Mount Ascutney

In the 1930s, adventurous souls began climbing up and skiing down Mount Ascutney—a 3,144-foot peak in central Vermont. Unlike nearby, smaller mountains, Ascutney offered big, sustained runs and stood out as one of the region’s best places to ski. Over time, the mountain was developed into a real ski resort. Then came the condos. And visitors from out of state. An outdoor recreation hub was born.

But by the turn of the century, the resort was running into financial troubles, and it was forced to shut down in 2010. Community members worried about the future of their economy without the draw of the ski resort, and losing their favorite outdoor playground was a big blow. But rather than accept the worst-case scenario, the community rallied to find the best-case scenario: they decided to buy the mountain.

In 2015, the residents of West Windsor and other surrounding towns worked with Trust for Public Land to purchase 470 acres of land on the mountain, then transfer it to the town and add it to the 1,100-acre West Windsor Town Forest—making it public land available for anyone who wishes to visit. Now, the ski area is run in a new way as a nonprofit and provides inexpensive skiing to all. And while the old lifts aren’t running, a new T-bar whisks kids and adults alike up the hill for turns on the slopes all winter long.

Those seeking bigger adventures climb to the summit under their own power—finding hidden backcountry trails to ski on their way down. Meanwhile, in the summer, Mount Ascutney is just as much of a draw thanks to its extremely popular network of mountain bike trails.

With enough positivity and collaboration, this treasured land is now in good hands, ensuring that the people and the economy of central Vermont keep moving forward.