The Mad River Valley - Taste the flavors of our seasons
"We are Vermont's premier four-season recreation playground"
Springtime
Our Winter Palette of blue-sky & sparkling snow days gives way to an explosion of lush green, flowery showers across a rainbow of colors, and an attitude that makes living easy. When maple sap starts to flow, it’s time to brake out the bikes and golf clubs and get fired up for fabulous green season. Did you know it takes 40 gallons of maple sap to make a single gallon of syrup? Our hardworking syrup producers work round the clock to bring this sweet treat to your table. Naturally, we love to share our syrup and all of our seasons with our guest.
Summertime
If sports are on your mind, let us put your body to the test. There are races, contests, shows and just plain fun events throughout the green season. And when solitude beckons, there are a multitude of hidden trails and backroads. If the arts attract you, witness how our valley is a magnet for all manor of artistic endeavors, from cottage craftspeople to internationally renowned artistic masters. Our art festivals, theatrical and musical events, workshops and exhibits will keep you hopping.
Fall
Vermont’s masterpiece. Our refreshing vistas over this historical valley is nothing short of inspiring, especially during autumn’s intense fall finale of blazing color. Pick a bushel of apples, or search our farms out for the best pumpkin displays. Spend an afternoon in a corn field labyrinth, or just sit by the first fire of the season with a hot toddy.
Winter
We are wild for winter sports. You already know about our fantastic downhill skiing, but we believe you will find no other area in New England offers the diversity of sports found in our unspoiled winter wonderland. Glide through the snow on snowshoes or cross country skis. Take a sleigh ride or even a team of sled dogs. We have the enthusiasm that comes with doing what comes naturally to us in Vermont, having fun in the snow.
"We enjoyed playing horseshoes and croquette in your gardens; it was like having our own private park. Thank you for an incredible weekend."
Anthony & Doreen
Downhill Skiing
Sugarbush - is consistently ranked as a top ski destination for the winter visitor. With 111 trails & 11 wooded areas divided between two mountain areas – Mount Ellen and Lincoln Peak. There are 508 acres of authentic New England terrain to explore, including learning areas, long cruisers, steeps, bumps, glades, terrain parks & superpipe. www.sugarbush.com
Mad River Glen - is a ski area like no other. Skiing is still a sport and an outdoor adventure in an unspoiled natural setting. Mad River Glen is famous for legendary expert terrain, beautiful & varied beginner & intermediate trails, and America’s sole surviving diesel powered single chairlift. An extensive trail follows the contours of General Stark Mountain to a single base area. High in the Green Mountains, plentiful snow combines with uncrowded slopes, no snowboarding & pristine mountain to create a skiing experience like no other. www.madriverglen.com
Stowe Mountain - at 4,395 feet, Stowe's Mt. Mansfield is- literally- the high point of Vermont. This spectacular mountain forms the centerpiece of a region that is legitimately world famous for its skiing. In winter, skiers and snowboarders come from around the world to experience Mt. Mansfield's storied terrain. Stowe also offers sleigh- and dog sled rides, snowmobiling, snowshoeing, and ice skating. Stowe is especially famous as one of North America's premier cross country skiing destinations, with hundreds of kilometers of groomed and backcountry trails all just minutes from The Belding House Bed & Breakfast. www.stowe.com
Golf - It is a 3-season word here, and some even try out their swing while the skiing is still going strong! Tee off at:
Sugarbush Golf Club 802-583-6725
Green Mountain National Club 802-422-4653
Stowe Country Club 802- 253-4893
Montague Golf Club 802-728-3806
Montpelier Golf Club 802- 223-7457
Blush Hill Country Club 802-244-8974
Barre Country Club 802-476-7658
Vermont National Country Club 802-864-7770
Sailplane Rides - Soar over the scenic Mad River Valley.
Sugarbush Soaring 802-496-2290
Canoeing, Kayaking & Tubing - They don’t call it the "Mad River" for nothing.
Clearwater Sports 802-496-2708
Fishing & Hunting - Vermont's Rivers & Lakes at their Best!
Fly Fish Vermont 802- 253-3964
Licenses are required and are available at the Moretown General Store.
Birding
Audubon Center & Birds of Vermont 802- 434-3068
Hayrides & Sleigh rides
Mountain Valley Farm 802-496-9255
Horseback Ridding - Trail Rides Year Round
Vermont Icelandic Horse Farm 802-496-7141
Polo - The oldest & most active polo club in New England
Sugarbush Polo Club 802-496-8938
Hiking
We are home to 3 of Vermont’s 5 peaks that rise above 4,000 feet. Camel's Hump, Mount Ellen & Mont Abraham. Enjoy the fresh air.
Biking
Bicyclists will find an extensive network of mountain biking trails as well miles and miles of well-maintained two-lane blacktop. Our ski resorts open their chair lifts also to provide mountain bike access to ski trails for downhill rides that provide sweeping views of the valley.
Tennis & Racquet Clubs
Sugarbush Health & Racquet Club – 9 tennis courts, both clay & hard surfaces. Bridges Tennis Club – 10 turf & 2 hard courts.
Sleigh Rides
Through fields with mountain views, cuddle under warm blankets & enjoy hot cider.
Mountain Valley Farms 802-496-9255
Snowboarding
Vermont is the birthplace of this adrenaline freeing sport, and home to Olympic Gold Medalist Kelly Clark.
Sugarbush 802- 583- SNOW
Stowe 802-253-3000
Dog Sledding - Mushing through the snow
Green Mountain Dog Sledding Adventures 802-888-8911
Atti Dog Sled 802-496-3795
Taste Vermont just minutes from our door
Ben & Jerry’s Ice Cream Factory 802-882-1240
Cold Hollow Cider Mill 802-244-8771
Cabot Creamery 800-837-4261
Lake Champlain Chocolate Factory 802-241-4150
Morse Farm Maple Sugar Works 800-242-2740
Vermont Teddy Bear Factory 802-985-3001