The 10 Best Resorts in the East for Overall Satisfaction
These are the Eastern resorts with that certain je ne se quoi that makes skiers want to come back for more.
10. Sugarloaf Mountain, Maine
Sugarloafers are a different breed. They pride themselves on being tougher than skiers at lesser mountains (a.k.a. the rest of New England, if not the country), and to a certain extent, that’s true. They laugh at weather, vying for bragging rights about sub-zero temps and double-digit breezes, and skillfully pinball through moguls on über-steep, narrow, twisting trails that would terrify many mortals.
But the truth is everyone, even confident beginners, can enjoy Instagram-worthy views of Mount Washington before skiing from Sugarloaf ’s above-treeline summit to its base, taking in the length of its 2,800 feet of vertical drop. The ’Loaf gilds its plentiful gentle greens, color-me-blue cruisers, and World Cup blacks with above-treeline snowfields, checkered glades, and snowcat access to lift-free Burnt Mountain. All trails funnel to Sugarloaf’s compact base village, which offers enough lodging, dining, and entertainment to keep the party rolling, whether that means soaking in a hot tub or gleaning local tips at The Bag. – Hilary Nangle
No. 10 in the East: Sugarloaf Resort, Maine
Sugarloaf Mountain Stats
| Average Snowfall | Acres | Lifts | Trails |
| 200″ | 1,240 | 13 | 162 |
Sugarloaf Pass Info
Sugarloaf is on the Ikon Pass and the Mountain Collective. Ikon Pass holders get 7 days at the resort; Ikon Base pass holders get 5 blackout-restricted days. Mountain Collective pass holders get 2 days at the resort, plus 50 percent off additional days.
Trip Planning
From lodging and and dining to off-slope activities and local tips, here are the SKI editors’ picks for what to do in Sugarloaf, Maine.
What’s New
Upgrades to the snowmaking system might not sound sexy, but when it allows the resort to open earlier and with more terrain, you might think twice. A new pump house on West Mountain and high-efficiency snow guns fixes to do just that.
Additionally, Sugarloaf, in partnership with Carrabassett Valley Academy, is installing a new competition surface lift between the Competition Hill and Narrow Gauge Trails. The new t-bar will ferry racers to the top of the course during training and competition, and will also be open to the public.
Down-Day Activity
If you’re going to go snowmobiling anywhere, do it in Maine. This state lives and breathes snowmobiling, with an absolutely massive network of trails and rental services everywhere.
Off-Hill Restaurant
The Rack, positioned toward the bottom of Sugarloaf’s access road, is a quintessential Maine bar and eatery. Whether it’s for après, dinner, or even brunch, it’s a must-visit.
Off-the-Map Trail
Book a cat-skiing tour to lift-free Brackett Basin.
Down-Day Activity
Don snowshoes or cross-country skis, pack a picnic lunch, and trek into Stratton Brook Hut on the Maine Huts & Trails system.
Challenge
Experts can achieve Nirvana amidst Sugarloaf’s moguls, above-treeline steeps, and tight trees.
Terrain Variety
Of the ’Loaf’s 162 trails, 23 percent are beginner and 34 percent are intermediate, so even if you’re not an expert you can find your happy place.
Family Activity
The SugarBowl entertains families with bowling, golf simulator, pool table, darts, TVs, a bar, and tasty pub food.
Dinner PickÂ
The Coplin Dinner House emphasize seasonal, local fare such as pork from an employee’s farm.
Bragging Rights
Take a spin and soak up the lore on Narrow Gauge, where Bode rose to fame in 1996, destroying the Junior Olympics competition on his K2 Fours.
It’s All About Guest Service at These 10 Eastern Resorts
If you're here to ski but welcome great guest service, check out these resorts.
The 10 Best Resorts in the East for Grooming
According to the 2022 SKI Reader Resort Survey, these resorts are getting it right when it comes to snow maintenance.
The 10 Best Eastern Resorts for Challenge
If you're looking to test yourself on Eastern slopes, make a beeline for these resorts.
Destination Guide: Where to Sleep, Eat, Drink, and Play in Sugarloaf
From lodging and dining to nightlife and off-slope adventures, a ski traveler's guide to planning a trip to Maine's biggest resort.
Resort Guide 2020 East: Skier's Mountains
Just wanna ski? These are the top 10 ski resorts in the East for hardcore skiers.
Summer in the Mountains: Sugarloaf, Maine
From moose safaris to a massive indoor skatepark, there's more to Maine in the summer than the coast.
Resorts of the Year 2019: Awards in the East
The season's best spots in the East for skiers, according to readers and editors.
A Big Week for Ikon Keeps Getting Bigger
A slew of resorts hop on the Ikon Pass and more days are added for Northeast ski areas.
The Snow Report Show is Going On Tour!
This summer, you can hang with Halley at ski areas across the country.
Wiping Out Under the Chairlift Can Be So… Empowering?
Thanks to you, chairlift heckler, I’ve found a new appreciation for being singled out
Sugarloafer Since 1995
Fill up your soul cup with the ultimate day at Sugarloaf in Carrabassett Valley, Maine.
The East Coast War of Fog
In the snowy mountains of western Maine, a bitter battle rages. Proud Sugarloafers swear allegiance, while brash Sunday Riverites remember every insult.
Ski Resort Guide 2016: Best On-Mountain Food
Here are the ski resorts with the best on-mountain food, because brown bagging doesn't always cut it.
Ski Resort Guide 2016: Best Apres
Because after a good day on the mountain, it's your right to celebrate with a drink.
Season Pass Roundup 2015-16
Find your ski pass for next season—and the best deals—here.
Best Fest: Beast or Jammin'?
Killington’s Bear Mountain Mogul Challenge and Sugarloaf’s Reggae Fest dominate the East Coast slopeside party scene.
11 Fun Spring Fests
Slopeside live music, wacky costumes, and tons of beer? Sign us up for these spring festivals.
It's On in the East: Deep Snow, and More Predicted
We caught up with Mad River Glen's Eric Friedman, one of the industry’s least bullshitty public relations guys, for his take on how good the skiing is. For fans of natural snow, now's the time.
Ode to the ’Loaf
I thought I won it for being fast, a misconception my father did not dispute even though it would cost him thousands in race gear and entry fees over the next decade.

Classics: Sugarloaf, Maine
Point your compass North and East to the lofty steeps of the right coast’s largest resort.
Sugarloaf's Alpine Turnover
Changing hands—twice—turned out to be a blessing for the East’s biggest resort.
The 'Loaf Fires its 'Guns
Cold temps in Maine allow snowmakers to begin work.
Resort Guide 2013: #4 Sugarloaf
Check out Hilary Nangle's author page.
Not Done Yet: Boyne Blows Spring Snow at Eastern Resorts
Snow guns are turned back on at Sugarloaf, Sunday River and Loon—because spring skiing should be a right, not a privilege.
Sugarloaf Opens Brackett Basin
Yesterday, Sugarloaf opened Brackett Basin, the first phase of their sidecountry expansion onto neighboring Burnt Mountain. Ten inches of new snow gave them enough coverage to open the upper glades. Here's what it looks like.
Six Injured After Chair Derails at Sugarloaf
Around 10:30 this morning, an aging double chair derailed at Sugarloaf, Maine.
Double Diamond Steakhouse
A steakhouse right at the base of the mountain.
The Rack
Extend your après.
Gepetto's
Rowdy fun for the whole family.
The Bag & Kettle
An English-style pub with a relaxed Maine vibe and freshly-brewed beer.
D'Ellies
Homemade, fresh, delicious breakfast and lunch.
Snowshoe Safari
Explore the Maine woods at a slightly slower pace.
Skateboarding
Skate the biggest indoor skate in Maine. Don't worry, lessons are available.
Climbing Wall
Use your arms instead of your legs.
Trampoline
Practice your aerial moves or just jump around.
Sugarloaf Tubing
Mellow enough for young kids, but still exciting enough to give teens and parents a rush
Three Stanley Avenue
This cozy bed and breakfast will feel like home during your ski vacation to Sugarloaf.
Shipyard Brewhaus
For on-mountain pizza delivery, a place to mingle with locals, and great apres-ski deals, you can't beat the Shipyard Brewhaus.
One Stanley Ave
This Northeastern restaurant features unique Maine-inspired dishes.
Tufulios
Drive down to Tufulios for happy hour after your ski day.
Sugarloaf Inn
The location of this hotel makes skiing a breeze, the chairlift is steps from your room.
Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel
This centrally located hotel will keep everyone in the family happy.
The Herbert Grand Hotel
Gather in the lobby with the other guests of the hotel for apres-ski festivities.
The Bag & Kettle
An English-style pub with a relaxed Maine vibe and freshly-brewed beer.
Dumps of the Week
It is still dumping snow across the west. Tahoe is getting hammered with feet upon feet of snow. Grand Targhee, Snowbird, Silverton Mountain, Alyeska—they're all getting snow. Winter isn't over—get out and ski powder while you still can.
Skiing the Sidecountry
Explore open bowls and unmapped trails inside the resort, then dive into untamed descents just beyond the ropes. Your next big adventure is...
Maine Attraction
This born-and-bred Vermonter thought he knew a little bit about Maine. But a road trip to the ski areas in the heart of the pine tree state—Sunday River, Sugarloaf and Saddleback—made him realize just how big—and beautiful—the state really is.
Maine Attraction, page 5
This born-and-bred Vermonter thought he knew a little bit about Maine. But a road trip to the ski areas in the heart of the pine tree state—Sunday River, Sugarloaf and Saddleback—made him realize just how big—and beautiful—the state really is.
Maine Attraction, page 4
This born-and-bred Vermonter thought he knew a little bit about Maine. But a road trip to the ski areas in the heart of the pine tree state—Sunday River, Sugarloaf and Saddleback—made him realize just how big—and beautiful—the state really is.
Maine Attraction, page 3
This born-and-bred Vermonter thought he knew a little bit about Maine. But a road trip to the ski areas in the heart of the pine tree state—Sunday River, Sugarloaf and Saddleback—made him realize just how big—and beautiful—the state really is.
Maine Attraction, page 2
This born-and-bred Vermonter thought he knew a little bit about Maine. But a road trip to the ski areas in the heart of the pine tree state—Sunday River, Sugarloaf and Saddleback—made him realize just how big—and beautiful—the state really is.
Skiing Sugarloaf
Discover the charms of one of New England's sweetest mountains
EAST: Labor Day Gear and Season Pass Sales
Check out SkiMag.com Editors's author page.
Maine resorts have strongest season in history
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