Sugarbush Resort is moving ahead with plans to replace one of its oldest chairlifts while discontinuing lift-served mountain biking, according to resort officials.
The resort recently began the permitting process to replace the North Ridge Express chairlift, with construction expected to begin in spring 2027 and the new lift opening for the 2027-28 ski season.
"We anticipate beginning construction on that new lift in spring 2027," Sugarbush communications manager John Bleh said this week. "Pending some crazy something, that's the plan right now."
The North Ridge Express, a detachable quad serving terrain near the summit of Lincoln Peak, dates to the 1990s and is among the oldest lifts remaining in Sugarbush's network.
Bleh said the replacement lift will largely mirror the existing installation.
SAME FOOTPRINT
"The plan is to replace it as is," he said. "It would be a detachable quad, same footprint, same length, basically."
The announcement follows a season in which the North Ridge lift experienced several mechanical issues, including a communications-line problem and a failed capacitor. Bleh said both issues have been resolved and resort officials are confident the current lift will continue operating until construction begins.
"We feel pretty good about that lift through the next year," he said.
Meanwhile, Sugarbush has formally ended its lift-served mountain biking operation after years of declining participation and regulatory challenges.
The resort previously offered mountain biking on trails accessed from the Valley House area and had explored expanding the program by building beginner- and intermediate-friendly trails served by the Gate House Quad.
TRAIL BUILDING
According to Bleh, Sugarbush worked with trail-building consultants, the U.S. Forest Service and state regulators to develop the proposal. However, disagreements over trail locations ultimately stalled the project.
"We never really saw the demand for it," Bleh said. "We always considered it more of an added amenity than a money maker."
At the same time, construction activity related to the Heaven's Gate lift replacement temporarily closed existing mountain bike terrain. Faced with declining ridership and permitting obstacles, resort officials decided not to continue the program.
"At this point, there's no current plan to reintroduce mountain biking," Bleh said.
MAD RIVER RIDERS
Instead, Sugarbush is directing visitors toward the region's extensive network of community trails, including those maintained by the Mad River Riders organization.
The resort is now turning its attention to summer events, beginning with this weekend's Pig Jig celebration at Lincoln Peak. The annual event, which combines live music, food and beverages, serves as Sugarbush's unofficial kickoff to the summer season. This year's Pig Jig will be held at Lincoln Peak rather than Mount Ellen because the Mount Ellen Base Lodge is undergoing a roof replacement project.
"It's really our first kickoff-the-summer event," Bleh said. "It's just a nice launch pad into the summer."
The festival will feature performances by regional musicians, including Vermont jam band Cabinet, along with barbecue, local beverages and family activities.
