SugarloafCarrabassett Valley, Maine

Resort Description

Sugarloaf is home to a strong alpine tradition and the hard-nosed skiers that made it that way. Featuring the only above tree line skiing in the East, the ’Loaf can get mighty cold, but can also get mighty good, averaging 200 inches of snow every year. With 1,056 acres of inbounds terrain and 2,820 feet of continuous vertical drop, the largest ski resort east of the Mississippi has plenty of mountain playground for all ability levels.
The Sugarloaf 2020 expansion plan promises 655 sidecountry acres in Brackett Basin and neighboring Burnt Mountain, with 300 shred-worthy acres already accessible. This means endless tree options for East Coast powder rangers. Sugarloaf also boasts classic steeps with trails like Ripsaw and Upper Bubblecuffer, as well as four terrain parks and two halfpipes. Rumor has it that hitting Double Bitter a day after it snows and taking it down through the Stomping Grounds Park is one of the best runs on the mountain, and definitely the emptiest.
For those looking for a more casual approach, Tote Road is a winding 3.5-mile trail from summit to base. Also, take a look at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center which features 90km of groomed Nordic trails and ice skating on an NHL-sized rink. The Antigravity Complex is also worth a peak, with an indoor skate park and trampoline room.
Lodging is integrated right into the slope with the Trailside Condominiums and the Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel, and dining at the mountain is nice and affordable. For an on-mountain lunch head to D’Ellies for great sandwiches and soups or Bag Burger for “designer burgers,” named after fashion icons like “The Gucci” and “The Dior.” The real Sugarloaf flavor will come from a late night trip to the Rack, a bar co-owned by local legend Seth Wescott, where you can rub shoulders with weekend warriors and hearty-bearded snowblowers alike.