Two independent-feeling expert escapes
Mad River Glen vs. Magic Mountain
Mad River Glen suits skiers drawn to the single chair and Mad River Valley traditions. Magic offers a Southern Vermont alternative with steep natural terrain and Indy affiliation.
Compare today's snow & weather
Photo: Jrclark ( talk ) · CC BY-SA 3.0 · Cropped for display
Choose Mad River Glen if…
Your all-skier group wants a co-op mountain and a Waitsfield or Warren base.
Photo: Jared C. Benedict · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Cropped for display
Choose Magic Mountain if…
Your mixed skier-and-snowboarder crew wants an independent hill near Londonderry.
The side-by-side facts
Directory figures, not current open terrain. Style scores are editorial fit ratings, not today's live TenFlakes score.
| Mountain | Mad River Glen | Magic Mountain |
|---|---|---|
| Region / base town | Central · Fayston | Southern · Londonderry |
| Skiable acres | 115 | 285 |
| Vertical drop | 2,037 ft | 1,500 ft |
| Trails / lifts | 54 / 5 | 50 / 5 |
| Indicative day ticket | $69–$109 | $79–$119 |
| Family & Kids | 4 / 10 | 5 / 10 |
| First-Timers & Beginners | 3 / 10 | 4.5 / 10 |
| All-Mountain Cruisers | 5 / 10 | 6 / 10 |
| Powder & Steeps | 9.5 / 10 | 8.5 / 10 |
| Slopeside lodging | Plan a town-based stay | Plan a town-based stay |
The tradeoff to know
These are conditions-sensitive choices. Confirm natural-terrain openings and the operating schedule before building a weekend around steeps or glades.
A weekend at Mad River Glen
Best for skiers who enjoy challenging, less-groomed terrain and a traditional mountain atmosphere.
Where to base yourself
Base yourself in Waitsfield or Warren for valley inns and easy access to nearby dining.
Mad River Glen is skiers only: snowboarding is not permitted. Natural-snow coverage varies.
A weekend at Magic Mountain
Come for a traditional mountain day; experts should confirm coverage before heading into natural terrain.
Where to base yourself
Londonderry and nearby inns make a quieter base; Manchester offers more dining options.
Natural terrain and operating schedules depend on conditions. Check the official report.
Which works for snowboarders?
Magic Mountain welcomes snowboarders; Mad River Glen does not. That makes the choice straightforward for a mixed crew.
Ticket estimates exclude rentals, lessons, parking and lodging. For current pass terms, use each mountain guide's official pass source.