Sugarloaf Keeps Investing in Mountain Improvements
If there was any question about which peak is home to the largest ski area in the East, Sugarloaf has provided a definitive answer with the continuation of its 2020 Ten-Year Development Plan. Phase II of the Burnt Mountain Glade expansion was completed over the summer, increasing the terrain by another 100 acres. When completed, the project will encompass 650 new acres. According to Communications Manager Ethan Austin there are no other glades of that size in the East. Sugarloaf was a behemoth before the expansion began. Now the mountain with a 2,820-foot vertical drop boasts 153 total trails, including more than 28 that cut through glades. Last year 270 acres were added on Burnt Mountain, which Austin said was terrain that never existed before.
Also part of the $4.3 million in off-season improvements is the new Skyline Quad chairlift, which takes the place of the Spillway lifts. “It will transport skiers and riders up the center of the mountain into the heart of Sugarloaf’s signature terrain,” Austin says. Spillway was in the news last winter after it derailed, sending riders plummeting 25 feet to the snow-covered ground. Eight people were injured. The Loaf also added a $150,000 digital drive system for its SuperQuad, made improvements to the snowmaking system and added two Prinoth grooming vehicles. To see a video of the off-season work go to this video.
Sugarloaf has great family, youth and learn-to-ski programs, but it’s known as a skier’s mountain. Despite all the great amenities, restaurants and lodging options, Austin says the focus is “first and foremost on skiing. It’s the best terrain in the East.” And there’s plenty of variety with mid-mountain tickets, three terrain parks, an impressive 63 advanced trails and 15 lifts to get you up and down quickly.
There’s also plenty to do without the downhill skis or boards off your feet. Sugarloaf is home to the Carrabassett Valley Antigravity Complex, which offers Maine’s largest indoor skate bowl, trampolines, an indoor rock climbing wall and a multi-purpose gymnasium with a track. And there’s also an outdoor center with cross-country skiing, tubing and ice skating. The annual can’t-miss event is Reggae Fest in April, which draws crowds of up to 10,000 people. White White World Week is Jan. 23-26, during the coldest, darkest, shortest days of the season. It features a different themed party every night – and gets people out on the slopes, which is what The Loaf is all about.
Sugarloaf
Address: 5092 Access Road, Carrabassett Valley
Opens for the season: Late November
Number & type of trails: 153; 23 percent green, 34 percent blue, 27 percent black diamond, 16 percent double black diamond, 19 percent glades
Vertical drop: 2,820 feet
Snowmaking: Yes, 94 percent of terrain
Amenities: 3 terrain parks, superpipe, tubing, Outdoor Center with cross country skiing and ice skating, Sports & Fitness Center ,13 restaurant, café and lounge options
Lifts: 15, including 2 quad chairs, 1 triple chair, 8 double chairs, 1 T-bar, 1 carpet and 2 detachable quads
Ticket prices: Full day adult $79, teen $66, junior/senior $55
Specials: Maine Ski Day presented by The Bank of Maine on Dec. 11 offers all Maine residents $29 lift tickets, $20 rentals or $39 learn-to-ski packages; Frequent Skier Card – pay $97 and save on lift tickets all year
Signature events: White White World Week Jan. 23-26, 43rd Annual Special Olympics Jan. 29-30, 24th Annual Bug Light Reggae Fest April 12-15
Did you know?
The Sugarloaf sticker has its own website. Check out this page to see where the famous symbol has traveled.
