car wash will be needed) Ride shares: (e.g., Uber, Lyft) are not reliable here
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Travel by BusSugarbush offers free shuttles between the different two bases and throughout the Mad River Valley. See the GMT-MRV schedule here.
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Neighboring ResortsSugarbush is part of the Green Mountains, overlooking the Mad River Valley, and has many neighbors that make a good day trip. Closet Neighbors on the Ikon Pass Killington (~45 miles, ~1 hour, 15 mins) Stratton (~100 miles, ~2 hours, 20 mins) Loon (~90 miles, ~2.5 hrs) Other Nearby Vermont Resorts (Less than 1.5 hrs) Mad River Glen (~8 miles, ~15 mins) Bolton Valley (~30 miles, ~50 mins) Stowe (~35 miles, ~1 hour) Smugglers Notch (~40 miles, 1 hour) Okemo (~64 miles, 1.5 hours)
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Travel by PlaneClosest major commercial airport: BOS (Logan International Airport) ~190 miles South East, ~3 hrs, 10 mins Regional airport: BTV (Burlington International Airport) ~45 miles North West, ~45 mins-1 hr BTW is accessible by priave plane
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Getting ToClosest Major City: Boston, MA Distance: ~188 miles South East Travel Time: ~ 3 hours drive Burlington, VT: ~46 miles, ~1 hour drive New York City: ~300 miles, ~5.5 hours drive Neartest town: Warren, VT. ~3 miles, 10 minutes drive
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Getting ToClosest Major City: Salt Lake City, UT Distance: ~38 miles East (and slightly South) of Salt Lake City Travel Time: ~ 45 minutes Next Biggest City: Park City, UT Distance: ~1.5 miles from Main St (5 min drive) Travel Time: ~ 45 minutes 3 minute drive, 30 minute walk
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Travel by PlaneClosest major commercial airport: SLC (Salt Lake City International Airport) ~38 miles West, ~40 mins
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Travel by BusThe Town of Park City runs free buses to Deer Valley, Park City Mountain, Main Street, Kimball Junction, North of Main, Quarry Village, and the Utah Olympic Park Airport shuttle services is available to / from SLC airport, though we find shared rides or rental cars more convenient and cost effective
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Travel by CarDeer Valley can feel isolated without a car Pros: Convenience, rental car area easily accessed from airport terminal; good for leaving the immediate Deer Valley area Cons: Parking in town can be crowded Ride shares: (e.g., Uber, Lyft) are convenient and reasonabley priced - Uber and Lyft rides to / from SLC airport are ~$40 - $60 for up to 4 passengers during non-peak times
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Neighboring ResortsClosest Neighbor Park City (~2.5 miles, ~5 mins) Ikon Pass Neighboors (Little Cottonwood Canyon) Snowbird (~42 miles, ~60 mins) Alta (~45 miles, ~60-70 mins) Ikon Pass Neighbors (Big Cottonwood Canyon) Solitude (~43.5 miles, ~60 mins) Brighton (~45 miles, ~60 mins) (The Cottonwood Canyon neighbors are lcoated on the backside of Park City but require driving around the canyon, if you enjoy the backcountry, consider booking a tour to ski between)
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Travel by CarWe prefer to have a car here, its an easy drive from Boston and doable from the Greater NYC area. Most places have free parking. Pros: Free parking at base; access to wider selection of restaurants, breweries, the Ben & Jerry's factory, stores and visits to other nearby resorts Cons: Driving conditions can be treacherous, snow tires are recommended Ride shares: (e.g., Uber, Lyft) are available but not dependable here
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Travel by PlaneClosest major commercial airport: BOS (Logan International Airport) ~200 miles South East, ~3 hrs 15 mins Regional airport: BVT (Burlington International Airport) ~37 miles West, ~45 minutes Closest Airport: MVL (Morrisville-Stowe State Airport), 10 minutes from Stowe Stowe Aviation offers small flights from Boston, New York City, Washington DC and Philadelphia
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Travel by BusStowe partners with Green Mountain Transit to offer a free shuttles on Mountain Road between the resort and the town. View the schdule and full list of destinations here.
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Getting ToClosest Major City: Boston, MA Distance: ~200 miles South East Travel Time: ~ 3 hours 15 minutes drive Burlington, VT: ~36 miles, ~40 minute drive New York City: 330 miles, ~5.5-6 hours drive
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Neighboring ResortsStowe is part of the Green Mountains and has many neighbors that make a good day trip. Closet Neighbor on the Epic Pass Okemo (~95 miles, ~2 hrs) Other Nearby Vermont Resorts (Less than 1.5 hrs) Bolton Valley (21 miles, ~30 mins) Mad River Glen (29 miles, 45 minutes) Sugarbush (30 miles, 45 minutes) Smuggler's Notch (30 miles, 45 minutes) Jay Peak (44 miles, ~1 hour) Killington (75 miles, 1 hour, 25 mins)
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Neighboring ResortsSunday River is part of the Mahoosuc Mountain range. Closet Neighbors on the Ikon Pass /New England Pass Loon Mountain, NH (79 miles, ~1.5 hours) Sugarloaf Mountain, ME (~88 miles, ~2 hours) Closet Neighbors on the Epic Pass Wildcat Mountain, NH (~38 miles, ~45 minutes) Attitash Mountain, NH (~53 miles, ~1 hour, 10 minutes) Other Nearby Resorts (within ~1 hour driving) Shawnee Peak, ME (~40 miles, ~55 minutes) Bretton Woods, NH(~58 miles, ~1 hour, 15 minutes)
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Travel by PlaneClosest major commercial airport: BOS (Boston Logan International Airport) ~175 miles South, ~3 hours, 15 minutes Regional airport: PWM (Portland International Jetport) ~75 miles South East, ~1 hour, 35 minutes Private planes can fly to Bethel Regional Airport 6 miles, ~10 minutes
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Getting ToClosest Major City: Boston, MA Distance: ~180 miles North Travel Time: ~ 3 hours, 10 minutes drive Closest Town: Bethel, ME ~7 miles, ~12 minute drive Portland, ME: ~75 miles, ~1 hour, 40 minues drive
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Travel by BusSunday Rivers offers free shuttles around the Base Area and to the sourrounding lodges. Shuttles will not make stops that are not on the predetermined routes The Mountain Explorer connects Sunday River and the town of Bethel with convenient stops in Bethel and along Sunday River Road. See schedule here .
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Travel by CarWe prefer to have a car here, its an easy drive from the greater Boston area and Portland and parking is abundant and free Pros: Much greater flexiblity for restaurants, lodging and visiting nearby resorts Cons: None (though a car wash will be needed) Ride shares: (e.g., Uber, Lyft) are not reliable here
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Getting ToClosest Major City: Denver, CO Distance: ~250 miles South West Travel Time: ~ 5 hours drive Closest Airport: Gunnison, CO ~30 miles, ~40 minute drive Serviced by United from Denver & Houston and by American from Dallas during the winter
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Travel by CarCars are not needed if staying in Crested Butte. Pros: Parking is free in CB town and provies flexiblity to visit other ski areas and travel to and from airport Cons: Roads can be treacherous, parking in town is limited, and parking at the mountain is paid only Ride shares: (e.g., Uber, Lyft) are quite limited here
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Neighboring ResortsThere is not much in the immediate vicinity; the closest resorts on the I-70 corridor are more than 3 hours away. Closet Neighbors Monarch Mountain, CO (~75 miles, ~1.5 hours) Powderhorn, CO (~160 miles, ~3 hrs, 15 mins) "Neighbors" on the Epic Pass Telluride, CO (~160 miles, ~3 hrs, 15 mins) Breckenridge, CO (~165 miles, ~3 hrs 15 mins) Vail, CO (~190 miles, ~3.5 hrs)
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Travel by BusThe Mountain Express runs free shuttles from the town of CB to the mountain Shuttles run every 15 minutes from 7am to 10pm; every 30 minutes from 10pm - 12am Airport shuttle services is available to / from GUC, MTJ and DEN Contact Alpine Express; group shuttles from GUC and MTJ, private charters from DEN
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Travel by PlaneClosest major commercial airport: DEN (Denver International) ~250 miles North East, ~5 hours Regional airport: GUC (Gunnison Regional - Crested Butte Airport) ~30 miles South, ~40 minutes Next closest regional airport: MTJ (Montrose Regional Airport) ~95 mi South West, 1.5 hours Private planes can also come into / out of GUC and MTJ
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Travel by PlaneClosest commercial airport: RNO (Reno-Tahoe International Airport) ~50 miles North East, ~45 minutes RNO has 100+ daily departures with non-stop service to 22 U.S. cities and Guadalajara, Mexico. Ski free the day you fly in when you show your boarding pass. Closest major commerical airport: SFO (San Fransicso International Airport) ~205 miles South West, ~4 hours Other nearby major commercial airport: SMF (Sacramento International Airport) ~115 miles South West, ~1 hour, 40 minutes Private planes may come in and out of Truckee Airport. Service is available through membership-based private aviation companies incluidng Wheels Up, SurfAir andMountain Lion Aviation.
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Neighboring ResortsPalisades Tahoe is part of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range and can easily be combined with a day trips to other resorts in the Tahoe Area. For a longer trip within the Sierra Nevadas, head to Ikon Pass Partners, Mammoth and June Mountains in Southern California. Other Lake Tahoe Resorts on the Epic Pass Northstar, Lake Tahoe (~20 miles, ~30 minutes) Heavenly, Lake Tahoe (~40 miles, ~1 hours) Kirkwood, Lake Tahoe (65 miles, ~1 hour, 35 minutes) Closet Neighbors on the Ikon Pass Mammouth Mountain, CA (180 miles, ~4 hours) June Mountain, CA (~160 miles, ~3.5 hours)
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Travel by BusThe Squaw Alpine Shuttle is free and runs continuously between the bases of Squaw Vally and Alpine Meadows Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit (TART) offers free shuttles between Truckee, South Lake, Tahoe City and Incline Village. See routes here. Shuttles: The North Lake Tahoe Express offers reasonable shuttle fares to and from Reno-Tahoe airport.
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Helpful AppsIf you are staying in one of the Valleys, the Mountaineer App is super useful for getting around. This free shuttle system runs in all weather For navigating the mountain, use The Ikon App or the SVAM App for trail maps and for tracking your runs. (And don't forget to check our itineraries) For the latest road conditions, download the Cal Trans App
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Travel by CarWe prefer to have a car to get here, its an easy drive from the Bay Area. Consider carpooling, the first 800 cars with 3+ passengers receive access to premium parking (otherwise $30 for premium parking). Insider Tip - Park by Far East Express at Olympic if you're looking to get on the snow quickly. Parking usually doesn't fill up quite as fast, and you don't have a long distance to walk before putting on your skis! Pros: Helpful for exploring nearby resorts and all the region has to offer Cons: Parking can be crowded, leading to a long walk or shuttle ride Ride shares: (e.g., Uber, Lyft) are not reliable here
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Getting ToClosest Major City: Boston, MA Distance: ~150 miles South East Travel Time: ~ 3 hours drive Albany, NY: 105 miles, ~2 hr 15 minute drive New York City: 250 miles, ~5 hours drive
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Travel by CarWe prefer to have a car here, its an easy drive from Greater NYC and Boston Pros: Free parking is abundant; access to wider selection of restaurants, stores and visits to other nearby resorts Cons: None (though a car wash will be needed) Ride shares: (e.g., Uber, Lyft) are fairly reliable here
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Travel by PlaneClosest major commercial airport: BOS (Logan International Airport) ~150 miles South East, ~3 hrs Regional airport: BTV (Burlington International Airport) ~90 miles North East, ~1 hr 45 minutes Private planes can come in / out of RTL - (Rutland Regional Airport) ~20 miles SW, ~35 minutes Charter a helicopter from NYC directly to Killington's Base Book on Wings Air; ~90 minute ride
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Neighboring ResortsOkemo is part of the Green Mountains and has many neighbors that make a good day trip. Closet Neighbors on the Ikon Pass Stratton (35 miles, ~52 mins) Sugarbush (41 miles, ~1 hr) Other Nearby Vermont Resorts (Less than 1.5 hrs) Okemo (~22 miles, ~30 mins) Bromley (44 miles, ~1 hr) Stowe (~75 miles, ~1.5 hrs)
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Travel by Bus/TrainKillington offers free shuttles between the Base areas and many restaurants and bars on the access road have shuttle service to and from the hotels Override provides bus service to/from Killington from NYC (convenient for long day trips) New England Snow Bus provides bus service to/from Killington from Boston Amtrak provides services from NYC to Rutland by way of Albany
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Helpful AppsIf you are staying in one of the Valleys, the Mountaineer App is super useful for getting around. This free shuttle system runs in all weather For navigating the mountain, use The Ikon App or the SVAM App for trail maps and for tracking your runs. (And don't forget to check our itineraries) For the latest road conditions, download the Cal Trans App
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Travel by PlaneClosest commercial airport: RNO (Reno-Tahoe International Airport) ~50 miles North East, ~45 minutes RNO has 100+ daily departures with non-stop service to 22 U.S. cities and Guadalajara, Mexico. Ski free the day you fly in when you show your boarding pass. Closest major commerical airport: SFO (San Fransicso International Airport) ~205 miles South West, ~4 hours Other nearby major commercial airport: SMF (Sacramento International Airport) ~115 miles South West, ~1 hour, 40 minutes Private planes may come in and out of Truckee Airport. Service is available through membership-based private aviation companies incluidng Wheels Up, SurfAir andMountain Lion Aviation.
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Travel by CarWe prefer to have a car to get here, its an easy drive from the Bay Area. Consider carpooling, the first 800 cars with 3+ passengers receive access to premium parking (otherwise $30 for premium parking). Insider Tip - Park by Far East Express at Squaw if you're looking to get on the snow quickly. Parking usually doesn't fill up quite as fast, and you don't have a long distance to walk before putting on your skis! Pros: Helpful for exploring nearby resorts and all the region has to offer Cons: Parking can be crowded, leading to a long walk or shuttle ride Ride shares: (e.g., Uber, Lyft) are not reliable here
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Neighboring ResortsSquaw Alpine is part of the Sierra Nevada Mountain Range and can easily be combined with a day trips to other resorts in the Tahoe Area. For a longer trip within the Sierra Nevadas, head to Ikon Pass Partners, Mammoth and June Mountains in Southern California. Other Lake Tahoe Resorts on the Epic Pass Northstar, Lake Tahoe (~20 miles, ~30 minutes) Heavenly, Lake Tahoe (~40 miles, ~1 hours) Kirkwood, Lake Tahoe (65 miles, ~1 hour, 35 minutes) Closet Neighbors on the Ikon Pass Mammouth Mountain, CA (180 miles, ~4 hours) June Mountain, CA (~160 miles, ~3.5 hours)
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Travel by BusThe Squaw Alpine Shuttle is free and runs continuously between the bases of Squaw Vally and Alpine Meadows Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit (TART) offers free shuttles between Truckee, South Lake, Tahoe City and Incline Village. See routes here. Shuttles: The North Lake Tahoe Express offers reasonable shuttle fares to and from Reno-Tahoe airport.
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ChileValle Nevado - 7 days
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Utah WasatchDeer Valley - 7 days Alta - 7 days Snowbird - 7 days Snowbasin - 7 days Brighton - 7 days
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MidwestResort Restrictions Boyne Highlands, MI 7 days Boyne Mountain, MI 7 days
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JapanNiseko United - 7 days Lotte Arai - 7 days
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Rockies (ID, NM, MT, WY)"Schweitzer, ID - 7 days Taos - 7 days Big Sky - 7 days Jackson Hole - 7 days Sun Valley - 7 days
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Colorado RockiesArapahoe Basin - 7 days Aspen Snowmass - 7 days combined at Aspen, Snowmass, Buttermilk & The Highlands
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Pacific NorthwestThe Summit at Snoqualmie, WA -7 days Mt. Bachelor, OR - 7 days SkiBig3 - Banff Sunshine, Lake Louise & Mt Norquay -7 days combined at all 3 Revelstoke, BC - 7 days Cypress, BC - 7 days Red Mountain, BC - 7 days Alyeska Resort, Alaska - 7 days
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Australia/New ZealandMt Buller, Australia - 7 days Thredbo, Australia - 7 days Coronet Peak, NZ - 7 days combined between the 3 New Zealand resorts The Remarkables, NZ Mt Hutt, NZ
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EuropeZermatt, Switzerland - 7 days Chamonix Mont-Blanc Valley - 7 days Giants Dolomiti Superski, Italy - 7 days Grandvalira Resorts, Andorra - 7 days Kitzbühel, Austria - 7 days
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NortheastLoon, NH - 7 days Killington, VT - 7 days combined at Killington & Pico Pico, VT Sunday River, ME - 7 days Sugarloaf, ME -7 days Windham Mountain, NY - 7 days
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FranceChamonix Mont-Blanc
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ChileValle Nevado
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New ZealandCoronet Peak | The Remarkables
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JapanNiseko United
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AustraliaMt. Buller Thredbo