Mad River Glen is off to a classic Vermont winter start this January 8, 2026, with 2 inches of fresh snow overnight topping off a modest but promising 8-inch base. Mad River Glen ski resort in Vermont, United States, is a unique, skier-owned destination with a focus on authenticity and preserving the natural environment.
Wind
Humidity
Temperatures dipped to a crisp 25.6°F overnight—ideal for preserving that light, natural powder. While no major accumulation is expected in the next 24 hours (under half an inch forecasted), keep your eye on the horizon: nearly 2.5 inches are on tap through the next 72 hours, with a total of 4 inches forecasted over the next five days. Conditions are firm but carvable, with a fresh coat to keep things interesting for early-season turns. Advanced skiers should expect classic Mad River terrain—raw, unfiltered, and full of challenge.
In the news, Mad River Glen continues to make waves beyond the slopes. The mountain, famously skiers-only since its inception, is set to make history by opening its trails to snowboarders next season—a seismic shift in East Coast ski culture. Adding to the excitement, the resort’s recent collaboration with legendary ski map artist James Niehues has raised over $120,000, fueling trail preservation and infrastructure updates. With its rebel spirit intact and community support stronger than ever, Mad River Glen is proving why it remains one of the East’s most iconic and beloved mountains.
Snow Water Equivalent (SWE) shows how much water the snow holds. This is ideal for year-to-year tracking of real snowfall and water resources. Measurements from Starksboro 4.4 Ene, Vt.
Snowpack depth measures how much snow has accumulated in the area. This is a key indicator of powder quality, trail coverage, and how epic your runs are going to be this season at Mad River Glen.
Recent air temperature fluctuations at Mad River Glen impact snow quality and stability, from powder to slush.
The Mad River Glen ski resort is located in Fayston, Vermont in the United States. It is situated within the Green Mountains range and specifically on the slopes of Stark Mountain. The resort is known for its challenging terrain and natural snowfall, as well as its unique and iconic single-chair lift. The mountain features a base elevation of 1,600 feet and a summit elevation of 3,637 feet, offering skiers and snowboarders a vertical drop of 2,037 feet. The terrain at Mad River Glen includes steep, narrow trails and glades, making it a popular destination for experienced and advanced skiers.
Its single-chair lift provides access to some of the best expert terrain in the region, including the iconic Chute, which offers a steep and challenging descent. For beginners, the resort offers a dedicated learning area and several gentle green runs. The resort is also known for its quirky and historical Single Chair, which is the last one of its kind in North America, and has been in operation since 1948. Après ski options include General Stark's Pub, which offers a cozy and rustic atmosphere with a great selection of local craft beers.
Night Skiing | No |
Lift Count | 5 Lifts |
Hourly Lift Capacity | 3574 per hour |
Base Elevation | 488 Meters |
Terrain Park | No |
Acreage | 115 Acres |
Established | 1949 |
Run Count | 45 Trails |
Top Elevation | 1109 Meters |
The ski area received 3" of new snowfall since yesterday.
Weather today, cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny, with a high near 34. calm wind.
Mad River Glen is expected to receive up to 4.67" of new snowfall in the next 5 days.
Sugarbush Resort
Sleepy Hollow Cross Country Ski Area
Northern Vermont is expected to see the heaviest snowfall over the coming days, with Montgomery (11"), Jeffersonville (11"), and Underhill (9") leading five-day forecasts. These areas are in close proximity to Jay Peak, Smugglers’ Notch, and Bolton Valley—resorts likely to benefit the most. Stowe, near Jeffersonville and Underhill, is also forecast to receive 8" over five days, with 2" falling ... Read more