Resort Comparison

Mad River Glen vs Sunday River

Sunday River excels for families prioritizing beginner terrain and village atmosphere. Sunday River's ski school starting at age 3 may be decisive for families with young children.

The Verdict

Sunday River leads with 4 wins
Best for Families
Sunday River

Ski school from age 3

Best Snowfall
Sunday River

84.7" average season

Best Terrain
Sunday River

Impressive mountain

Best Value
Mad River Glen

$99 day pass

Easiest Access
Mad River Glen

1h from BTV

Best Village Vibe
Sunday River

Pleasant base area

Mad River Glen
Vermont, USA
$Indy
Sunday River
Maine, United States
$$Ikon

Family

Ski School Age
4+
3+
Full-Day Program
Beginner Terrain
3.5
8.5
Walkability
6.0
7.0
Village Vibe
6.5
7.5

Mountain

Vertical
2,037'
2,340'
Skiable Area
115 ac
870 ac
Green Runs
30%
30%
Trails
53
135
Lifts
5
18

Getting There

Airport
BTV
PWM
Drive Time
1h
1.5h
Road Ease
7.5
7.0

Cost

Passes
Indy
Ikon
Day Pass
$99
$139
Cost Tier
Budget
Moderate

Village

Dining
Limited
Good
Grocery
Spa
Pool

Snowfall Comparison

Live conditions

Mad River Glen

84.5"

avg season

2024-25 season

88.8" total

105%

Sunday River

84.7"

avg season

2024-25 season

69.4" total

82%

Season Accumulation (10-Year Average)

OctNovDecJanFebMarApr
85"42"0"
Mad River Glen
Sunday River

Key Insights

Sunday River excels for families prioritizing beginner terrain and village atmosphere. Sunday River's ski school starting at age 3 may be decisive for families with young children.

Key Differences

  • Sunday River's beginner terrain score (8.5) exceeds Mad River Glen's (3.5), making it better for families prioritizing beginner runs
  • Sunday River's walkability score (7.0) exceeds Mad River Glen's (6.0), making it better for families prioritizing walkability
  • Sunday River's family village atmosphere score (7.5) exceeds Mad River Glen's (6.5), making it better for families prioritizing family village experience
  • Sunday River offers more terrain variety (870 acres vs 115 acres)
  • Sunday River's ski school accepts children from age 3, while Mad River Glen starts at age 4

Best For

Mad River Glen

  • Budget-conscious families
  • Parents wanting full-day ski school programs

Sunday River

  • Families with first-time skiers (excellent beginner terrain)
  • Advanced skiers seeking terrain variety (870 acres)
  • Parents with young children (ski school from age 3)

More Comparisons

Explore More