Sugarloaf Mountain

(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