Winter Activities at West Hill House
Winter is what the Mad RIver Valley is all about! Once the snow flies, the excitement starts. Check our Things to do for even more ideas. You can reserve bookable winter activities on-line along with your room at West Hill House.
Skiing at Mad River Glen
Mad River Glen is a ski area like no other. It is probably the only large co-operatively owned ski area in North America, where the skiers own the resort. It’s a place where skiing remains an outdoor adventure in a pristine, natural setting. It is also home of the historic – and now restored – single chair lift.
Best to come weekdays if you can, and we have special weekday deals on ski passes (although not during holiday weeks). However even on busy weekends it is a lot fun given how friendly everyone is!
And don't be intimidated: their slogan "Ski it if you can" means you need to get here to ski it, not that you need to be an expert! Hey - that's us in the photo near the top of the single. (But no snowboards please.)
Snowshoeing and Sledding
Our friends at Clearwater Sports are the experts when it comes to taking you out snowshoeing or sledding. They have great organized expeditions - note that advance reservations ARE usually needed. They offer a true backwoods snowshoe experience on unmarked and off-trail areas, and on special dates you can snowshoe through the scenic Mad River Valley forest to a secluded log cabin nestled into the woods. A warm fire and delicious hors d’oeuvres followed by a hearty, down-home Vermont dinner is waiting for you.
Clearwater sports can also introduce you to the infamous Mad River Rocketsled. Born in Warren, Vermont, this totally controllable sled allows you to carve down the mountains. They will take you up the Green Mountains along the Lincoln Gap road, which is closed during the winter due to the many curves and steep terrain, on snowshoes, then rocketsled the whole length down.
And for the less adventurous you can of course snowshoe and Rocketsled right from West HIll House on the adjacent golf course – we can lend you the equipment.
Dog Sledding
Sled Dog Adventures offers a truly magical experience. October Siberians Sled Dog Adventures – one of Vermont's best kept secrets – offer tours in the historical Little River State Park in Waterbury Vermont, which is conveniently located just about 30 minutes from West Hill House. Their Siberian Huskies are friendly, energetic, hard working dogs that could transport you back to a time long ago when man and dog depended on each other for more than companionship.
This is not just a ride in the sled but an opportunity to be part of the team and have hands on experience running a dog team. We can book the adventure for you and you can share the beauty, peace and history of the Green Mountains through the sport of Mushing.
Romantic Sleigh Rides
What can be more romantic in winter than to have a sleigh ride through the snow? The folks at Mountain Valley Farm, just a few minutes from West Hill House, can make it happen for you.
Take a private ride with your loved one with blankets to cuddle under when it is cold and sweet sounding sleigh bells jingling on the large draft horses to entertain you. There's even hot cider and popcorn, back at the heated barn, to enjoy after the ride.
It is important to let us know ahead of time so that we can book it for you as there is only limited availability. Last sleigh rides are at 4PM each day.
Skiing and Riding at Sugarbush
Sugarbush is home to the most diverse and celebrated terrain in the East, and it's no secret that many of the world's top skiers and riders began their careers here. The slopes are only a coupe of minutes from our front door, and the ski shuttle will whisk you door to door, both there and back.
For something really special let us book you on a first-tracks tour that leaves from the base of Lincoln Peak, and gets you to the best terrain before the lifts start spinning. The path of the cat that takes you up the mountain will be determined by conditions—tours may go to the top of Heaven’s Gate, the top of North Lynx, into the Slide Brook Wilderness Area or elsewhere, based on the judgment of the guide. 
The tour includes an en route pastry breakfast from Timbers Restaurant, a movie to get the adrenaline pumping, Sugarbush guides and one or two cat-served runs. (First Tracks-trips are available for advanced skiers and riders only.)
Après...!
After your activies we have several excellent suggestions for you to relax for the rest of the day:
- Put your feet up in one of our comfortable chairs, either on the patio or inside, and enjoy a glass of wine before dinner.
- Let us arrange a massage for you to relieve any aches and pains!
- And of course make plans for dinner at one of our excellent local restaurants - we'll be happy to arrange the reservations for you.