Vermont’s only cooperatively owned downhill ski resort wants to purchase an adjacent 1,100 acres of land to protect its backcountry ski area.

Mad River Glen, which is owned by its shareholders, is trying to raise about $2.7 million to buy the parcel, which surrounds the eastern contours of the ski area in Fayston.

“There was overwhelming consensus among shareholders, management and the board of trustees that we should control this property,” said Matt Lillard, Mad River Glen's general manager. “It’s important that we be able to make our decisions about this property.”

The Mad River Glen cooperative formed in 1995 when about 1,500 skiers purchased 700 acres or so from its owner, Betsy Pratt.

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