Welcome to the Mad River Valley and Waterbury

The Mad River Valley is best-known as home to Sugarbush and Mad River Glen, two of Vermont’s classic ski areas, but it is far more than a resort town. The Valley as it’s called by locals – taken together with its neighbor Waterbury 10 miles to the north – constitutes a ski town with a fine dining and craft beer hub. Waterbury is known as Vermont’s recreational crossroads as it sits central to Burlington, Montpelier, the Valley and Stowe.

The 3 lift accessed ski areas – Sugarbush south basin, Mount Ellen and Mad River Glen to the north are visible as you approach the Valley from the south or west. If you arrive from the north down Route 100, AKA The Skiers’ Highway, you already know where Waterbury is. So after a day of skiing (or hiking, mountain biking, kayaking, swimming, golf, tennis, pickle ball or whatever) you have plenty of top flight eating and drinking options.

If you’re staying up at the mountain or at one of the great B&Bs in the Valley, you can fine several great eateries and bars and one brew pub. Some make the trip for that pub alone. If you’re staying in Waterbury or if you don’t mine the 15 minute drive over the Duxbury Gap, you can find even more food and drink options.