Vermont Mountain Eats: Mad River Valley

 

Next stop on Vermont Mountain Eats: The Mad River Valley, home to Sugarbush Resort and Mad River Glen.  Enjoy these tips from the Mamas about where to find the best on-mountain bites, cozy après spots, and best local food and drink in the Valley.

The Skinny Pancake

The Skinny Pancake is a local crepe chain that’s a favorite with Vermonters. In the winter, they open at the base of Lincoln Peak, offering a variety of savory and sweet crepes. This is a great place to eat if you are vegetarian. The cheesy pesto crepe is absolutely delicious and the also offer crepes stuffed with fruit chutney, apples and brie. They also offer paninis and salads as well as a selection of sweet crepes including one that’s filled with cinnamon sugar and topped wtih local honey. – Mama Mara

I second this and also frequent the one in downtown Burlington and at the local airport before early-morning flights. The breakfast crepes and sandwiches are also a great way to kick off your day! – Mama Sarah

Walt’s at The Glen House

Even before they refurbished The Glen House and classed up the menu for Walt’s, this has always been a favorite midday, mid-mountain stop for me. I love a dining spot with views of people enjoying the mountain. Mount Ellen at Sugarbush is almost as much mountain as Lincoln Peak but with a chiller, local vibe. Walt’s at the Glen House reflects the vibe with a menu featuring gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches, homemade soups and local beers, cider and wine.  – Mama Sarah

American Flatbread

American Flatbread at Lareau Farm in Waitsfield is just down the road from Sugarbush and Mad River Glen. It’s a special place to have a family dinner. They serve fresh flatbreads baked in a wood-fired oven that you can pair with wine or local beer. It is a great spot any season as you can can sit outside and the kids can roam free and play with each other in the field while you wait for a table. There are two large fire pits with rock formation seating around them. to enjoy warmth and ambience no matter the season. – Mama Dana

General Stark’s Pub

Recognized as one of the World’s Top Après Ski Bars by Men’s Journal Magazine, you’ll want to check out General Stark’s Pub if you’re skiing at Mad River Glen. It’s an iconic spot to grab  hot chocolate or Cabot cheese fondu and a delicious local beer after skiing. If you’re lucky, you can score a seat by the large window with views of the mountain and a roaring fireplace.  – Mama Sarah

Worthy Burger Too

After a long day of skiing, there’s not much better than a custom-made burger. Happily, the enormously popular Woodstock-area Worthy Burger has opened an outlet in Waitsfield called, appropriately enough, Worthy Burger Too. All the meat served is humanely raised or caught and the burgers are grass fed and cooked over a hardwood fire. The hand-cut fries alone deserve a visit. Sample one, or all, of the six homemade sauces. There’s a full bar heavy on local beers. Don’t be daunted by the crowds you’re sure to find there after skiing.  Get a drink, get in line, and enjoy chatting with everyone else who is trying to figure out what they want. The line will move faster than you expect and you’re likely to make some new friends. – Mama Mara

Lawson’s Taproom

If you’ve spent any time in the Mad River Valley, hopefully you’ve been lucky enough to try the now iconic Sip of Sunshine beer brewed by former Mad River Glen naturalist Sean Lawson. He started selling his beer at the local farmers’ market and was so successful that he was able to build a gorgeous new brewery and restaurant space in town. It’s a large family-friendly space with about dozen beers on tap. Beers are also sold in cans, so leave room in your car, because you’ll want to take some home. Food options include local cheese, pickles, charcuterie, soft pretzels, and chili, making it the perfect place for a snack. – Mama Mara