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Resort Comparison

Mad River Glen vs Waterville Valley Resort

Waterville Valley Resort excels for families prioritizing beginner terrain and walkability. Waterville Valley Resort's ski school starting at age 3 may be decisive for families with young children.

The Verdict

Waterville Valley Resort leads with 4 wins
Best for Families
Waterville Valley Resort

Ski school from age 3

Best Snowfall
Waterville Valley Resort

87.9" average season

Best Terrain
Waterville Valley Resort

Impressive mountain

Best Value
Mad River Glen

$99 day pass

Easiest Access
Mad River Glen

1h from BTV

Best Village Vibe
Waterville Valley Resort

Charming, walkable village

Mad River Glen
Vermont, USA
$Indy
Waterville Valley Resort
New Hampshire, USA
$$Ikon

Family

Ski School Age
4+
3+
Full-Day Program
Beginner Terrain
3.5
8.0
Walkability
6.0
8.0
Village Vibe
6.5
8.5

Mountain

Vertical
2,037'
2,020'
Skiable Area
115 ac
255 ac
Green Runs
30%
20%
Trails
53
50
Lifts
5
11

Getting There

Airport
BTV
MHT
Drive Time
1h
1.3h
Road Ease
7.5
8.0

Cost

Passes
Indy
Ikon
Day Pass
$99
$109
Cost Tier
Budget
Moderate

Village

Dining
Limited
Moderate
Grocery
Spa
Pool
Add a third resort to compare

Snowfall Comparison

Live conditions

Mad River Glen

84.5"

avg season

2024-25 season

88.8" total

105%

Waterville Valley Resort

87.9"

avg season

2024-25 season

79.6" total

91%

Season Accumulation (10-Year Average)

OctNovDecJanFebMarApr
88"44"0"
Mad River Glen
Waterville Valley Resort

Key Insights

Waterville Valley Resort excels for families prioritizing beginner terrain and walkability. Waterville Valley Resort's ski school starting at age 3 may be decisive for families with young children.

Key Differences

  • Waterville Valley Resort's beginner terrain score (8.0) exceeds Mad River Glen's (3.5), making it better for families prioritizing beginner runs
  • Waterville Valley Resort's walkability score (8.0) exceeds Mad River Glen's (6.0), making it better for families prioritizing walkability
  • Waterville Valley Resort's family village atmosphere score (8.5) exceeds Mad River Glen's (6.5), making it better for families prioritizing family village experience
  • Waterville Valley Resort offers more terrain variety (255 acres vs 115 acres)
  • Waterville Valley Resort'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

Waterville Valley Resort

  • Families with first-time skiers (excellent beginner terrain)
  • Those seeking a walkable village experience
  • Families wanting a charming, kid-friendly atmosphere

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Regions

Colorado
Utah
British Columbia

Best For

Best for Beginners
Most Walkable
Best for Toddlers

Guides

First Family Ski Trip Guide
Best Time to Go Skiing