0B7

Nostalgia matters

The Warren-Sugarbush Airport, located in Warren, Vermont, has a rich history that dates back to the mid-20th century.

Early Beginnings

**1957**: Soaring activities began in the Mad River Valley with John Macone and Alan Bemis using a field north on Route 100, known as Estey Air Park. This location was near what is now Estey’s field in Waitsfield[6].

Development and Establishment

**1966**: The current site of the Warren-Sugarbush Airport was developed by Warren Ketcham and other local residents. The airport's establishment aimed to cater to the growing interest in gliding and small aircraft operations in the area[6].

**1967-1968**: A "Tower" was constructed in 1967, designed by local architect Dave Sellers, and the runway was paved in 1968 to accommodate more robust aviation activities[6].

Ownership and Operations

**1973**: To address financial challenges, Granite Intersection, Inc. was formed by enthusiastic field users to purchase and preserve the airport for small plane activities. This corporation still owns the airport and leases it to Sugarbush Soaring during the summer and Ole’s Cross-Country Skiing in the winter[6].

**1978**: The Sugarbush Soaring Association (SSA) was established as a Vermont not-for-profit corporation to promote the sport of soaring. The association has been instrumental in developing and maintaining the airport's operations, including the acquisition of hangars and aircraft[6].

Modern-Day Operations

- The airport is predominantly used for gliding and is a popular location for soaring due to favorable conditions such as thermal, ridge, and mountain wave lifts[5].

- Sugarbush Soaring offers flight instruction, scenic rides, and youth programs, attracting glider pilots and students from various regions[2][5].

- During the winter months, the airport transforms into a Nordic ski center known as Ole's, utilizing the airport and surrounding land for ski trails[1].

The Warren-Sugarbush Airport continues to be a significant hub for aviation enthusiasts, particularly glider pilots, and plays an essential role in the local community's recreational and economic activities.

Citations:

[1] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Warren%E2%80%93Sugarbush_Airport

[2] https://vtrans.vermont.gov/sites/aot/files/aviation/VASP_FINAL_2021-08-18.pdf

[3] https://airnav.com/airport/0B7

[4] http://vtrans.vermont.gov/aviation/airports/sugarbush-airport

[5] https://sugarbushsoaring.com/about-us/our-airport

[6] https://sugarbushsoaring.com/about-us/history