Nestled in the dreamland environs of Vermont’s Mad River Valley, a mere 45-minute drive from Burlington International, Sugarbush has long set the standard for New England big-mountain skiing and boarding. Its legendary terrain cascades across six interconnecting mountains, covering a total of 578 acres with 4,000-foot peaks, 2,600 feet of vertical, 111 trails, and three terrain parks.

Sugarbush was once known as “Mascara Mountain” in the days when the Kennedys and other chic East Coast scenesters skied its piste, mixing their high style with the resort’s impeccable conditions. The American Ski Company, which oversaw the resort starting in 1995, ushered the ski area into the new millennium. However, Sugarbush really came into its own in 2001, when the partners of Summit Ventures took control of the resort, refurbishing the formerly neglected Sugarbush Inn, installing high-speed lifts, improving snowmaking, and investing in grooming equipment.

The end result: an East Coast resort with all the Rocky Mountain trappings. Whatever you ask of a snow-covered mountain, Sugarbush has the answer, from epic glade runs like Eden, steep mogul fields like FIS and Ripcord, narrow and demanding runs on Castlerock Peak, and plenty of gentle groomers.

Experts are drawn to Mount Ellen’s 2,600-foot vertical drop. Ellen and neighboring Lincoln and Castlerock peaks rank as the three highest peaks in an East Coast resort. Big-mountain skiers have even more to be thankful for: The Mount Ellen Season Pass offers no-fuss access to 39 trails, 11 wooded areas, and a terrain park with a dedicated lift.

Perhaps the most ambitious aspect of

Nestled in the dreamland environs of Vermont’s Mad River Valley, a mere 45-minute drive from Burlington International, Sugarbush has long set the standard for New England big-mountain skiing and boarding. Its legendary terrain cascades across six interconnecting mountains, covering a total of 578 acres with 4,000-foot peaks, 2,600 feet of vertical, 111 trails, and three terrain parks.

Sugarbush was once known as “Mascara Mountain” in the days when the Kennedys and other chic East Coast scenesters skied its piste, mixing their high style with the resort’s impeccable conditions. The American Ski Company, which oversaw the resort starting in 1995, ushered the ski area into the new millennium. However, Sugarbush really came into its own in 2001, when the partners of Summit Ventures took control of the resort, refurbishing the formerly neglected Sugarbush Inn, installing high-speed lifts, improving snowmaking, and investing in grooming equipment.

The end result: an East Coast resort with all the Rocky Mountain trappings. Whatever you ask of a snow-covered mountain, Sugarbush has the answer, from epic glade runs like Eden, steep mogul fields like FIS and Ripcord, narrow and demanding runs on Castlerock Peak, and plenty of gentle groomers.

Experts are drawn to Mount Ellen’s 2,600-foot vertical drop. Ellen and neighboring Lincoln and Castlerock peaks rank as the three highest peaks in an East Coast resort. Big-mountain skiers have even more to be thankful for: The Mount Ellen Season Pass offers no-fuss access to 39 trails, 11 wooded areas, and a terrain park with a dedicated lift.

Perhaps the most ambitious aspect of Summit Ventures’s plan was realized with the 2006 rebirth of the Lincoln Peak Village. The cornerstone of the new village is the Gate House Lodge, a 23,000-square-foot building that more than doubles the size of the old base area. The slopeside food court offers standard but satisfying fare, with beautiful views from the vaulted-ceiling dining room. Or head downstairs to the Castlerock Pub, where live music, high-def TVs, and a good selection of draught beers make this the perfect apres-ski choice. Across the courtyard from the Gate House are the luxury Clay Brook Hotel and Residences and the adjoining upscale restaurant, Timbers. This slopeside lodging and dining area offers a level of service previously unheard of at Sugarbush.

Other apres-ski amenities are equally impressive, including the spa and health clubs, indoor and outdoor pools, and an indoor rock-climbing gym.