Sugarloaf Ski Resort in Maine and Escape2ski provides info on; vertical drop 2820ft/860m, total trails 162, closest airport 119mi/192km, lifts 14, and more.

The ski resort is located on Sugarloaf Mountain, which is part of the Longfellow Mountain Range in Western Maine and close to the town of Carrabassett Valley in Franklin County. Sugarloaf Ski Resort has the state of Maine’s highest skiable peak with a summit elevation of 4237ft/1291m, making it the second-highest peak in Maine.

Early development of the Sugarloaf Ski Resort began back in 1950 when the Sugarloaf Mountain Ski Club negotiated a 20-year land lease with the Great Northern Paper Company. In 1951, the area opened for skiing with one trail on the North Facing mountain with a vertical drop of 1800ft/549m from the summit and no lift service.

Sugarloaf Ski Resort officially became a ski area in 1953 with a 700ft/214m Rope Tow and a small shelter at the top. In 1955, several exciting things happened at the resort; in March, the Sugarloaf Mountain Corporation was formed and named avid skiers Robert “Bunny” Bass, as President and Amos Winter, as the Executive Manager. Both men were instrumental in guiding the direction and growth of the ski resort for many years to come. The second exciting event was the installation of a new T-Bar, plus the addition of a new base lodge.

As excitement and increased skier visits continued at the ski resort, a decision was made in the summer of 1959 to move the base area 250ft/76m lower on the mountain. This move would allow the resort to create a dedicated beginner area, which would attract even more skiers to the mountain.

Since its inception in 1953, Sugarloaf Ski Resort has grown by leaps and bounds. There have been several milestone moments like the addition of a four-person gondola that opened on Feb 4, 1966 (no longer in existence). The re-branding to Sugarloaf/USA providing international exposure (the USA was dropped in 2007). The installation of the first chairlift in the 1969-70 season and the Village Center’s construction in 1972. The addition of snowmaking to guard against Mother Nature in 1973. And in 1984, the West Mountain area opened. In 2000 the ski resort celebrated its 50th Anniversary!

Sugarloaf Ski Resort has seen many changes over the past 50 years, from one trail to well over 150 ski runs, many ownership changes, lean snow years, the hosting of many ski events, and earning a reputation far beyond the borders of the United States.

Today, Sugarloaf Ski Resort provides skiing and snowboarding on Sugarloaf Mountain along with a secondary in-bounds back-country experience on Burnt Mountain and Brackett Basin. There are also three access points to get on the slopes, the main village area, West Mountain base area, and the Snowbrook Village Condo base area.

On the Slopes

• The terrain layout at Sugarloaf Ski Resort features the vast majority of beginner terrain on the lower portion of the mountain, the intermediate terrain at the mid-mountain level, and the advanced to expert terrain on the upper part of the front side of the mountain.
• There is a unique area with all double black diamond terrain at the summit of Sugarloaf Ski Resort known as “The Snowfields”. On this expert-only terrain, you will find runs with names like Powder Keg, Ignitor, Pure Heat, and White Nitro, to name a few.
• Burnt Mountain Cat-Skiing is an exciting option when conditions permit. A Cat Ticket is required to access the powder on the glades of this steep mountain terrain. The recommended skill level is advanced to expert. Call 1-800-643-8231 for more info.
• Sugarloaf Ski Resort features five terrain parks that range from beginner to an expert park, plus a banked slalom course. There are rails, boxes, rainbows, and medium to large jumps that add to your overall experience. The parks are strategically located throughout the mountain.
• The Sugarloaf Ski Resort Ski and Snowboard School has a dedicated team of professional instructors who have the skills to get you on the slopes for the first time or help improve on your current skill set. There are Perfect Turn Lessons, adult group and private lessons, and kid’s lessons, both group and private.
• Sugarloaf Ski Resorts provides many on-mountain lodging options. In the heart of the quaint village is their signature property, the Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel.
• Other on-mountain properties include Sugarloaf Village Condos, Snowbrook Village Condos located below the village near the base of the Snubber Trail, and Premier Properties, which features high-end mountain lodges along with private homes located throughout the resort neighbourhood.

Off the Slopes

• NOTE: there is no nearby lodging in Carrabasset Valley, so we suggest you book one of the on-mountain properties.
• Sugarloaf Ski Resort and the Carrabassett Valley provide many activities for individuals and families. The Sugarloaf Outdoor Center features a 55mi/90km groomed Nordic Trail System. Trails range in difficulty from beginner to advanced trails. Rentals are available.
• There is also snowshoeing around the village and valley, outdoor ice skating on an NHL ice size surface with music and lights, along with pick-up hockey or a visit to the Carrabassett Valley Public Library and Community Center, plus the Sugarloaf Sport & Fitness Center.
• There are dining locations on the mountain and throughout the quaint village at Sugarloaf Ski Resort. Hunker Down, D’Ellies, Black Diamond Burritos, and The Bag and Kettle are just a few on a village stroll.
• There are several retail outlets, such as Sugarloafer Shop in the west village and the Burton Signature Shop in the Village Center.
• For those who need to shop for groceries while visiting Sugarloaf Ski Resort, there are two locations. On the mountain, there is Sugarloaf Groceries located in Village West, and just before the entrance road to the ski resort on Route 27 is Mountain Grocers.
• Sugarloaf Ski Resort provides a licensed child care facility for ages ten weeks to four years located in Gondola Village at the bottom of the Whiffletree Lift. They provide a fun and safe environment for all. Reservations are required; call 207-237-6804 for more info. Beginners ski lessons are also offered.
• Sugarloaf Ski Resort operates a resort shuttle service during the winter season. The service is FREE, and you can use it to get from a parking lot to the ski base area or if you need a ride home to your lodging after an evening out.
• The Sugarloaf Explorer is a FREE local transit service that operates to the base area on regular routes from the lodging properties located at the ski resort and the Carrabassett Valley.