Mad River Glen

As its name implies, this is a treat for students of zany, characterful ski areas, once described as 'the kind of area where the Addams family might ski'. Mad River Glen – a co-operative owned by around 2,000 people who bought out the resort – is a throwback to the pioneering days of Vermont skiing. It has gnarly terrain both in and out of the trees and an antiquated lift system, including a celebrated single chair to the top of the mountain. Lift attendants try to prevent weaker skiers from riding it, because the terrain is so difficult – especially the so-called 'Paradise' area accessed by a frozen waterfall. Snowboarders are banned from the entire mountain.