Madbush Falls – Riders’ Outpost underwent a remarkable transformation from an abandoned motel and bar, formerly known as Madbush Alpine Chalet in Waitsfield, VT. Located along VT Route 100 near Sugarbush Ski Resort, the property features a scenic swimming hole and waterfall known as Madbush Falls on Folsom Brook. Purchased in November 2020 by Jonny Adler, the vision for the property was to create a central hub for the burgeoning mountain bike culture in Mad River Valley. Our involvement began in June 2022, focusing on project scoping, surveying, environmental assessments, site design, and permitting. As noted on their website this project is “Smack in the middle of thousands of miles of world class dirt and single track you’ll find everything you need in one place: locally inspired restaurant-bar, new accommodations with great coffee and free outdoor gear, and a full bike and gear shop with rentals and guiding.”
Our environmental engineer identified a problem with the state’s mapping of the River Corridor and was able to show through analysis that more of the property was unable to be used and that allowed construction of addition free standing motel “tiny units”. Those will be constructed on the bank of the existing swimming pond. The site boasts a variety of camping options including glamping in canvas tents alongside the brook. The local mountain biking trails are being extended to allow access directly to the trail network from the property. Creative water system design allowed for cost-effective expansion of the motel and enhanced environmental sustainability. The project, driven by a tight timeline, aimed for an ambitious opening date of August 1, 2023, and achieved a successful soft opening on July 27, 2023.
Throughout the course of the project, we navigated complex tasks including new wastewater and potable water systems, stormwater management, and site grading, all coordinated seamlessly with ongoing construction and permitting processes. Madbush Falls – Riders’ Outpost now stands as a vibrant testament to adaptive reuse, environmental stewardship, and community-focused recreation.