OUR STORY
FROM THE SOUL
BY THE NUMBERS
Built Different
People often ask, what makes Magic so different? It all starts with the mountain itself. When Hans Thorner was searching Vermont to start a ski area in the late 1950s, he found Glebe Mountain. It’s ridge lines and steep topography reminded him of his native Swiss Alps. The trails he cut for Magic are naturally narrow and twisting and descend 1,500 heart-pumping vertical feet to our two Summit lifts—true vertical skiing. Combined with tree-skiing from boundary-to-boundary, Magic’s terrain is what separates this ski area from all others in southern Vermont and the East Coast—virtually unchanged since the 1960s.
The second aspect of what truly separates Magic, is the people who come here. Magic breeds skiers and riders who are passionate about the sport and connect deeply with the natural beauty and thrill this mountain provides. There’s a real feeling of community here where everyone looks out for one another and welcomes eachother no matter where we come from, who we love, or what ethnicity or race we are. We all share in the camaraderie of a day on the slopes searching for the ever more perfect turn. It’s all about getting outdoors on the snow and having fun together. And, after a day on the hill, our community welcomes ALL to share in the festivities in the lodge and at the Black Line Tavern where warms spirits thrive. There’s no pretense or pressure here, just a friendly, laid-back vibe where new friends are made every day.
The major investments we are making in smoothing out some of the prior rough edges here is always balanced by maintaining our unique “throwback” character. We love natural snow here—it just skis better than man-made. So while we continue to make major investments in snowmaking, lift service and grooming equipment, we will let mother-nature do what she does best on our most advanced terrain. Powder days are legend here and it’s why we have special openings when a storm hits mid-week. It’s why we continue to expand the best tree-skiing in southern Vermont. It’s why we’ve always supported uphill alpine touring. There’s truly something for everyone here who is into the original feel and adventure of the sport of skiing. It’s why Magic remains proudly independent.
Base/Summit Elevation: 1,350 / 2,850 feet
Vertical Drop: 1,500 feet
Longest Trail: 1.6 miles
Steepest Trail: 45°
Average Snowfall: 130"
39 Trails / 11 Glades (on map)
205 Acres of on-map trails and glades
200 Acres of off-map tree skiing
When it comes to steeps, Magic has them. 26% of terrain is true expert only, most difficult trails/glades. That doesn’t mean we don’t have plenty of terrain for any type of skier or rider though. 24% of terrain is rated easiest, 32% more difficult and 18% is advanced. All our trails have a classic Vermont feel to them, designed back in the 1960s, that excites at every turn. Please note that trail ratings are always specific to a mountain, and Magic’s trails are generally more challenging. There are over 11 glades on the map (more that have been kept secret) and they vary from expert to intermediate level tree-skiing. (Always ski in glades with a partner!)
