Skiing The Loaf at a Glance
162 trails plus glades and backcountry, 13 lifts
1,240 skiing-acres, 2,820’ vertical, 4,237’ elevation
Route 27, Carrabassett Valley
Birth 1950
Sugarloaf is New England’s largest ski resort, by acreage, with over 1,240 acres of skiing trails, glades and side country terrain. Sugarloaf has an iconic peak at 4,237’, hosting Maine’s greatest vertical of 2,820.’ It’s a big mountain, with a big cult following among passionate skiers, it’s hard to get to and hard to forget… with a great base village full of loyal Loaf fans that like to ski and party après ski. What’s unique about Sugarloaf, besides its remote location in the Carrabassett Valley, is the breathtaking views from the bold windblown summit, and the above tree line skiing from the summit, called Sugarloaf snowfields, when the snow is good.
Beside the summit skiing and extensive glades and backcountry terrain in Bracket Basin – including cat-skiing access, Sugarloaf offers some of the best learn to ski and ride programs in New England for kids, plentiful slope-side lodging in the village, a handful of lively bars and restaurants for après ski, plus a friendly local staff that make The Loaf warm and fuzzy like their mascots Amos the Moose and Blueberry Bear.
Sugarloaf opened in 1950 by Amos Winter, and soon became host to big events like World Cup ski races, the Sugarloaf Schuss and ski clubs and racing clubs – like Carrabassett Valley Academy – home of the most Olympic skiers and snowboarders in New England. Gold medal snowboarder Seth Wescott lives here, designs Winterstick boards, and owns the Rack- a great bbq restaurant and bar. Bode Miller went to school here CVA, the lift goes on of Loaf accolades.
Sugarloaf has an authentic ski vibe, and extensive terrain for all abilities among 162 trails and 15 lifts – not fancy but four quads (that recently got repairs and upgrades following two chair lift incidents). Sugarloaf’s convenient village brims with ski shops, pubs and great restaurants for après ski like the Bag and Kettle, 45 North, Hunker Down, Alice & Lulu’s, and The Rack, ski shops, and resort lodging from tons of Sugarloaf condominiums to The Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel. We recommend this ski hotel in heart of Sugarloaf’s village for convenience, commanding views from most every well-appointed room, steps to the Super Quad, to Sugarloaf shops, dining, apres ski and bands at the Widowmaker. While not fancy, it’s the most luxurious at The Loaf (as locals affectionately call it). The 30 person outdoor hot tub is a very social spot, you can see the slopes and a chairlift passing overhead…very cool and hot for après ski.
Sugarloaf rolls out fun events all season, which runs mid-November til May, with White World Week, Children’s Fest, and the big spring flings Reggaefest and Easter. Ski the Loaf, it’s worth the long drive to see that first sight of the summit at “Oh My Gosh Corner. There may be lift lines, or cold or wind, its all part of the experience at the Loaf… then you can say you’re a Sugarloafer since…
See our review of Sunday River Maine skiing, we love Maine during its longest season – winter, as a top ski destination.
And then there is Amos the Moose, Sugarloaf’s mountain mascot. Taking a queue from Mickey Mouse, Amos says nothing; he just smiles, and waves and skis away.