EVENTS
October 3rd, 2026
Announcing: “Owls & Their Calls” Green & Gold Presentation, October 3rd at 11AM
Join Stark Mountain Foundation for a family-friendly presentation “Owls and Their Calls” by the Vermont Institute of Natural Sciences. The presentation will take place at 11 am on Saturday, October 3rd on Green & Gold Weekend, on the third floor of the Basebox at Mad River Glen.
Contrary to popular belief, not all owls hoot—some screech, whistle, or bark. We’ll meet live owls and learn about the various sounds they make in our local forests. This first-hand encounter allows us to understand the defining characteristics and adaptations for life as a nocturnal predator on the wing. Touchable artifacts and hands-on materials round out this special experience.
MAy 16th - October 17th, 2026
NAturalist-led Hikes Return for the Season!
Stark Mountain Foundation is thrilled to welcome back Vermont Master Naturalist Gene O. Desideraggio for our seasonal series of free, family-friendly guided hikes. More than just a walk in the woods—it’s an invitation to step into the hidden world of the Green Mountains. This season’s hikes will take place:
May 16th: 2pm-4pm - Snowshoe Trail (~2 hours)
CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER: June 20: 5pm-7:30pm - Solstice Hike to Kent Thomas Nature Center (~2.5-3hrs)
July 18th: 2pm-3:30pm - Waterfall Hike (~1.5 hours)
August 15th: 2pm-4pm - up the Snowshoe Trail & down the 19th hole (~2 hours)
September 19th: 2pm-4pm - Snowshoe Trail (~2 hours)
October 3rd (Green and Gold Weekend): 1p-4pm (~3hrs) High Intensity (take lift up and hike down the mountain)
CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER: October 17th: 2pm-5pm - Kent Thomas Nature Center (~2.5-3hrs)
Hikes are open to ages 5+ (a supervising adult must accompany children), pre-registration is required to attend, and registration is limited. Hikes will meet at the flagpole in front of the Mad River Glen Basebox.
February 21, 2026
Storyski: The 8th Annual family tradition continues!
The beloved 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 February 21st at Mad River Glen, from 10:30AM-2:30PM.
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!
February 28, 2026
(Originally Scheduled for January 17, 2026)
Owls of Vermont: Presented by Stark Mountain Foundation and The Vermont museum of natural history
What makes an owl the perfect nocturnal predator? Find out Saturday, Feb. 28th, 2026 at 5pm 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. Perfect for nature lovers and curious minds of all ages!
September-OCTOBER 2025
Explore the Seasons: Free Naturalist-Led Hikes on Stark Mountain
Join Naturalist Gene O. Desideraggio for free, family-friendly hikes exploring the rich ecosystems of Stark Mountain. Each hike offers a chance to learn about local wildlife, plants, and seasonal changes, from spring wildflowers to fall foliage. After each hike, relax with fellow hikers at Stark’s Pub at Mad River Glen. Space is limited. Please register only if you’re confident you can attend.
Hike Dates: Last Saturday of September & October, 2:00 – 4:00 PM. Please note, rain dates will always be on the following day, Sunday, from 10 am-12 pm.
Schedule: September 27 & October 25
Learn more and register: bit.ly/NatureHikes2025
February 22nd, 2025
StorySki 2025: A Magical Ski Adventure for Kids and Families
This beloved Stark Mountian Foundation tradition invites young skiers and their families to enjoy a unique reading of our featured book, Wake Up Moon! by Lita Judge, as you ski through Mad River Glens’s enchanting woods. As children and families glide down the slope, they’ll follow the story page by page, immersing themselves in an unforgettable journey of adventure and imagination.
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 of the Mad River Glen experience for the past six years.
Mark your calendar and prepare to hit the slopes with your little adventurers! The event takes place on February 22, 2025, from 10:30-2:30. For more information and to register bit.ly/StorySki2025.
January 25th, 2025
Calling all curious kids and families! Join us on Saturday, January 25th, at 5 pm for an all-ages chance to discover some of Vermont’s most fascinating critters—reptiles and amphibians!
Have you ever wanted to see a snake or a frog up close? This is your chance! Plus, there will be touchable artifacts for a hands-on experience perfect for the whole family. Not a big fan of snakes? Don’t worry—we’ll help you feel more comfortable and show you just how amazing they are.
This FREE event led by expert staff from the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum, starts at 5 p.m. on the third floor of the Mad River Glen Basebox.
Pre-registration is encouraged to save your spot — click the following link to register bit.ly/CuriousKidsandFamilies. Join us in exploring Vermont’s wild side and make it a night to remember!
OCTOBER 5th, 2024
Stark Mountain Foundation and Mad River Glen to Host Family-Friendly Presentation on Stark Mountain’s Geologic History
Families are invited to Mad River Glen during Green and Gold Weekend for a unique and educational event that promises to engage children and adults. On Saturday, October 5th, Greg Walsh of the U.S. Geological Survey will present an interactive session on the geologic history of Stark Mountain, offering a hands-on exploration of the natural world.
Event Details:
Date: October 5th
Location: Third Floor of the Mad River Glen Basebox
Time: 1:00 - 1:45 pm
Cost: Free, but pre-registration is required. bit.ly/geologypresentation
This event is an excellent opportunity for families to learn and have fun together while discovering the natural history of Stark Mountain. Don’t miss this chance to be part of an exciting weekend at Mad River Glen. Highlights of the event include:
Visualization of Geologic Time: Participants will use a long tape measure to visualize key moments in Earth's history, from the first fish to the age of dinosaurs and the emergence of early humans.
Pangaea Puzzle: Attendees can engage in a hands-on activity that involves piecing together the continents to see how they once formed the supercontinent Pangaea.
Geology & Rocks: Learn the names of local rocks. Take a short walk outside with a Geologist and view the cliffs and rocks on the mountain, (weather dependent).
Bonus – New Geology Signs: 2:00-4:00 pm. Guided by Vermont Master Naturalists, walk to see the new interpretive signs along one of MRG’s snowshoe trails. Created by the 23-24 Mad River Valley, Vermont Master Naturalist participants and sponsored by Stark Mountain Foundation, these signs will enhance your exploration of Stark Mountain. Meet at the SMF tent in front of the Basebox/MRG Lodge.
OCTOBER 5th & 12th, 2024
Discover the Wonders of Nature with Family-Friendly Nature Hikes at Mad River Glen
Stark Mountain Foundation and Mad River Glen invite you to embark on two, family-friendly, nature hikes. Guided by naturalist Amanda Palumbo, these hikes offer a special chance to discover the beauty of our local environment and delve into the captivating world of plant life around us. Tailored for families with children ages 5 and up, these hikes are designed to be accessible and enjoyable for nature lovers of all ages.
Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity to connect with nature on Stark Mountain!
Hike Details:
Dates: October 5th, and October 12th, 2:00-4:30pm
Location: Stark Mountain Trail to Kent Thomas Nature Center (Meet at the flagpole in front of the Mad River Glen Basebox).
Duration: 2.5 hours, depending on the group.
Ages: 5 years and up (Accompanied by an adult).
Cost: Free, but you must pre-register.
What to Pack: Hat, sunglasses, water, snacks, sunscreen, bug spray, raincoat, and sturdy shoes.
Cost: Free but pre-registration is required. The hike will be limited to the first people to register. Please click on the link to register.bit.ly/NatureHikes
APRIL 7, 2024
FINAL Showing: Mad River Glen 75th Anniversary Film, A 75-Year Fellowship of Skiers
Rick Moulton Productions and Stark Mountain Foundation present the film, Mad River Glen, A 75-Year Fellowship of Skiers at the Savoy Theater in Montpelier, VT on Saturday, April 7th at 6 pm. If you love skiing at Mad River Glen don't miss the last opportunity to see this on the big screen. This film will make you laugh, cry, and appreciate the rich history and love we all share for this special ski area. Tickets are $10, $7 for seniors, students, members, and veterans, and children 12 and under are free. Tickets: https://savoytheater.com/
MARCH 2, 2024
THIRD Showing: Mad River Glen 75th Anniversary Film, A 75-Year Fellowship of Skiers
Mad River Glen Basebox 3rd floor. Free and open to the public. The film will be shown from 5:30-7:30 pm. Cash bar provided by Stark’s Pub.
February 24, 2024
6TH ANNUAL STARK MOUNTAIN STORYSKI
The Stark Mountain Foundation will be sponsoring the 6th Annual StorySki on Stark Mountain at Mad River Glen Ski Area on Saturday, February 24, 2024, from 10:30 to 2:30. A StorySki is an event where printed pages from a children’s book are installed along the sides of a gentle ski trail that meanders through the woods. Participating children will be able to ski, read, and enjoy this year’s book, Ten on the Sled, by Kim Norman, illustrated by Liza Woodruff.
Pre-registration for the event is strongly encouraged. The event is free, but everyone will need a lift ticket to participate. Check-in begins at 10.30 AM at the Kent Thomas Nature Center at the Snail and the Slalom Hill junction. The StorySki panels will be in place at Mad River Glen the week before and after the event so skiers can enjoy the story even if they can’t make it on the 24th.
View the press release here
FEBRUARY 2, 2024
Second Showing: Mad River Glen 75th Anniversary Film, A 75-Year Fellowship of Skiers
Main Street Landing Film House, Burlington, VT. Free and open to the public. Doors at 6:00 pm, first come first served. The film will be shown from 6:30-7:30 pm, with a possible second showing at 8:00 pm—cash bar.
January 13, 2024
Big Picture THEATER & CAFE, Mad River Glen 75th Anniversary Film Premiere, A 75-Year Fellowship of Skiers
Thanks to our 40+ generous donors, Stark Mountain Foundation will be sponsoring the premiere of the Mad River Glen 75th Anniversary film, by Rick Moulton on January 13, 2024, from 4-6 pm at the Big Picture Cafe & Theater in Waitsfield Vermont. Registration for this event is currently full. There will be a second showing of the film at Main Street Landing Film House in Burlington on February 3rd, and a third at Mad River Glen in March. We hope everyone can enjoy the film during one of these showings even if you cannot make it on the 13th.
September 30, 2023
Wildlife Tales Presentation 10-11 am, Mad River GlEN Basebox 2nd Floor
Please join Stark Mountian Foundation during Green & Gold weekend for an all-ages presentation called, "Wildlife Tales," by the Southern Vermont Natural History Museum. SMF and SVNHM invite you to journey around the world with us. Come and hear tales of animals and magic and learn the natural history of these myths and legends. The museum’s naturalist will bring out a live animal during each story. This presentation is a big hit for both children and adults. This program is free, but donations will be gratefully accepted. Coffee and doughnuts will also be served. Buy a ticket and ride the Single Chair to view the foliage after the presentation. To learn more and register for the event, please go here.
February 25, 2023
10:30-2:30 5th ANNUAL STORYSKI
The Stark Mountain Foundation will be sponsoring the 5th Annual StorySki at Mad River Glen Ski Area on Saturday, February 25, 2023, from 10:30 to 2:30. A StorySki is an event where printed pages from a children’s book are installed along the sides of a gentle ski trail through the woods. Participating children can ski, read, and enjoy this year’s book, Red Sled by Lita Judge.
This whimsical book depicted in bold, beautiful watercolors is a wintertime story about woodland creatures. The adventure begins when they find a well-loved, red sled outside of a cozy cabin and take a nighttime joy ride. We hope everyone enjoys skiing from page to page and reading this beautiful story.
Pre-registration for the event is strongly encouraged. The event is free, but everyone will need a lift ticket to participate. Check-in begins at 10:30 AM at the Kent Thomas Nature Center at the junction of the Snail and the Slalom Hill. The StorySki panels will be in place at Mad River Glen the week before and after the event so skiers can enjoy the story even if they can’t make it on the 25th.
October 1, 2021
The Magnificent Moose
On October 1, SMF will host the Vermont Institute of Natural Science’s The Magnificent Moose program. Attendees will learn about the life history and importance of these amazing mammals through slides, touchable artifacts, and a wealth of information, This 45-minute program is appropriate for all ages and is free to attend. It will take place on the third floor of the Basebox at 1:00 PM.
October 1, 2022
Hike it if you can
The White Plains Ski Club will lead a hike from the base area to the top of the double and then up the Long Trail to the top of the Single and down with a stop at the Kent Thomas Nature Center. Hikers depart at 9 am. Hike Details
MaY 10, 2022
The bear facts
On May 10, Stark Mountain Foundation supported the Mad River Valley Community Bear Initiative and will cosponsor with Northeast Wilderness Trust a virtual presentation focused on black bear biology and ecology and how to identify bear tracks and bear signs.
Register for this presentation of Bear With Us, by Susan Morse.
March 26, 2022
The bear facts
On March 26, we host the Vermont Institute of Natural Science’s The Bear Facts virtual program. Learn about the fantastic wildlife of the American Black Bear. Through beautiful slides and a wealth of information, explore and understand the life history and importance of these mammals in our natural world.
