Livestock landscaping: Vermont ski areas employ goats and sheep to clear the slopes
October 1, 2025
Domestic goats are reaching new heights on Vermont’s ski slopes. Magic Mountain in southern Vermont used goats to clear its slopes of vegetation last year, and Jay Peak, near the Canadian border, is using goats and sheep this fall. Over five weeks, they’re expected to clear 25 acres, a small part of the 300 acres that need mowing. Officials say the experiment aims to reduce reliance on gas-powered mowers. The animals wear special collars that connect to an invisible fence, sending data to their owner. Using livestock for landscaping isn’t new, but it’s gaining traction as a sustainable practice.