Guided Naturalist Hikes
2025-09-27 14:00 - 16:00, 2025-10-25 14:00 - 16:00 (America/New_York)
The Stark Mountain Foundation is excited to announce a new series of free, family-friendly naturalist hikes on Stark Mountain, led by Vermont Master Naturalist Gene O. Desideraggio. These guided hikes offer a unique opportunity to explore the mountain’s diverse ecosystems throughout the changing seasons. From vibrant spring wildflowers to the brilliant colors of fall foliage, participants will immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Green Mountains. Along the way, Gene will help hikers discover signs of wildlife, listen for bird calls echoing through the forest, spot animal tracks on the trail, or even find a well-worn bear tree.
After each hike, participants are invited to unwind at the Mad River Glen Stark’s Pub, where they can grab a bite or a drink and enjoy the stunning mountain views.
The hikes are free, but registration is required and space is limited. We kindly ask that participants register when they are confident they can attend.
To register or learn more, visit bit.ly/NatureHikes2025

Ages: 5+ (Accompanied by a supervising adult)
Cost: Free
When: 2:00 to 4:00 PM on the last Saturday of every month: May 31, June 28, July 26, August 30, September 27, and October 25
Meeting Spot: Flagpole in front of the Basebox
Duration: Approximately 2 hours depending on the pace of the group
What to Bring: Hat, sunglasses, water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, raincoat, sturdy
Please note that restrooms won’t be available until after the hike.

Symbols of the Sun: Raptors & Us
2025-10-04 11:00 - 13:00
At 11:00 AM on Saturday, October 4, SMF proudly sponsors Symbols of the Sun, an interactive slideshow and discussion led by the Vermont Museum of Natural History.
Accompanied by two live birds of prey, the presenter will illuminate the relationship between humans and birds of prey that has evolved over thousands of years. It will help you see what our ancestors saw as they watched these magnificent predators.
Perfect for families, this presentation runs from 11:00 – 1:00 PM in the Basebox.
The event is free but we kindly ask that you register ahead of time by clicking here.

Naturalist (Downhill) Hike
2025-10-04 13:00 - 16:00
Join us for a free guided hike starting at the top of Stark Mountain with naturalist Gene O. Desideraggio from 1:00 – 4:00 PM.
Use the lift or hike to the summit to join the group. If using the lift, we recommend leaving the base area no later than 12:40. If hiking, start no later than 11:30 AM.
Details:
• Meeting Spot:
The deck of the Stark’s Nest at the Top of MRG’s
Single Chair
• Duration: ~3 hours
• Fairly strenuous
What to Bring:
• Hat & sunglasses
• Water & snacks
• Sunscreen & bug spray
• Raincoat
• Sturdy shoes
• Please do not bring your pet
Walking/hiking sticks are highly recommended.
This free hike is by registration only: Click Here

StorySki
2026-02-21 10:30 - 14:30
8th Annual StorySki at Mad River Glen, Hosted by Stark Mountain Foundation on February 21st, 2026.
Fayston, VT— The beloved Stark Mountain Foundation tradition of StorySki continues as the 8th annual event invites young skiers and their families to enjoy a unique reading of I Wish It Would Snow by Sarah Dillard on Saturday, February 21st at Mad River Glen from 10:30AM-2:30PM. Literary adventurers will ski through the woods of Mad River Glen from page to page, immersing themselves in an unforgettable journey of adventure and imagination.
Inspired by the original StoryWalk project from Montpelier’s Kellogg-Hubbard Library, the StorySki features a New England winter classic spread across a snowy trail, combining literacy with outdoor adventure in a celebration of the season.

This year’s event will feature “I Wish it Would Snow!” a picture book written and illustrated by former Stark Mountain Foundation board member Sarah Dillard and published by Simon & Schuster. Follow one bunny’s journey from wishing for snow to being buried in a blizzard! After a wild ride through the flakes and a cozy night at home, Bunny wakes up ready to play—only to find that his snowy wonderland is disappearing. Join us on the trail to see what happens next!
Sarah Dillard is the author and illustrator of several books, including the Mouse Scout Series and the Extraordinary Warren books. She lives near the base of Mad River Glen.
“I Wish it Would Snow!” came about through my love of Stark Mountain,” Dillard says. “It is exciting and gratifying to be able to share the book with readers and skiers on the very mountain that inspired it.” Learn more about Sarah Dillard at www.sarahdillard.com.
StorySki celebrates community, the outdoors, and the joy of reading—all values central to the mission of the Stark Mountain Foundation. Whether you’re a first-timer or a seasoned StorySki participant, this year’s event promises the same magic and wonder that has made it a staple Stark Mountain experience!
Mark your calendar and prepare to hit the slopes with your little adventurers! The event takes place on February 21, 2026 from 10:30AM-2:30PM. While this is a free event, a valid Mad River Glen lift ticket is required. For more information and to pre-register, please visit https://www.starkmountain.org/news-events.
About the Stark Mountain Foundation:
The Stark Mountain Foundation is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization based in Waitsfield, VT. The mission of the Stark Mountain Foundation is to preserve and protect the environment and ecosystem of General Stark Mountain, including its recreational access and historic value, and to support programs that promote and sustain that environment for the enjoyment of present and future generations.
Learn more at www.starkmountain.org

Owls of Vermont
2026-02-28 17:00 - 18:00
What makes an owl the perfect nocturnal predator? Find out Saturday, February 28th, 2026 at 5pm on the 3rd floor in the Basebox at Mad River Glen! Join Stark Mountain Foundation and the Vermont Museum of Natural History for an engaging birds of prey program and the chance to meet live owls up close, handle artifacts, and participate in interactive demonstrations! You’ll learn about the “raptor night shift,” diving into the unique adaptations of owls, and learn about their specialized feathers, hearing, and hunting techniques that give them a supreme advantage after dark. The free family, friendly presentation will feature an exploration of various owl species native to the Northeast. Perfect for nature lovers and curious minds of all ages!
This event is free and pre-registration is appreciated (not required). Donations to Stark Mountain Foundation are encouraged to support educational programs in the future!
Register Here!

Mad River Glen Cooperative's 30th Anniversary Celebration & Fundraiser
2026-03-28 18:30 - 23:00
Join us as Mad River Glen celebrates 30 years of skier-owned independence! For three decades, our cooperative community has preserved the spirit, character, and natural beauty that make this mountain unlike any other. Now it’s time to celebrate the people who made it all possible — you. This event is a fundraiser with all proceeds going to the Stark Mountain Foundation.
Party goers will enjoy a spectacular fireworks show, classic torchlight parade down the Practice Slope, and live music from The Grift to keep the party going. Enjoy delicious catered food from Bevo Catering out of Colchester, reconnect with fellow shareholders, friends, and raise a toast to 30 years of preserving skiing the way it was meant to be.
Come celebrate the past, present, and future of Mad River Glen — proudly cooperative since 1995.
Tickets are SOLD OUT!
The evening will feature a silent auction with historical Mad River Glen memorabilia up for bid as well as once in a lifetime experiences. All proceeds from the auction will go directly to the Stark Mountain Foundation. Auction items will be available to bid in-person only except for the Single Chair and Niehues trail map which are only available to bid online. Online bidding is open until 8:00 PM on Saturday, March 28th.
Online auction items:
Original Single Chair from 1949
4′ x 4′ James Niehues on-mountain trail map
In-person silent auction items:
2026/2027 Full Adult Season Pass (up to 2)
First chair on a powder day (2 people)
Authentic trail signs (Chute, Lift Line, Paradise, Fall Line, Panther, Gazelle, Bunny, Vixen, Easiest & To Birdland)
Sweep with Patrol (2 people)
Catered dinner in Stark’s Nest (up to 10 people)
Private party in the Birdcage
2 hour private lesson with Terry Barbour (up to 4 people)
Personalized marquee & ticket message for a day
Custom Parlor skis
Framed Ember Photo
Family photo shoot with Photos by Kintz
Signed and numbered ski blades from J Skis
$500 gift card to Ski The East
Overnight stay at Spruce Peak Lodge (Stowe)
$100 gift certificate to Joy Restaurant
BallyNeal Golf Club foursome
Overnight stay at Killington Grand Hotel with golf or mountain bike package
Sugarbush Golf Course forepack
Country Club of Vermont
Rocky Ridge Golf Club
Weekend stay at the Mad River Barn (up to 2 people)
Mountain bike lesson with a pro
Weekend stay at Lawson’s Finest Airbnb with guided naturalist tour
Jewelry from Finery in Waitsfield
