5 Northeast Resorts To Escape The Humidity
Summer in the city is overrated. Here are five mountain escapes to help beat the Northeast's heat and humidity.
(Photo: Courtesy of Sugarloaf Resort/Jamie Walter)
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. 3 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 Pick
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.
Sugarloaf’s website
(Photo: Courtesy of Sugarloaf Resort/Jamie Walter) 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. 3 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 Pick 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. Sugarloaf’s website
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Check out Hilary Nangle's author page.
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A steakhouse right at the base of the mountain.
Extend your après.
Rowdy fun for the whole family.
An English-style pub with a relaxed Maine vibe and freshly-brewed beer.
Homemade, fresh, delicious breakfast and lunch.
Explore the Maine woods at a slightly slower pace.
Skate the biggest indoor skate in Maine. Don't worry, lessons are available.
Use your arms instead of your legs.
Practice your aerial moves or just jump around.
Mellow enough for young kids, but still exciting enough to give teens and parents a rush
This cozy bed and breakfast will feel like home during your ski vacation to Sugarloaf.
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This Northeastern restaurant features unique Maine-inspired dishes.
Drive down to Tufulios for happy hour after your ski day.
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This centrally located hotel will keep everyone in the family happy.
Gather in the lobby with the other guests of the hotel for apres-ski festivities.
An English-style pub with a relaxed Maine vibe and freshly-brewed beer.
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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.
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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.
Discover the charms of one of New England's sweetest mountains
Check out The Editors's author page.
Check out The Editors's author page.
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