It wasn't exactly the quiet family weekend you’d expect for a Vice President. When JD Vance arrived at Sugarbush Resort in late February 2025, he probably thought he’d just be carving some Vermont corduroy with his kids.
Instead? He walked right into a political blizzard.
The timing couldn’t have been weirder. Just a day before the trip, things had gotten incredibly heated in the Oval Office between the Trump administration and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. So, by the time Vance’s motorcade rolled into the Mad River Valley, the locals were already fired up.
Basically, the "Welcome to Vermont" sign might as well have said "Go Home."
The Drama at Sugarbush Resort
Sugarbush is a legendary spot. It’s known for rugged terrain and a community that’s fiercely protective of its mountains. When the news leaked via The Valley Reporter that the Vice President was headed to Warren, things moved fast on social media.
Waitfield’s Main Street became the epicenter.
Over a thousand people—some estimates say up to 3,000—lined the roads. We’re talking Ukrainian flags, signs about climate change, and some pretty creative insults about his skiing ability. One of the most viral moments was a sign that simply read, "Vance Skis in Jeans." For a skier, that's basically the ultimate low-blow.
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But it wasn't just random people on the street.
That Viral Snow Report
If you want to talk about "human-quality" drama, look no further than Lucy Welch. She was the official snow reporter for Sugarbush at the time. Usually, those reports are just "4 inches of fresh powder, watch out for ice on Lower Jester."
Not this time.
Welch used the Saturday morning snow report to post an 800-word manifesto. She blasted the administration’s stance on public lands and climate change. She literally wrote, "Acting like nothing is happening here feels way scarier than losing my job."
The resort took the post down pretty quickly, but by then, it had already been screenshotted and shared across the entire internet. It was a massive headache for the resort management, who were trying to stay neutral while the Secret Service was literally skiing next to regular pass-holders.
Where Did He Actually Stay?
Originally, the Vances were booked at The Pitcher Inn in Warren. If you’ve never seen it, it’s a Relais & Châteaux property—super high-end, very intimate.
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The locals didn't love that.
Protesters gathered outside the inn with everything from Pride flags to pro-Palestine symbols. The pressure got so high that Vance actually ended up canceling his reservation there at the last minute. He stayed elsewhere for security and privacy, though his security detail was still spotted all over the mountain.
It's kinda wild to think about. You’re on a chairlift, and the person in the Gore-Tex jacket next to you has a Glock and an earpiece. That was the reality at Sugarbush that weekend.
The Political Split in the Valley
Honestly, it wasn't 100% hate. There was a smaller group of counter-protesters who showed up to support him. They had MAGA flags and "Welcome to Vermont" signs.
Vermont Governor Phil Scott, a Republican who has been pretty vocal about his issues with the Trump-Vance ticket, even put out a statement. He told people to be respectful because Vance was there with his young children.
"I hope Vermonters remember the Vice President is here on a family trip... while we may not always agree, we should be respectful." — Gov. Phil Scott
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Did people listen? Sorta. Most of the protests were peaceful, but the tension was thick enough to cut with a ski edge.
Why This Trip Still Matters
You might think, it's just a guy skiing, who cares? But the JD Vance Sugarbush visit became a symbol for a lot of people.
- Public Lands: Sugarbush operates on the Green Mountain National Forest. When the administration talks about federal funding cuts or changes to land management, it hits these mountain towns directly.
- Climate Change: In Vermont, snow is the economy. Protesters were quick to point out that if the administration ignores climate science, places like Sugarbush might not exist for the "future shredders" Welch mentioned in her report.
- The "Elite" Optics: For a guy who wrote Hillbilly Elegy and talks about being the voice of the working class, staying at a $1,000-a-night inn and skiing at an expensive resort gave his critics a lot of ammunition.
What Most People Get Wrong
A lot of the national news made it sound like the resort itself was "anti-Vance."
That’s not really true. John Bleh, the resort’s spokesperson, kept it professional. He noted that the resort remained open and operated normally. They didn't kick him out, and they didn't officially endorse the protests.
The "Sold Out" sign at Mad River Glen (the nearby ski area that doesn't allow snowboarders) was another highlight. Their message board said "Sorry VP, Sold Out," which people took as a political jab, though the mountain was actually at capacity.
Whether it was a coincidence or a clever wink, it added to the legend of the weekend.
Actionable Insights for Your Next Mad River Valley Trip
If you're planning to head to Sugarbush or Warren yourself, here is how to navigate the area like a local (and avoid the political drama):
- Check the Local Buzz: If a high-profile politician is in town, expect delays on Route 100. It's a two-lane road; one protest can turn a 10-minute drive into an hour-long crawl.
- The Pitcher Inn is Worth the Hype: Even if it’s controversial, the inn is a staple of the valley. If you can't afford a room, the Tracks tavern downstairs is great for a burger.
- Support the National Forest: Since much of the land is federal, consider donating to or volunteering with the Green Mountain Club. They do the hard work of maintaining the trails everyone loves to use.
- Respect the "Ski in Jeans" Rule: If you actually do ski in jeans, expect some friendly (or not-so-friendly) ribbing. Vermont takes its gear seriously.
The fallout from the Vance trip eventually settled, but if you walk into a bar in Waitsfield today and mention that weekend, you’re still going to hear some very strong opinions. It was the weekend the "Vermont Way" met the "Washington Way," and things got messy.