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About Sugarloaf
Skiing at Sugarloaf Mountain is a unique experience. The mountain is located in the heart of the Carrabassett Valley, which was carved by the Carrabassett River and surrounded by Maine's Western Mountains, offering over 1,240 acres of skiable terrain.
With a vertical drop of 2,820 feet and 162 trails and glades, Sugarloaf caters to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels. At 4,237 feet, Sugarloaf is the second tallest mountain in the state of Maine. The resort features the only lift-serviced, above-treeline skiing in the East, providing an unparalleled alpine experience. The efficient lift system, including the iconic SuperQuad, ensures minimal wait times and maximizes time on the slopes, making it a premier destination for winter sports enthusiasts.
Beyond skiing, Sugarloaf offers a variety of activities and amenities. The resort’s base area is home to numerous dining options, shops, and a relaxing sports and fitness center. Visitors can enjoy activities such as snowshoeing, ice skating, and snow tubing.
Sugarloaf is also known for its vibrant après-ski scene, with events and entertainment that keep the fun going off the slopes. The resort is committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship, implementing various initiatives to preserve the natural beauty of the area.
Sugarloaf is also known for its Nordic center, which has a full retail shop, rental center, and café. Whether you're a seasoned skier or a beginner, Sugarloaf Mountain Resort offers a unique and exhilarating experience, combining the thrill of the slopes with the charm of a quintessential New England ski village.
5 best things about Sugarloaf according to our Mountain Travel Experts
The Snowfields
Legendary Brackett Basin
Great après-ski scenes
Second-highest peak in Maine
Beautiful Nordic skiing trails
MOUNTAIN STATS
video gallery
Snow reports
Where to stay at Sugarloaf
Sugarloaf Trail Maps
How to get to Sugarloaf
Reaching Sugarloaf Mountain Resort is easy with direct access from Portland International Jetport and Bangor International Airport. Shuttle services and car rentals ensure a smooth journey from the airport to your accommodations.
Getting around
Sugarloaf Mountain Resort offers a complimentary shuttle service, adding convenience for families exploring different areas. The shuttle connects the main village, Birchwood, and other key locations, ensuring seamless access to all resort amenities and activities.
Skiing in Sugarloaf
Sugarloaf Mountain Resort offers diverse skiing opportunities suitable for all skill levels, from beginners to experts.
Beginner Skiing in Sugarloaf: Located near the base area, Birchwood offers gentle slopes perfect for beginners learning the basics of skiing and snowboarding. Moose Alley is a family-friendly trail with easy terrain and ideal for children and novice skiers to practice their skills in a safe and enjoyable environment.
The Boardwalk area features wide, gentle slopes, providing ample space for beginners to work on their turns and gain confidence, while Whiffletree, Accessible by the Whiffletree SuperQuad, is an area with several green runs and mild inclines, making it a great spot for beginners to progress. Challenge yourself to the Double Runner East run, serving a variety of easy trails, this lift gives beginners access to some more challenging terrain on the mountain.
Ski Schools and Tours: Sugarloaf Ski Resort offers a variety of ski and snowboard lessons catering to different age groups and skill levels. Their Perfect Turn Ski & Snowboard School includes programs like Mountain Magic and Mountain Adventure for kids aged 3-14, focusing on skill development and confidence building through fun and engaging lessons.
For adults, there are group clinics and private lessons designed to improve techniques and ensure a comprehensive learning experience on the slopes. The resort also offers specialized programs like the Hilltoppers, targeting skiers aged 50+ who want to refine their skills in a social, midweek setting.
Expert Skiing in Sugarloaf: Progress seamlessly into more challenging runs such as the King Pine Bowl. Known for its beautiful, rolling terrain, King Pine Bowl offers a variety of blue square runs that are perfect for intermediate skiers. The scenic views and well-groomed trails make it a favorite among those looking to progress their skills. West Mountain, with the recent expansion, includes a family-friendly zone with intermediate trails, offering wide, gentle slopes ideal for carving turns and enjoying the beautiful landscape.
Not enough for your desire for a thrill? The Snowfields, the only lift-serviced, above-treeline skiing in the East, offer steep, challenging terrain with breathtaking views. This area is best suited for advanced skiers looking for a unique experience. Brackett Basin and Burnt Mountain are areas that provide over 1,000 acres of expert glades and sidecountry terrain. Known for their deep powder and challenging tree skiing, they are perfect for those looking to push their limits.
Gondola Line and White Nitro are classic expert runs that feature steep pitches and are among the most challenging on the mountain. They require excellent skill and confidence, making them a must-try for experienced skiers.
Family vacations in Sugarloaf
Sugarloaf Ski Resort is renowned as a top family-friendly ski destination in North America, offering an extensive range of on- and off-mountain activities, convenient ski-in, ski-out accommodations, and a world-class ski school, making it an ideal destination for family ski vacations. The Sugarloaf Outdoor Center is a highlight, offering cross-country skiing with over 50K of groomed trails, fat biking on select trails, and a scenic ice skating rink. Guests can explore the pristine landscape and enjoy the solitude of the Maine woods in winter. The center also provides rentals and lessons to ensure a comprehensive outdoor experience for all ages.
One of Sugarloaf's most thrilling experiences is Burnt Mountain Cat Skiing, which offers adventurous skiers and snowboarders access to deep powder and rugged steep glades in their signature side-country terrain. For those looking for a unique way to enjoy the slopes, renting a Sno-Go Skibike is a fantastic option, with rentals including a quick lesson.
Families can also enjoy activities such as snowshoeing, ice skating, and exploring the Anti-Gravity Complex, which features a skate park, giant trampolines, and a climbing wall. The resort's diverse activities ensure that every family member has a memorable and enjoyable stay.