Sugarloaf is more than a mountain—it’s a way of life. Rising out of the remote Carrabassett Valley, it stands as the biggest ski area east of the Rockies and the beating heart of Maine’s ski culture. Wild, proud, and fiercely independent, Sugarloaf combines alpine grit with small-town warmth. On a bluebird day, you can see across three states and into Canada. On a powder day, it’s pure East Coast magic.
Quick Stats
- Location: Carrabassett Valley, Maine
- Elevation: 1,417 ft base / 4,237 ft summit
- Vertical Drop: 2,820 ft
- Skiable Terrain: 1,240 acres (plus 650 acres of sidecountry in Brackett Basin)
- Annual Snowfall: ~200 inches
- Number of Runs: 162
- Lifts: 13
- Vibe Check: Remote, authentic, and proudly Maine
The Vibe
Sugarloaf is where rugged meets real. It’s big enough to feel like an adventure, yet small enough that everyone waves at you in the lift line. The terrain spans from long cruisers to rowdy glades to the only lift-served above-treeline skiing in the East. Off the slopes, the Sugarloaf community comes alive with live music, hearty food, and a sense of belonging that’s hard to find elsewhere. This isn’t just a resort—it’s a tribe of Loafers who live for winter.
Must-Ride Runs
🟢 Greens
- Boardwalk – wide, forgiving, and perfect for families.
- The Birches – mellow terrain at the base ideal for learning or warming up.
🟦 Blues
- Tote Road – the backbone of Sugarloaf, offering 3 miles of classic cruising.
- Kings Landing – smooth, rolling pitch with spectacular views of the Bigelow Range.
- Narrow Gauge – a favorite among locals and home to World Cup training.
♦︎ Blacks
- Bubblecuffer – steep and fast with consistent fall-line perfection.
- Gondola Line – a challenging drop under the old lift path, perfect for experts.
- Brackett Basin – 650 acres of sidecountry glades for powder hunters.
Après + Town Stays
Après at Sugarloaf is equal parts energy and community—the kind of scene where you’ll end up sharing beers and stories with total strangers.
- The Widowmaker – the iconic slopeside bar with live bands and mountain views.
- Bag & Kettle Brewpub – classic Sugarloaf pub with hearty food and local beer.
- Shipyard Brew Haus – family-friendly and festive, with Maine brews on tap.
- The Rack BBQ – beloved by locals for barbecue, music, and ski-town soul.
- 45 North – elevated dining inside the Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel.
- Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel – slopeside luxury with spa and dining steps from the lifts.
- Sugarloaf Inn – affordable, cozy, and full of old-school charm.
Travel Tips
Fly into Portland International Jetport (PWM) or Bangor International Airport (BGR)—both about 2.5 hours away. The final stretch up Route 27 is remote and beautiful, but bring good tires if there’s weather. Once you’re there, everything’s walkable or shuttle-accessible. January brings cold, grippy snow; March delivers softer turns and long, sunny days. Don’t miss Reggae Fest in April—an iconic Sugarloaf tradition that turns the whole mountain into a party.
Fun Facts
- Sugarloaf is the largest ski area east of the Rockies.
- Home to the only lift-served above-treeline skiing in the East.
- Opened in 1950, making it one of the oldest resorts in New England.
- The local community of “Loafers” has its own traditions, stickers, and sayings.
- The mountain mascot, Amos the Moose, is a legend among families.
Why It Made Our Top 50 List
Sugarloaf made the list because it captures the heart of Eastern skiing—gritty, welcoming, and proud. It’s a mountain that demands effort to reach and rewards it with soul, snow, and scenery that feels almost spiritual. When you ski the Loaf, you don’t just visit—you belong.