Ski Areas

Blueberry Lake Cross Country and Snowshoeing Center. This ski area has 18 miles of trails through thickly wooded glades. 424 Plunkton Rd., East Warren, Vermont, 05673. 802/496–6687; www.blueberrylakeskivt.com. Trail pass: $14.

Mad River Glen. A pristine alpine experience, Mad River attracts rugged individualists looking for less polished terrain. The area was developed in the late 1940s and has changed relatively little since then. It remains one of only three resorts in the country that ban snowboarding, and it's one of only two in North America that still has a single-chair lift. Mad River is steep, with slopes that follow the mountain's fall lines. The terrain changes constantly on the interconnected trails of mostly natural snow (expert trails are never groomed). Telemark skiing and snowshoeing are also popular. Facilities: 53 trails; 115 acres; 2,037-foot vertical drop; 5 lifts. 62 Mad River Resort Rd., off Rte. 17, Waitsfield, Vermont, 05673. 802/496–3551; www.madriverglen.com. Lift ticket: $89.

Sugarbush. A true skier's mountain, Sugarbush has plenty of steep, natural snow glades and fall-line drops. Not as rough around the edges as Mad River Glen, the resort has an extensive computer-controlled system for snowmaking and many groomed trails between its two mountain complexes. This is a great choice for intermediate skiers, who will find top-to-bottom runs all over the resort; there are fewer options for beginners. Programs for kids include the enjoyable Sugarbear Forest, a terrain garden full of fun bumps and jumps. At the base of the mountain are condominiums, restaurants, shops, bars, and a health-and-racquet club. Facilities: 111 trails; 484 acres; 2,600-foot vertical drop; 16 lifts. 102 Forest Dr., Warren, Vermont, 05674. 802/583–6300; 800/537–8427; www.sugarbush.com. Lift ticket: $119.