Mad River Glen, Vermont - New England Ski Area Expansions

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Mad River Glen
Waitsfield, Vermont

Overview

Mad River Glen: Birdland | Sunnyside

Sunnyside - 1961 - Open

The Sunnyside area in the early 1970s Mad River Glen map

With new areas sprouting up left and right, Mad River Glen needed to stay competitive. Starting around 1960-61, new trails were cut to the north of the existing single chairlift.

For 1961-62, a new 4,400 long by 1,400 vertical double chairlift was installed, serving the new Sunnyside area.

Quickly becoming a workhouse, new chairs were installed for the 1974 season, increasing capacity. A new drive was installed for the 1982-82 season. In 1998-99, the chairlift was almost completely rebuilt.

The bottom of the Sunnyside double chairlift (2005)

The Sunnyside double chairlift (2005)

Birdland - 1966 - Open

The Birdland area in the 1969 Mad River Glen map

In trying to expand beginner and intermediate offerings, Mad River Glen opened the Birdland area in 1966. Touting 4 new intermediate trails and 4 acres of slopes, the new complex was served by a new 500 vertical foot Mueller double chairlift. Due to its location above the base area, a ride up the Sunnyside chairlift, at least to a midstation, was required to access the complex. Though advertised for the 1966-67 season, the Birdland chairlift likely didn't open until 1967-68.

In 1968-69, the Birdcage snack bar opened at the bottom of the Birdland chairlift.

The bottom of the Birdland double chairlift (2005)

Resources

Mad River Glen - official site

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