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.
Sunday River Resort, Maine
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
Resort Guide 2022—Sunday River, Maine
Sunday River Mountain Stats
| Average Snowfall | Acres | Lifts | Trails |
| 155″ | 870 | 15 | 135 |
Sunday River Pass Info
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.
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 Sunday River, Maine.
Best Breakfast
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.
Down-Day Activity
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.
Family Experience
Grab the kiddos and watch a drive-in family movie screened on Saturday evenings at the Grand Summit Hotel’s outdoor heated pool.
Local Tip
Mix with the locals at Hoot Night, an open mic tradition at Sud’s Pub in Bethel since 1987.
Grooming
When Mother Nature is stingy, Sunday River’s snowmaking and grooming systems create skiable conditions.
Terrain Variety
Of the 135 trails, 30 percent are beginner, 36 percent intermediate, and 34 percent advanced/expert.
Charm
The nearby town of Bethel serves up a quaint New England vibe with much on offer.
Sunday River, Maine
Where the snowmaking and grooming are second to none.
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Trip Ideas: Sunday River, Maine
At this enormous mountain, huge investments in snowmaking (including more than $1 million just this season) and impeccable grooming pay off.