A slice of Vermont? more like two big mountains of it, piled high with a generous blend of manmade and natural snow and bucolic views. Hold the crowds and attitude— they don't fly in this laid-back corner of postcard-perfect Vermont. One reader likes the "variety of terrain, sheer cruising and air of welcoming friendliness." It all adds up to a no. 5 ranking for Character, and the 'Bush earns similarly strong rankings in Terrain Variety (5), Challenge (6), Service and On-Mountain Food (8) and Snow (9). Accessible glades abound, from the bustling Lincoln Peak (family central) to the less-traveled Mount Ellen and throughout the Slidebrook Wilderness in between. New barnchic slopeside lodging and facilities bring amenities up to par, and no major ski area offers bigger helpings of quintessential Vermont beauty. "Vermont skiing at its best."

Set in the picturesque Mad River Valley in Vermont, Sugarbush is a hidden gem of a ski area located within easy reach of Killington. Here you will find 2 impressive mountains, Lincoln Peak and Mt. Ellen, lots of tree skiing and some great off piste challenges as well as cruising, family friendly runs that all funnel back to the base area where you will find the Clay Brook and day lodges.

There are various dinig options such as Timbers and The Castlerock Pub and the Sugarbush Health Club is a year round facility offering a pool, hot tubs, indoor tennis and gym among other facilities.

Après Spot » Unwind with live music, oh-so-frosty local beers and Vermont-hearty, better-than-bar food at the Castlerock Pub.

Don't Miss » An evening snowcat ride and candlelit dinner at Allyn's Lodge, followed by moonlight skiing.

With two mountains, six peaks, a terrain park, tons of gladed areas and the 2,000 acre Slide Brook Wilderness area, there's no question that Sugarbush has some of the best terrain in the East. A 4,083' summit with a 2,600' vertical drop offering 111 trails adding up to 53 miles. This is serviced by 16 lifts and not to forget 11 wooded areas for some great glade skiing all backed up by an extensive snowmaking system.