Sleeping Vermont Skier Startled by Bears (Video)

Originally posted on Powder | By Izzy Lidsky | Last updated Nov 24, 2025 5:17 PM ET

Camping out to get the first chair of the season is... a choice. While personally, I couldn't be convinced to do such a thing, hats off to the skiers so dedicated to getting the very first chair of the season that they'll camp out the night before. Nothing says 'die-hard' like freezing your buns off all night to ride a chairlift.

Camping out for first chair can be a hazardous endeavor with the obvious exposure to the elements involved. However, most folks don't consider wildlife to be at the top of the list for safety considerations this time of year, save for maybe a rogue ermine or too. Clearly, a wildlife encounter was far from the mind of one skier as they dozed peacefully next to the RFID gates at Sugarbush a few nights ago, in anticipation of opening day.

Around 9pm, a crew of very curious black bears decided to poke around the base of the chair, probably wondering if they too, should secure their place in line for opening day. Upon realizing the bears were there, the skier jumped up and ran towards the lodge, abandoning their skis by the gate.

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If you were wondering why the bears aren't hibernating yet, lots of folks in the comments on Sugarbush's video were wondering the same thing. Luckily, one smart cookie informed folks that "New England bears often do kind of a less formal hibernation. Less active, but still willing to ski on the weekends..." The more you know, folks.

According to Mass Audubon, black bears tend to actually go into hibernation anywhere between late November and mid-December, which means these bears are right on schedule. If you do see a bear, back away quietly and slowly if the bear hasn't seen you. If it has, don't run and make yourself look as large as possible by holding your arms, bag, or coat (or skis??) overheard. Sing or speak loudly in a non-threatening voice while you back away.

Hopefully, this skier wasn't too scared to still get their very well deserved first chair and these bears found a quiet place to hang out for the night.

This article first appeared on Powder and was syndicated with permission.

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