Magic Mountain is probably one of the last old school ski resorts left. Independently owned and operated, Magic strives to maintain the true soul of skiing and snowboarding by prioritizing skier experience instead of profits. Magic is not a big resort-style mountain but instead a midsized mountain where everyone feels like a local.
Magic’s uphill policy that allows skiers and riders to hike up the mountain for free and its legendary powder days where Magic opens on days it is typically closed because of new snowfall is what keeps the magic alive at Magic Mountain. Get in on the 1,500 feet of true vertical and check out the narrow and twisting trails, gnarly steeps and throwback vibe at Magic.
Highlights of Magic Mountain
- 39 trails
- 6 lifts
- 11 glades (on map)
- A base elevation of 1,350 feet
- A summit elevation of 2,850 feet
- A vertical drop of 1,500 feet
- Longest Trail: 1.6 miles
- The steepest trail: 45°
- An average annual snowfall of 145 inches
- An uphill lift capacity of 3,000 skiers per hour
- Snowmaking coverage on 50% of trails
Where is Magic Mountain Ski Area?
Magic Mountain Ski Area Londonderry VT is located in Southern Vermont and forms part of Southern Vermont’s Golden Triangle of ski resorts including Stratton and Bromley mountains (just 15 minutes apart!).
This prime location just a few hours from big cities like Boston and New York and just minutes from other ski mountains make Magic Mountain a great destination for a day, weekend or even a week of skiing or snowboarding! Magic is 2 hours and 50 minutes or 134 miles from Boston, MA. Other distances include:
- New York, NY – 4 hours, 225 miles
- Amherst, MA – 1 hour and 30 minutes, 75 miles
- Burlington, VT – 2 hours and 20 minutes, 100 miles
- Albany, NY – 1.5 hours, 75 miles
- Hartford, CT – 2 hours, 120 miles
How Much Does Magic Mountain Cost?
Magic strives to keep prices as low as possible for skiers and riders and is arguably one of the most affordable mountains in New England. For the 2021/2022 season a regular adult day lift ticket costs $74 when purchased in advance online and $79 when purchased at the ticket window.
Day tickets for youth, college students, seniors and military, police and fire are also discounted! Be sure to check for updated Magic Mountain lift ticket prices and operating hours throughout the season.
Magic offers discounts for tickets purchased online instead of at the ticket window so plan ahead! A Magic Mountain ski season pass is also a great option for those looking to shred on the regular. Magic sells a limited number of season passes per year to maintain the midsize mountain feel. It also helps to make sure that the mountain is never too crowded, always prioritizing ski experience over sales.
Pro Tip: Don’t have money for a lift ticket but still want to take some runs down the mountain? Don’t worry! Magic Mountain’s uphill policy allows for uphill travel on days the mountain is closed and by reserving an “uphill travel” ticket for free on days that the mountain is open. Be sure to check Magic’s website for the full details, policies and safety procedures!
Does Magic Mountain Have Lodging?
Magic Mountain does not have lodging on the mountain but there are lots of lodging options in and around Londonderry, Vermont. Some options include the Snowdon Chalet Motel just a mile from the mountain and Rowell’s Inn just an 8 minute drive in Andover, VT. There are also many hotels and inns located in Manchester, VT about 27 minutes from Magic Mountain.
Does Magic Mountain Have Night Skiing?
Magic has night skiing only in the terrain park from 4pm-7pm on Fridays, Saturdays and holidays. Be sure to check their website for more detailed information before heading out!
The Best Time to Visit Magic Mountain
Magic Mountain is a great place to visit during the winter and summer seasons.
In winter, Magic opens Thursday through Sunday unless they receive more than 6 inches of new snow when they open for their legendary “Power Days”.
Powder Days are when Magic opens solely for the love and joy of fresh powder! If snow is forecasted for southern Vermont, grab your skis or board and head to Magic to experience one of these mystical powder days.
Does The Mountain Have a Ski Shop?
Yes! Magic Mountain ski rentals have you covered for all your gear needs. Magic offers rental packages for all abilities as well “a la carte” equipment like poles, boards, boots, helmets- whatever you need!
The mountain also has an apparel shop online and at the base where you can find the coolest Magic Mountain t-shirts, vests, hats and more!
Terrain Parks: What to Know
Magic Mountain has one terrain park serviced by a rope tow type lift. The park can also be accessed from the Hocus Pocus trail. In addition to the rails, boxes and jumps, what makes the terrain park at Magic special is after hours.
Between 4 and 7pm the lights come on in the park and freestyle skiers and riders come out to play.
Pro Tip: A pass for the night park can be purchased separately from a regular day ticket. Access to the night park can also be added to a season pass!
Is Magic Mountain Good for Beginners?
Don’t be fooled by its steep verticals and advanced terrain, Magic Mountain is also a great place for beginners! Its centralized base area makes it nearly impossible to get lost so skiers and riders of all abilities can ride together and meet up after a great run.
The ski and snowboard school at Magic is arguably one of the best in New England. It has a long history of top notch ski and snowboard instruction. Ski lessons at the Snowsports Learning Center are taught by passionate certified instructors for all levels.
In addition to group and private lessons Magic offers youth seasonal programs and specialty clinics for those looking to hone a particular skill like tree skiing or uphilling.
Do They Make Snow?
Yes, on 50% of its trails. Magic Mountain is constantly expanding its snow making capacity while still maintaining its old school feel and philosophy that natural snow is just better.
Most of their snowmaking is on the easier beginner terrain. The steeper expert terrain is usually left to mother nature.
The Trails – What to Know
Magic Mountain is definitely the most challenging mountain in Southern Vermont. But there is still plenty to be explored for beginners and intermediate skiers and riders. The lower half of the mountain is where you can find the majority of the beginner-friendly runs and is serviced by the Green Chair.
The East side is also considered to be the less difficult side of the mountain as most expert-only trails are on the west side. Magic is also full of glades! Its boundary to boundary policy means that in addition to the 11 marked glades there are also many more hidden amongst the trails to be discovered. Here’s the trail breakdown at Magic:
- 24% beginner (green circle)
- 32% intermediate (blue square)
- 18% advanced (black diamond)
- 26% true expert only (double black diamond)
Summer Activities at Magic
In addition to the great skiing and snowboarding in winter, Magic Mountain also has a full 18 hole disc golf course. The Magic Mountain National Disc Golf Course winds through open and wooded terrain as well as different elevations making for a fun and interesting course.
Access to the course is by a small fee and the mountain also has a full range of disc rentals if you don’t have your own discs. If passing through southern Vermont in the summer months, be sure to stop by Magic Mountain!
Conclusion
Magic Mountain in Vermont is one of the few places where the true spirit of skiing and snowboarding still lives. Magic Mountain is a midsized mountain with all of the necessary features and the best part is that the skiers and riders are always the priority. The laid back and inclusive vibe makes everyone feel welcome and like a local.
Whether you are learning to ski or ride or want to get in on the gnarly steeps, there is truly something magical for everyone at Magic. What are your favorite trails at Magic? Share in the comments below! See you out there!
