Warren, VT – March 1, 2025 – Vice President JD Vance’s family ski vacation at Sugarbush Resort in Vermont turned into a flashpoint of political unrest on Saturday, as hundreds of protesters descended on the Mad River Valley to voice their outrage over his recent confrontation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The demonstrations, centered in Sugarbush and nearby Waitsfield, underscored deep local discontent with Vance’s policies and actions, amplifying tensions just a day after a heated Oval Office clash.
The protests erupted early Saturday morning, with organizers estimating around 500 Vermonters participating across multiple locations. Demonstrators lined roads leading to the popular ski resort and gathered on the Waitsfield Green, wielding signs and banners emblazoned with pointed messages such as “VANCE IS A TRAITOR GO SKI IN RUSSIA” and “Hillbilly Go Home.” The slogans reflected a blend of frustration over Vance’s perceived alignment with controversial foreign policy stances and his role in Friday’s explosive White House meeting, where he and President Donald Trump berated Zelenskyy over U.S. aid to Ukraine.
The unrest followed a dramatic encounter on February 28, when Vance accused Zelenskyy of ingratitude during a televised Oval Office discussion, sparking a shouting match that ended with the Ukrainian leader being asked to leave. The incident, widely condemned by Ukraine supporters, appeared to galvanize Vermont’s progressive community, known for its strong opposition to the Trump administration. “He cannot vacation here without hearing our opposition,” said Dan Vidali, a 38-year-old Montpelier resident who was among those ejected from Sugarbush Resort for protesting on private property.
Local authorities, including Vermont State Police, coordinated with the Secret Service to manage the situation, with an increased law enforcement presence reported throughout the area. Despite the disruptions, Sugarbush officials maintained that resort operations continued as normal, with no lift closures anticipated. However, the vice president’s itinerary faced adjustments; initial plans to stay at the Pitcher Inn in Warren shifted after early protests there, though his current lodging remains undisclosed.
Not all reactions were hostile. A smaller contingent of Trump supporters staged a counterprotest in Warren, expressing approval of Vance’s hardline stance. “I love JD Vance,” said Anthony Levine, a 50-year-old Barre resident waving a Trump flag. “He’s on the right track to bring our country back.” Meanwhile, local businesses like Mad River Taste Place capitalized on the buzz, offering a “Waitsfield Welcome Platter” and discounts to those affected by federal funding cuts—a subtle jab at the administration’s policies.
Governor Phil Scott, a Republican, issued a statement welcoming Vance but urged Vermonters to remain respectful, noting the vice president’s visit was a family trip with his wife, Usha, and their three children. “I hope they experience what makes our state special,” Scott said, though he confirmed no plans to meet with Vance during the weekend.
As fresh snow blanketed Sugarbush’s slopes, the protests highlighted a broader national divide, with Vance’s brief respite overshadowed by the fallout from his Zelenskyy confrontation. With tensions still simmering, the vice president’s Vermont getaway has become an unexpected stage for political expression, leaving little doubt that his actions in Washington continue to resonate far beyond the capital. 17GEN4.com
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