Sugarloaf Ski Resort - Carrabassett Valley, Maine

Address:Carrabassett Valley, Maine
Tel: (207) 237-2000

Singularly the only lift service above the tree line in Maine, Sugarloaf Mountain has a lofty 4,287 foot summit with the most continuous vertical drop in New England of 2,820 feet. With 133 trails, and an abundance of glade runs fanned out over 54 miles, Sugarloaf has no shortage on trails to challenge anyone who visits. It's hardly a surprise that 2006 Snowboard Gold Medalist Seth Wescott makes his home base here, as Sugarloaf also plays serious attention to their snowboarding crowd.

Open daily from 9am to 4pm, and from 8:30am on weekends, Sugarloaf shuttles riders up the mountain in one of their fifteen chairlifts. These include 2 "Superquads" that rush riders up faster than the snow is flying down. Riders have a long season from mid-November to late April to enjoy all that Sugarloaf, located in the Carrabasset Valley in Maine's western mountains, has to offer.

Take a 3.5 mile long cruise down "Tote Road" and savor the fresh pine smells, or head into the "West Mountain and Birches," which is notable for having ample terrain to get comfortable on before even hitting the lifts. "Central Mountain" is comprised of chutes and glades that go on for days. Alternatively, you can take a dip into "King Pine Bowl," half groomed for smooth runs and half left to bump over naturally, making for thigh burning moguls that never quit.

Snowboarders have a choice of two parks which correspond to different skill levels as well as to just how much air they want to grab. "The Yard" is for the big hits and is also home to Sugarloaf's superpipe which is cut and groomed nightly. "Stomping Grounds" is for building confidence in, and has a layout which includes rails, hips, and boxes to keep any rider busy. There are park service rangers that are assigned specifically to monitor the park, ensuring safety and making sure everyone knows the rules of the road, so to speak.

Children from age 3 up to adult are available in group or private settings. There are special women's programs that are taught by and designed especially for women, and there are even off-snow workshops that anyone can participate in such as basket making, stained glass, stamping, and flower arrangement. Rentals are available on site. Rates vary by age, from junior (6-12) up to senior (65+). Children 5 and under ski free with a paying adult, and in addition to the regular military and college discounts, there are various other discounts available at any given time. Lift passes are sold in full or half-day time frames. Sugarloaf has a "snow guarantee" where if guests after taking 1 run decide the conditions aren't what they think they should be, Sugarloaf will provide a voucher to come back another day.

Other activities on site are an ice skating rink, mini-arcade, a snow tubing park with four 1,000 foot chutes, and two amazing recreation centers. The first recreation center is the "Anti-gravity Skate Complex," which is a 20,000 square foot indoor street skating park. The second center offers trampolines, an indoor rock climbing complex, a fitness center with an indoor elevated running track, a golf hitting range, and spinning classes! Kids have their own special nights, featuring activities such as games, movies, or the snowshoe safari to keep then occupied for hours. Also make sure to check out the Bud Light Concert and Reggae Series for some kickin' live music.

No fewer than twelve restaurants and pubs dot the landscape of Sugarloaf's après ski village. Micro-brewed beers, pool tables, widescreen TV, delicious steaks, seafood and other delicacies can be found in a number of the places, notably the Shiphouse Brewhaus Restaurant and Pub, or the Widowmaker Lounge. On the other hand, you may prefer to slap on your country dancing shoes for the Bag and Kettle Pub with its live music and drink specials. Shiphouse's "Irish Slalom" hot toddy has been featured in Bon Appetite Magazine for good reason, so make sure to give it a taste when you visit Sugarloaf this season.

Sugarloaf's Mountain Hotel is a first-class, full service lodging facility located onsite, with over 120 hotel rooms, suites, and penthouses. Private condos, and the country-style inn, are also on-site for a choice in lodging. Guests staying in any of the lodging sites are granted access to a sports and fitness center that that has a spa and indoor pool inside, as well as outside hot tubs, a steam room, weight room and racket/volleyball court, just to name a few of its features.

If you're planning to stay off-site, head into the towns of Kingsfield or Stratton, both located around 10-20 minutes away, for a plethora of lodging and food options. From the smalltime country diner to upscale four star dining, and from hamburgers to filet mignon, no one's taste buds will stay unsatisfied. Lodging options here range from any of six bed & breakfasts to privately owned hotels, motels, and inns.

This season come ski and ride the best. If Sugarloaf can foster Olympic gold medalists, don't you think you owe it to yourself to see what this mountain has to offer? Who knows…perhaps you'll be next to grab a medal?

Sugarloaf/USA is located in the heart of Carrabassett Valley, which was carved by the Carrabassett River and is surrounded by Maine's Western Mountains. Maine's second highest peak at 4,237 ft.