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FAQ

What does a Co-op share cost?


A share of the Mad River Glen Cooperative costs $2000. An individual may purchase a maximum of four shares. Shares may be purchased in a single payment or in 40 monthly installments of $50 with a $150 down payment. The total cost of the installment plan is $2150, which includes interest at an 8% annual percentage rate, and allows you to become an owner for as little as $50 a month. Monthly payments are made through an automatic debit program set up from your checking or savings account. Shareholders purchasing shares on the installment plan start enjoying the benefits of ownership immediately.


What is the Annual Purchase Requirement?


The only other cost for shareholder is the Annual Purchase Requirement (APR), which all shareholders pay each year. This obligation is currently $200 and any increases in the future are limited to changes in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) inflation rate. The APR is due by September 30th of each year and can be applied to nearly every product and service on the mountain. Since it can be spent on season passes, day tickets, food, ski school clinics, rentals, repairs, in the retail shop and other services, it does not represent an additional expense for most shareholders.


What are the benefits of being a Shareholder?

 

Shareholder benefits include the following:

  • Discounted season passes and day tickets.
  • Access to season passes after they have sold out.
  • Access to 2 day tickets each day that the mountain is open, at
    the Shareholder rate, even when the mountain is sold out for the day.
  • 10% Discount in the General Store.
  • Voting Privileges at Annual Shareholders Meetings.

What is the extent of my liability?


Vermont law provides that shareholders shall not be liable for debts of the Cooperative. Your liability is limited to your $2,000 investment and annual purchase requirement.


Will I ever have to pay any special assessments?


The Bylaws of the Cooperative and Articles of Incorporation do not authorize any assessment of any type to the shareholders for any reason whatsoever.


How many shares are available?


To date approximately 2130 shares have been sold to approximately 1,800 individuals. Our goal to operate the mountain on a long-term basis is to sell 2500 shares, but the Cooperative is allowed to sell up to 3,000 shares.


How well has the co-op managed the ski area?


Mad River Glen Ski Area has been in continuous operation for 75 years. The Co-op assumed ownership in December 1995. Its management and staff have continued to run the mountain successfully with a financially conservative approach. After more than two decades of Co-op ownership, we have paid off the debt to the former owner and have invested millions in capital improvements to the mountains infrastructure. One of the Cooperative’s strengths is that its fiscal structure is designed to provide a cushion for lean years. Potential shareholders may view the audited financial statements in the Administration Office by prior appointment.


What is a Preservation Certificate?


The Preservation Certificate is a great way to support the mission of the Mad River Glen Cooperative without the obligations of ownership. Through the purchase of a Preservation Certificate, any individual, group or business – no matter where they’re located – can help preserve and protect Mad River Glen. Certificates can be purchased in $500 increments and may be applied towards the conversion of a regular share at any time. Preservation Certificate holders are not required to pay the Advanced Purchase Requirement, but receive no shareholder discounts and have no voting rights.


What’s the Story with Mad Money?


Our Co-op structure requires us to track the spending of our shareholders. If a shareholder doesn’t want to buy a pass or Mad Card they can instead receive Mad Money that can be spent anywhere on the mountain. Any Mad Money that is part of this season’s Advanced Purchase Requirement must be spent by September 30. After that date it expires and can no longer be used. If you have any questions about Mad Money please be sure to give the office a call. If you have leftover Mad Money from the previous season that is not part of your Advanced Purchase Requirement (i.e. purchased above and beyond your initial $200), you can return it to the office for credit for the next season. The Mad Money must be returned by September 30. This credit cannot be used to satisfy the next season’s Advanced Purchase Requirement, but we will issue you new Mad Money, which can be spent on the mountain next season.


Do I Need a Shareholder ID?


If you are a shareholder who does not opt for a season pass, your Mad Money card also acts as your shareholder ID. This will enable you to receive your shareholder discount and will identify you as a shareholder in good standing when making purchases.