Mad River Glen Seals Acquisition of Over 1,000 Acres of Land

Beloved Vermont ski area Mad River Glen has closed the deal on a significant milestone.

On February 25, 2026, in a 1214 to 11 shareholder vote, The Mad River Glen Cooperative successfully acquired the 20th Hole land parcel. The land includes an additional 1,100 acres adjacent to the ski area and allows MRG to secure full control, thereby preserving autonomy and alignment with the ski area's founding vision of recreational access and stewardship.

Purchase of the land was contingent upon a "Conservation Commitment," which included establishing a conservation easement and restrictions on subdivision of the land to preserve it for outdoor recreation.

The purchase followed the land's previous owners receiving a formal offer from an outside buyer. The Mad River Glen Cooperative then had 30 days to match the offer under the right of first refusal. An offer of $2.5M was made on the land, matching the third-party buyer's $2.5M offer.

However, the offer was contingent on support from Cooperative shareholders to prevent significant, potentially devastating financial losses for MRG and the Co-op.

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In the press release announcing the deal's closing, the MRG Cooperative cites the Stark Mountain Foundation as playing an integral role. Community contributions through the Foundation's 501(c)(3) capacity allowed the Co-op to fund and complete the purchase without assuming long-term debt.

“We are incredibly grateful to Stark Mountain Foundation for leading a successful
community-based fundraising effort and to the Pratt family for working with us to bring
this transaction to a close,” said Ry Young Mad River Glen’s Marketing & Events
Manager in the press release. “Their partnership reflects a shared dedication to preserving the character, independence, and natural beauty of Stark Mountain.”

The land acquisition ultimately helps to protect terrain essential to Mad River Glen, helps to ensure long-term stewardship, continue to allow recreational access, and enact conservation measures.

“Closing on this land acquisition is more than a transaction — it is a reaffirmation of
who we are,” said Jim Elkind, President of Stark Mountain Foundation. “Our community
has ensured the future of Stark Mountain, preserving its natural character and
cooperative spirit." Mad River Glen has been cooperatively owned since 1995 and has given the mountain the power to continue its legacy of independence and community.