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.
At the Rivah, it’s always been about the snow. The resort excels at making it and grooming it, and has a knack for turning Mother Nature’s tantrums into heavenly conditions. But snow isn’t the only reason this northwestern Maine resort earns kudos—it also seduces skiers with the diversity of terrain.
Stand at the peak of Sunday River’s Jordan Bowl on a bluebird morning, and the world is your oyster. Think eight interconnected mountains laced with 135 trails and glades. The efficient lift system and trail network makes it possible even for beginners to ski from one end to the other, and for experienced skiers to accept the invitations from each peak along the way, whether that’s White Cap’s steep thrills, Spruce’s terrain parks, or the steep bumped and gladed natural playgrounds on Oz and Aurora. Ski-in/ski-out condos and hotels make it easy to stay where you play, but the nearby postcard village of Bethel expands the options. – Hilary Nangle
Average Snowfall | Acres | Lifts | Trails |
155″ | 870 | 15 | 135 |
Sunday River 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.
From lodging and and dining to off-slope activities and local tips, here are the SKI editors’ picks for what to do in Sunday River, Maine.
First Tracks includes 6:45 a.m. coffee, 7 a.m.-9 a.m. guided skiing, followed by a multi-course breakfast at the Mountain Room in the Peak Lodge; $99 + lift ticket.
Plan ahead for a dogsledding day trip with Mahoosuc Guide Service’s Master Maine Guides and friendly huskies, including insulated winter parkas and boots plus a hearty campfire lunch.
Grab the kiddos and watch a drive-in family movie screened on Saturday evenings at the Grand Summit Hotel’s outdoor heated pool.
Mix with the locals at Hoot Night, an open mic tradition at Sud’s Pub in Bethel since 1987.
When Mother Nature is stingy, Sunday River’s snowmaking and grooming systems create skiable conditions.
Of the 135 trails, 30 percent are beginner, 36 percent intermediate, and 34 percent advanced/expert.
The nearby town of Bethel serves up a quaint New England vibe with much on offer.
According to the 2022 SKI Reader Resort Survey, these resorts are getting it right when it comes to snow maintenance.
Where the snowmaking and grooming are second to none.
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Not to be outdone by the West, the two Eastern Resorts will also start spinning lifts this weekend.
A slew of resorts hop on the Ikon Pass and more days are added for Northeast ski areas.
In the snowy mountains of western Maine, a bitter battle rages. Proud Sugarloafers swear allegiance, while brash Sunday Riverites remember every insult.
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At this enormous mountain, huge investments in snowmaking (including more than $1 million just this season) and impeccable grooming pay off.