Sunday River views
Sunday River, situated in Newry, Maine, is widely acknowledged as one of the premier ski and snowboard destinations on the East Coast.
This mountain is the second largest in Maine, boasting a vertical drop of 2,340 feet, which ranks sixth in New England. With 870 skiable acres and 135 trails and glades, it offers something for everyone. To avoid crowds, consider skiing during the week. Adult lift tickets are available for approximately $75 for a full day; this mountain is also included on the Ikon pass.
For those who wish to enhance their skills, both group and private lessons are available for adults and children alike.
Having established the essential details about the mountain, here are five compelling reasons to consider Sunday River for your next skiing adventure.
Ski-in/Ski-out Lodging at Sunday River
Sunday River features two primary resorts conveniently located right at the mountain, along with various condos available for rental, perfect for those who enjoy ski-in/ski-out accommodations. If you haven’t tried it yet, the experience of stepping out of your lodging directly onto the slopes is truly unparalleled.
The Grand Summit Hotel
Positioned at the base of White Cap and Locke peaks, the Grand Summit Hotel provides everything one needs for a comfortable stay. The staff is exceptionally accommodating, the rooms are meticulously clean, and the onsite wellness activities are impressive.
After a day on the mountain, guests can conveniently store their equipment at the ski check located just inside the hotel entrance. This service incurs no extra charge unless the guest opts to leave a tip, eliminating the hassle of carrying personal equipment up to the room each day.
Opting for a room that includes breakfast is a wise choice; the buffet offers an extensive selection, including an omelet station, hearty cooked options, breads, meats, cheeses, smoothies, and more.
The fitness center provides an option for those seeking an invigorating workout after a day on the slopes. Alternatively, guests can unwind in the sauna, pool, or hot tub. The setup is ideal for relaxation, allowing a quick sauna session before venturing into a heated indoor area that leads to the heated pool.
Transitioning to the main pool area and then soothing muscles in the hot tub offers a delightful conclusion to the day. From the pool and hot tub, guests can enjoy a picturesque view of the groomers as they prepare the mountain for the next day’s skiing activities.
The Jordan Hotel
Located on the opposite side of the mountain at the base of Jordan’s Bowl, the Jordan Hotel is a charming option featuring an outdoor heated sauna and excellent beer on tap.
While the drive in may pose some inconvenience, and accessing other areas can be more challenging, the amenities available on-site compensate for these limitations. Guests can enjoy multiple restaurants, ski-in/ski-out accessibility, a captivating hot tub, and one of the finest snowboarding areas on the mountain.
Navigating the Area
Even if you stay directly at the mountain, exploring nearby restaurants is highly recommended. Instead of driving, you have two excellent shuttle options for transportation.
Sunday River Resort Shuttles
The mountain operates shuttle services to facilitate travel between resorts, base lodges, and parking areas. These shuttles run continuously throughout the day, making it easy to venture to the main lodge for dinner.
With three base lodges to choose from, the shuttles adhere to a scheduled loop, ensuring reliable transportation back to your lodging.
Mountain Explorer Shuttle
Impressively, the town of Bethel provides a free shuttle service from Sunday River to various local destinations. Schedules are available at the hotel front desk.
This shuttle makes stops at popular spots, such as the Matterhorn restaurant and the Sunday River Brewing Company, allowing guests to enjoy local brews without having to drive.
Trail Options at Sunday River
Ski and snowboard trails
Sunday River stands out among the mountains I have visited on the East Coast, primarily due to its abundant skiable terrain. With eight peaks, it offers several days of skiing and still leaves room for exploration.
For Beginners
Families with young children and novice skiers should consider North Peak, which predominantly features green circle trails and a few blue squares. Additionally, Lollapalooza at Jordan’s Bowl presents a long and enjoyable run. Be mindful of a few double black diamond tree runs, as skiers may emerge unexpectedly from the woods.
For Experts
Expert skiers seeking tree runs or looking to challenge themselves on double black diamonds should make their way to both White Cap and Oz. Each peak primarily consists of double black diamonds but includes a few blue squares and green circles for those who might not be ready for the more challenging trails.
Among my personal favorites was White Heat, a double black diamond on White Cap. Additional recommendations include Obsession on White Cap and Airglow at Aurora Peak.
For Intermediate Skiers
Intermediate skiers will find ample terrain suitable for their level. Each peak features blue square trails, barring Oz, which I highly recommend exploring. I particularly enjoyed the Risky Business and Lazy River trails.
Bethel: The Best Ski Town in America
If time allows, consider taking the Mountain Explorer shuttle to Bethel, which USA Today has recognized as “America’s Best Ski Town.” This charming ski town boasts a variety of restaurants, shops, and cafes, making it a delightful destination to explore.
Exciting Events at Sunday River
Sunday River isn’t solely a ski mountain; it also hosts vibrant events throughout the year. Below are a few highlights, but for a comprehensive list, refer to their events page.
Spring Fest Weekend
This festive celebration marks the arrival of spring, featuring live concerts, various food offerings, and drinks for all attendees.
Pond-a-palooza
Spring skiing wouldn’t be complete without pond skimming. Each spring, participants dress up and ski or ride into a large manmade pond at the base of the hill, competing to see how far they can glide.
Views from the summit of Sunday River
Final Thoughts
Sunday River has quickly become my preferred mountain on the East Coast, offering an impressive array of terrain suitable for all skill levels. I was able to enhance my skiing abilities and even ventured onto black and double black diamond runs here for the first time.
Which mountain on the East Coast stands out as your favorite? To discover additional recommendations, consult my East Coast mountain recommendations. Be sure to return for updates as I continue to explore further East Coast skiing options.
