Skiing conditions at Sugarloaf are some of the best in the East.
Located in Carrabassett Valley, Maine, Sugarloaf Mountain has been one of New England's premier ski resorts for more than five decades. The resort opened in 1951 when Amos Winter and some local kids known as The Bigelow Boys enlisted famed ski-trail designer Sel Hannah to cut the first trail. Today, the mountain is recognized as a four-season resort with an annual spring reggae festival and golf becoming the main attractions during the warmer months.
Skiing
Sugarloaf Mountain is Maine's second highest peak with an elevation of 4,237 feet. The resort offers 1,400 skiable acres with 138 trails. The difficulty of trails is pretty evenly divided with 34 green beginner trails, 44 blue intermediate, 39 expert black diamond and 21 ultra-expert double-black diamonds. Sugarloaf also has 20 glades and three terrain parks geared toward beginner, intermediate and expert levels.
The ski season at Sugarloaf usually last from mid-November to the end of April. The resort has snow-making capability over 95 percent of its trails. There are 15 lifts that can accommodate 21,810 skiers per hour.
In 2007, Boyne Resorts partnered with CNL Lifestyle Properties to take over ownership of Sugarloaf. Since taking over, Boyne has invested millions in improving snow making and the terrain parks.
Golf
The Sugarloaf Golf Club has been named one of America's Top 100 Golf Courses and the No. 1 course in Maine by "Golf Digest." Located in the heart of the Carrabasset Valley, the par-72 course measures 6,910 yards and is surrounded by mountains and the Carrabesset River. It is not uncommon to spot wildlife such as deer, moose and woodpeckers when playing the course.
For those golfers looking to polish their game, the Sugarloaf Golf School can help improve skills with an average 4 to 1 student-to-pro ratio. The program includes golf instruction plus video analysis and unlimited use of practice areas.
Reggae Fest
For the past 22 years Sugarloaf celebrates the change in seasons with Reggae Fest, which is a combination of live music during the day and night with the best spring skiing in the East.
Recognized by "Ski Magazine" as one of the Top Ten Spring Parties in North America in 2009, the 2010 Annual Bud Light Reggae Fest featured Inner Circle, Kenyatta "Culture" Hill and Tosh1, featuring the son of reggae legend Peter Tosh. Many performances have no age restrictions so Reggae Fest can be enjoyed by the whole family.
Guided Adventures and Outdoor Adventures for Kids
Another popular activity at Sugarloaf is its Guided Adventures program, which gives you the chance to explore the mountain with the help of a master guide. Summer programs for 2010 include a sunrise canoe trip along the north branch of the Dead River, a fly-fishing school, a twilight moose cruise and a hike to the Poplar Stream Falls Hut.
For kids ages 4 to13, there is the Outdoor Adventures camp program. Participation can be by the day or by the week. The camp essentially brings the best the mountain has to offer to kids in a way they can appreciate it. Activities range from lessons at the golf club and fly-fishing instruction to "Peak Baggers," where kids go on hiking adventures to climb the peaks of Sugarloaf. There are also traditional camp activities such as swimming and field trips to local attractions such as the Attitash Alpine Slide.
Maine Huts and Trails
Maine Huts and Trails is a new trail system for hiking, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing and mountain biking that is being developed. When completed, the system will cover 180 miles from the Mahoosuc Mountains to Moosehead Lake.
Along the trails are heated huts where hikers can settle in for the night. These bunkhouses can accommodate up to 40 people and have showers, beds, a full kitchen and dining room. There is also a full staff on hand.
The first hut opened was the Poplar Stream Falls hut, and the hut enables Sugarloaf guests the opportunity to explore the mountain and enjoy its natural wonders year-round.
Tags: Reggae Fest, Sugarloaf Mountain, explore mountain, Guided Adventures, Huts Trails, intermediate expert, Maine Huts
