Mow Some Grass, Earn Your Pass at Mad River Glen, Vermont

Mad River Glen (MRG), located in Waitsfield, Vermont, has utilized an iconic slogan for decades- 'Ski It If You Can'.

From September 9-September 20, 2024, the ski area is asking volunteers to ' Mow It If You Can ' with an alluring reward. Those who work the full 10-day period will walk away with a season pass and a little bit of cash.

Like many ski resorts from coast to coast, MRG uses tractors fitted with mowers to chop down the majority of high grass and shrubs on their groomed slopes. What's unusual, however, is MRG's proclivity for scythes.

MRG explains why hand-held scythes and good ol' fashioned man power are the best method for cutting the slopes the tractors aren't able to reach:

"We use hand scythes to cut the grass, ferns and shrubs on the steepest slopes here at Mad River Glen. Most of the beginner and intermediate terrain is mowed with a tractor, mow crew steps in to finish off the areas the tractor can’t go. We mow and move in a line shoulder-to-shoulder hiking up the trails as we go. It can be tough work but the camaraderie makes it so much fun!"

Many skiers work at their local resorts throughout the entirety of the season to earn a free pass, but there are few, if any, that offer passes for just 10 days of work. It's important to note, however, that hand-cutting MRG's slopes is more than just a walk through the park.

The ski area requires volunteers to wear hiking boots, and advises that long-sleeve shirts and pants will help to fend off the bugs. Each day begins at 7AM and concludes at 3PM. MRG notes that there are "many" breaks throughout the day with multiple water stations, and a free chairlift ride down the mountain at the end of the day.

In summary, the 10 days of hand-cutting grass at MRG will be demanding, but the juice is worth the squeeze for those willing to try, so to say. If you're interesting in joining Mad River Glen on their Mow Crew, email ry@madriverglen.com .

Mad River Glen is one of only three ski areas in North America that still prohibits snowboarding. The slopes are ski-only, and considering the co-op ownership structure, it seems unlikely to change in the near future.

It's also one of only a handful of ski areas to still utilize a single-seat chairlift. MRG clearly does thing differently, and perhaps their scythe-wielding army of grass-slashing volunteers encapsulates that best.

Best of luck to those preparing for 10 days of hacking shrubs with a tool/weapon from 5,000 B.C.. And remember, you'll be the one laughing at us when you're skiing for free at MRG all season long.

Related: Arapahoe Basin to Host Mountain Clean Up of 'The Beavers' for First Time

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