Mad River Valley, Vermont - Come For the Mountains, Stay For the Valley.

This tag line used by the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce www.madrivervalley.com  sums up all that is wonderful and unique about this pristine valley in Central Vermont. With the Green Mountain National Forest on its western side and the Northfield Range on its eastern side, the north-flowing Mad River is protected and held as it meanders from Granville to meet the Winooski River in Middlesex.

The Mad River Valley is rich with history, culture, culinary delights and recreational opportunities. With a year around population around 5,000, this community of four towns is defined by not only its ‘mad’ river, but by the incredible depth of amenities in such a small place. Over the last 60 years, its two legendary ski resorts, Sugarbush and Mad River Glen have transformed the Mad River Valley from a sleepy, agricultural community to a vibrant community full of talent, passion and diversity.

Recreation & Adventure:
No matter the season, there are outdoor recreational opportunities for all ages. Skiing at Sugarbush www.sugarbush.com and Mad River Glen www.madriverglen.com offers traditional New England skiing with a nice blend of wide groomers and intense tree skiing. Skiing for all abilities can be found at both areas. Alpine skiing not your cup of tea? Try snowshoeing or Nordic skiing at Ole’s www.olesxc.com or Blueberry Lake XC Center www.blueberrylakeskivt.com . The Vermont Icelandic Horses www.IcelandicHorses.com take treks around the area all year round. You can ride these small but hardy Nordic horses any time of year, no experience is necessary.

For the non-winter adventure you can swim in the many clear, cool deep pockets of the Mad River, hike the Long Trail http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Long_Trail- a ridgeline hiking trail that starts in Canada and goes down the spine of the Green Mountains, hooking up with the Appalachian Trail. You may decide to try paddling the Mad River with guides from Clearwater Sports www.clearwatersports.com, or by yourself on placid Blueberry Lake.

Golf opportunities are plentiful, with a Robert Trent Jones, Sr. designed course at Sugarbush Resort www.sugarbush.com/vermont-activities-events/golf-club. Nine other golf courses can be found in an hour’s radius.

For kids of all ages, one can visit Sugarbush Resort in the summer and fall for a zip line ride, indoor rock climbing, lift-served mountain biking and two disc golf courses. Take a hike and discover Warren Falls.

Arts & Culture:
Every August, the Mad River Valley turns up the heat on all things Art. A month-long Arts Festival begun in 1998 showcases scores of area artists in their studios, workshops, and exhibitions. Many events are free. Over 100 events are held during the month and include performing arts, visual arts, culinary arts, and functional arts. The Vermont Festival of the Arts www.VermontArtFest.com has been named one of "America’s Top Festivals" by Travel & Leisure Magazine and one of "Vermont’s Top Events" by Yankee Magazine.

The annual Green Mountain Opera Festival brings world-class opera performers to the Mad River Valley each June and offers free and open rehearsals to the public. One can drop into a rehearsal and see how an opera is staged and then attend a fully orchestrated opera the likes of Madame Butterfly or Barber of Seville.

Mad River Chorale & Co www.madriverchoral.orgas well as Valley Players Theater www.valleyplayers.com offer live music and theatrical performances all year ranging from childrens’ musicals to intimate cabarets.

Staying & Dining:
There is a myriad of lodging opportunities from an affordable hostel, lovingly restored historic inns and bed & breakfasts, budget lodging and luxury slope-side condominiums. Area lodging can be found at www.madrivervalley.com

Dining opportunities range from oven fired pizza to filet mignon. Many local restaurants feature locally grown produce, eggs and meats. The Mad River Valley boasts something for every palette.