Mad River Glen, located in Fayston, Vt. and founded by Roland Palmedo, turned on its first chair lift on December 11, 1948 and has been catering to skiing families ever since. It is small enough to evoke that old-school, friendly feel, but also big enough to attract the hardcore, daring skiers. Families can enjoy reasonable lift ticket prices, ski school, and some fine nearby bed and breakfasts, condos, hotels, motels, and hostels; inns, and private homes all located within the Mad River Valley. Cricket Club Daycare is also available for the little ones that aren’t quite ready to start making turns just yet and is located right by the lift so parents can quickly sneak in for a visit before jumping back on the chairlift and heading north.