The Mad River Valley Village

Clearing The Smoke – Fire & Safety Roundtable
2026-01-07 14:00 - 15:30 (America/New_York) | Yestermorrow Design/Build School, 7865 Main Street, Waitsfield, 05673
Safety is always the top priority for Mad River Valley businesses—and for good reason. Business owners care deeply about the well-being of their guests, employees, and neighbors. At the same time, understanding and navigating fire and life safety rules can be challenging. Codes are complex, interpretations can vary, and it’s not always clear what is required, what is recommended, and how best to plan for compliance in a way that is both safe and sustainable.
In an effort to “clear up the smoke,” the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce is hosting a Fire & Life Safety Roundtable on:
📅 Wednesday, January 7🕞 3:30–5:00 pm📍 Yestermorrow Design/Build School Campus
This roundtable is designed to create an open, respectful, and informative conversation between business owners and state public safety officials—focused on clarity, consistency, and shared goals.
Featured Speakers
The discussion will feature:

Landon A. Wheeler, Deputy DirectorVermont Department of Public Safety – Division of Fire Safety

Ben Moffatt, Regional ManagerWaterbury Regional Office, Department of Public Safety

The conversation will be moderated by Eric Friedman, Executive Director of the Mad River Valley Chamber of Commerce.
What We’ll Be Talking About
Across the Mad River Valley, businesses of all sizes—inns, restaurants, lodges, contractors and property managers—are navigating how best to meet safety standards while remaining financially viable and operationally stable. This roundtable is not about blame or complaints; it’s about understanding, communication, and problem-solving.
Topics we hope to explore together include:

Understanding the codesHow fire and life safety regulations are structured, what they’re intended to accomplish, and how they are applied in real-world settings.

Clarity around expectationsHow inspections work, what business owners should expect during and after an inspection, and how to interpret findings and next steps.

Consistency and continuityHow inspections may differ over time or between inspectors, and how businesses can better plan for long-term compliance.

Practical pathways to complianceDiscussing approaches that prioritize safety while recognizing the realities of historic buildings, small-scale operations, and seasonal businesses.

Preserving what makes Vermont specialExploring how safety upgrades can coexist with the historic, rustic character that defines many Mad River Valley properties and attracts visitors.

Creating a level playing fieldUnderstanding how safety oversight applies across different types of lodging and visitor accommodations.

Why This Matters
A strong Mad River Valley depends on businesses that are safe, resilient, and able to thrive. When rules are clearly understood and applied consistently, business owners can plan ahead, make smart investments, and focus on delivering great experiences to residents and visitors alike.
This roundtable is an opportunity to ask questions, hear directly from state officials, and build a shared understanding that supports public safety, business sustainability, and the long-term health of our local economy.
We encourage business owners, property managers, and anyone navigating fire and life safety regulations to attend and take part in this important conversation.
Let’s clear up the smoke—together.

LIVE MUSIC & PUB NIGHT Featuring Jenny & The Betz!
2026-01-07 17:00 - 21:00 (America/New_York) | Mad River Barn
Join us in the pub for all your favorite Mad River Barn menu items with live music from Jenny & The Betz! Open 5 pm – 9 pm. Live music every Wednesday in the winter!

Community Socrates Cafe: ” How Does the Passage of Time Affect Our Identity?”
2026-01-08 05:30 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Harwood Union High School Library, 458 Route 100, Duxbury, VT, 05660
Students from Harwood’s Harkness Leadership class will be hosting a community Socrates Café on Thursday, January 8th from 5:30 to 7:00 PM in the HU library. A Socrates Café is an opportunity for dialogue about timeless and timely questions that all human beings deal with. Rather than being a debate or a discussion, a Socrates Café is a dialogue where participants are encouraged to listen to and learn from one another. This form of discourse- and its focus on the search for knowledge- comes from the great philosopher Socrates, who observed that “Wisdom Begins in Wonder.” These gatherings are open to all community members, regardless of age, experience, or background. Harwood students who are experienced in leading Socratic Dialogues will facilitate the discussions. Community members of all ages are invited, and refreshments will be provided.
The question for the evening discussion is “How Does the Passage of Time Affect Our Identity?”
For questions and more information, please contact Adam Sargent at asargent@huusd.org.

Zero Celsius
2026-01-08 08:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-08 13:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-09 13:00 - 17:00, 2026-01-10 13:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Mad River Valley Arts, 5031 Main Street #2 Village Square, Waitsfield, 05673
ZERO CELSIUS takes place at Mad Arts and Sugarbush Resort, and gathers artists who explore the textures, tensions, and transformations of winter.
From the hush of frozen landscapes to the volatility of a warming climate, the exhibition reflects on how the cold season shapes—and is reshaped by—human and environmental relationships.
Bringing together sculpture, installation, sound, photography, and digital media, ZERO CELSIUS examines winter as material, concept, and metaphor: crystalline, fleeting, and ecologically vital. The exhibition invites visitors to consider the fragility of snow in a changing world, to reconnect with winter’s wonder and silence, and to share their own stories and memories of a season both timeless and increasingly imperiled.

We Can! Women’s Mid-Week Alpine Clinic
2026-01-08 09:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York)
The Women’s Mid-Week clinic is sold out for 2026. These clinics are our most popular adult ski school offerings, if you are interested in joining for the 2027 ski season please contact the Ski School Desk.
The Women’s Mid-Week Alpine Clinic is designed for women and taught by women using positive attitude, tactics and techniques to help you achieve your skiing goals. This eight-week program meets for 2-hour sessions on Thursday mornings.
Dates: Thursdays – January 8, 15, 22, 29 February 5, 12, 26 & March 5 (No session 02.19.26)
Time: 9:30 am until 11:30 pm
More Info: Click Here

Free Cabot Fondue
2026-01-08 15:30 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Join us aprés-ski every Thursday throughout the ski season for FREE FONDUE served with toasted bread thanks to our sponsors Cabot Creamery Cooperative!
Aprés in the Pub on fondue Thursdays is historically a very popular event, supplies are limited and may run out at any time, come early, leave happy.

Fresh Catch Thursday
2026-01-08 16:00 - 19:00 (America/Halifax) | Lawson’s Finest Brewery, 155 Carroll Road, Waitsfield, VT, 05673, United States
Every Thursday starting at 4pm we host Nor’Easter Catering for a raw bar pop-up. Come on down and enjoy the freshest oysters you can get your hands on, and a variety of weekly specials that often include lobster rolls, shrimp cocktails, tuna poke bowls, blue crab quesadillas, and more!

Fresh Catch Thursday
2026-01-08 16:00 - 19:00 (America/New_York) | Lawson’s Finest Taproom, 155 Carroll Rd, Waitsfield, VT, 05673, United States
About the Event
Every Thursday starting at 4pm we host Nor’Easter Catering for a raw bar pop-up. Come on down and enjoy the freshest oysters you can get your hands on, and a variety of weekly specials that often include lobster rolls, shrimp cocktails, tuna poke bowls, blue crab quesadillas, and more!

Details

Date: Time:

Organizer

Venue

Add to Calendar

Google Calendar

Outlook

Yahoo Calendar

Download (.ics)

Free Heel Fridays
2026-01-09 00:00 - 23:59 (America/New_York)
This telemark clinic meets every Friday throughout the season. Not available during holiday periods.
Time: 10:00 – 12:00 or 1:00 – 3:00
Cost: 2-hour clinic $109 (with lift ticket $149)
REQUEST NOW

Mad River Rug Hooking
2026-01-09 09:30 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Warren Library, 413 Main St, Warren, VT, 05674
The Mad River Rug Hookers meet downstairs at the Warren library on the second Friday of every month. Our monthly “hook in” a chance to socialize, solicit rug hooking advice, admire the works of many rug hookers and meet new hookers!
We have many new rug hookers, and more are welcome. We have an introductory kit for $30, which includes wool, a hook and a portable hoop frame. Sandra Grant is a very accomplished rug hooking instructor to teach the basics skills and application of wool and fiber for desired effects.
If you are interested in attending or learning to hook wool, or have questions contact Sandy at slgrant22@hotmail.com to share your questions or to be included in her Monthly email invite and ensure enough new member kits.

Toddler Time, Creative Shapes Art Class at Inklings!
2026-01-09 10:00 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Inklings Children’s Books, 106 Mad River Greeen, Waitsfield, VT, 05673, United States
It’s Toddler Time, Creative Shapes Art Class at Inklings Children’s Books! Friday mornings from 10am – 11am.
Caregivers and their little ones are invited to explore shapes in a whole new way, and develop those fine motor skills; all while having some creative fun!
Activities will include painting with balloons, creating shapes with different materials, and color matching.
Begins Friday, Nov. 7th and goes for 6 weeks.
Ages: 18mo – 4yrs.
Price: $85 (all six classes) Drop-in Price: $15/per class

Live Music Aprés in Stark’s Pub
2026-01-09 14:30 - 17:00 (America/New_York)
Join us après-ski, from 2:30 to 5:00 for FREE live music! A huge thank you to our friends at Lawson’s Finest Liquids for supporting local musicians. Throughout the ski season, we’ll showcase a rotating lineup of talented local artists. Be sure to check out our event calendar for a full list of performances. Stark’s Pub is open daily during the winter ski season, from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Come join us for great music and good times!

Family Fridays!
2026-01-09 16:30 - 18:00 (America/New_York) | Big Picture Theater, 44 Carroll Road, Waitsfield, 05673
Kick off the weekend with Family Fridays! From 4:30–6:00 pm.
Adults can unwind during cocktail hour while kids enjoy fun, creative activities in the Red Room. Seasonal crafts provided by Inkling Bookstore!
A little something for everyone to start the weekend right. Simple snacks for children will be provided. Ages 3 +

Songs to Fill the Air feat. Zach Nugent
2026-01-09 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Lawson’s Finest Taproom, 155 Carroll Rd, Waitsfield, VT, 05673, United States
Acoustic Grateful Dead tribute set with Vermont guitarist Zach Nugent from Dead Set.

Telemark & Alpine Touring Demo Day
2026-01-10 09:00 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Mountain Ops will be in the base area offering free demos of the latest Alpine Touring and Telemark gear. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to test drive the latest telemark and AT gear.
Whether you’re a seasoned backcountry enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this is your chance to experience the newest tech in telemark and alpine touring (AT) equipment firsthand.
Throughout the day, you’ll have the opportunity to demo a wide range of telemark and AT skis, boots, and bindings from leading brands. Whether you’re interested in lightweight touring setups or aggressive backcountry performance gear, there will be something for every style and skill level.
Equipment will come from a wide variety of brands including Wonder Alpine Skis, DPS, ATK, Dynafit, and Scarpa
Mountain Ops from Stowe will provide demo boots and skis for both Alpine Touring and Telemark.

We Can! Women’s Telemark Clinic
2026-01-10 09:30 - 15:00 (America/New_York)
Join us for a full day of telemark skiing and fun while being coached by some of Mad River Glen’s most experienced female coaches. Our women’s programs are taught in a supportive and encouraging environment so that students can build confidence, overcome fears and learn new tactics and techniques. Coaches use a student-centered, designing the day around your individual skiing goals. Whether you are looking to challenge yourself off-piste or wanting to feel more confident in your abilities, we’ve got you covered!
Price includes lunch.
Dates: Saturdays – January 10, February 7, March 7

Time: 9:30 am to 3:00 pm

Cost: $259/day ($319/day with lift ticket)
REQUEST NOW

Finding Romance in the MRV Libraries
2026-01-10 10:00 - 2026-02-07 14:00 (America/New_York) | Joslin Memorial Library, 4391 Main Street, Waitsfield, 05673
Guaranteed to knock down your winter doldrums, get your heart beating a bit faster and make you swoon,
It’s once again time for our heart-felt search for love in the MRV libraries. Pick up the answer sheet and the first clue at any of the three libraries. The clues will guide you from place to place. Determine your best guesses and when the form is complete, return it to the library where you finish finding the romantic books.
On Monday, February 9, we will draw one grand prize winner; a romantic dinner for two.

Naturalist Guided Snowshoe Tours
2026-01-10 10:30 - 12:30, 2026-01-11 10:30 - 12:30 (America/New_York)
Each and every Saturday and Sunday at 10:30 AM you can join one of our Naturalists for a guided snowshoe trek tailored to your interests in the ecology and wildlife of Stark Mountain! Our outings and content vary each week, depending on snow conditions and participants. Learn about the hardwood forests of the Green Mountains, as well as our resident moose, bear, deer, fisher, coyote, red fox and more! Snowshoe rentals are available for only $15 with the program!
Please note: Advanced registration is required. To request a reservation please fill out the Reservation Request Form prior to your visit. Naturalist Programs start at 10:30 AM. They are approximately 2 hours in duration and are easy to moderate in terms of difficulty.
Program Fees

Two-hour programs

$39 per person

Tubbs Snowshoes are available in the Mad River Glen Rental Shop.

Snowshoe Rental with a Naturalist Program – Only $15!
Snowshoe Trail Pass (without a program) – $5

For more information call (802) 496-3551 x. 125 or naturalist@madriverglen.com.

REQUEST NOW

Dead Sessions (Lite)
2026-01-10 20:00 - 23:00 (America/New_York) | Localfolk Smokehouse, 9 VT-17, Waitsfield, 05673, United States
Cousins Brewing brings Dead Sessions Lite back to Waitsfield for two big sets of Grateful tunes and Deadly Improv on the themes.
Featuring Seth Yacovone ripping the Jerry Garcia riffs. The Faster We Go the Rounder We Get!

Sunday Sessions: Mike Mac
2026-01-11 15:00 - 17:00 (America/New_York) | Lawson’s Finest Taproom, 155 Carroll Rd, Waitsfield, VT, 05673, United States
Mike Mac brings his upbeat guitar, loop pedals, and outstanding vocals to the taproom once again. One of our favorites!

LINE DANCING: BOOTS & BURGERS w/Jenna from GOOD TIME LINE DANCING
2026-01-11 18:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | afterthoughts, 8 Vt Route 17 200, Waitsfield, Vermont, 05673, United States
Line Dancing at Afterthoughts will continue through the winter with Jenna from Good Time Line Dancing!
She’ll be here on the 2nd and fourth Sunday’s (weather permitting) of the month to get down and dirty on the dance floor with some new moves and classic line dances for you.
$10 to participate. Dust off those boots and let’s boogie.

Men’s Monday Alpine Program
2026-01-12 09:30 - 11:30 (America/New_York)
Formerly known as the Graybeard’s Clinic, this program is re-designed for men of all ages who are intermediate to advanced skiers. The program’s focus will be on learning how to fully enjoy the Mad River Glen skiing experience by deepening fundamental skills and then applying them to the mountain’s legendary terrain. Participants will learn to ski groomers, bumps and trees better and with more confidence. Participants are placed in groups with skiers of similar ability and pace.
Dates: Mondays – January 12, 19, 26, February 2, 9, 23 & March 2, 9
Time: 9:30 am – 11:30 am
Cost: $389 – 8 Week Session
REQUEST NOW

MadLove Mondays
2026-01-12 12:00 - 20:00 (America/Halifax) | Lawson’s Finest Brewery, 155 Carroll Road, Waitsfield, VT, 05673, United States
Every Monday at Lawson’s Finest Liquids!

$5 pours of all our draft beers all day
Mac and cheese specials
Double your Toast loyalty points
20% off cases of beer in our retail shop
Our favorite recorded live shows over the speakers. Have a favorite? Let us know!
Also! Monthly artist spotlights and community features

MadLove Mondays
2026-01-12 12:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Lawson’s Finest Taproom, 155 Carroll Rd, Waitsfield, VT, 05673, United States
About the Event
– $5 pours of all our draft beers all day
– Mac and cheese specials
– Double your Toast loyalty points
– 20% off cases of beer in our retail shop
– Our favorite recorded live shows over the speakers. Have a favorite? Let us know!
Also! Monthly artist spotlights and community features.

Details

Date: Time:

Organizer

Venue

Add to Calendar

Google Calendar

Outlook

Yahoo Calendar

Download (.ics)

Winter Art Classes at Inklings!
2026-01-12 15:00 - 2026-02-16 16:30 (America/New_York) | Inklings Children’s Books, 106 Mad River Greeen, Waitsfield, VT, 05673, United States
Starting Monday, January 12th, your young artists will begin a six week course. Focusing on three different artists, students will have the chance to explore, in depth, three very different types of creating – from 2 dimensional to three dimensional art.
Students will receive a book about each artist. Following a read aloud, children will jump into an art project based on the artist’s work.
REC. Ages – Grades 4 – 6.
ONLY 11 SEATS AVAILABLE PER CLASS.
Price: $270 ($45 per class). Includes books and materials.

Any Book Club
2026-01-12 19:00 - 20:00 (America/New_York) | Virtual Event, 251 Common Road, Waitsfield, VT, 05673, United States
Warren Public Library staff host a Zoom discussion where we share the books we’re reading and loving right now.
No required reading, no pressure, just a talk about books. Please come prepared to share your recommendations for adult fiction and non-fiction.
A Zoom link will be sent to registered participants. Register at warrenlibrary.com.
