Sunday River is the East Coast done right. Sprawled across eight interconnected peaks in western Maine, this resort delivers the kind of size, snowmaking, and variety that rivals anything in the Rockies. It’s the place where New Englanders go to rack up vertical, chase corduroy perfection, and still find hidden stashes days after a storm. From families to freeriders, Sunday River has range—and plenty of heart.

Quick Stats

• Location: Newry, Maine
• Elevation: 800 ft base / 3,140 ft summit
• Vertical Drop: 2,340 ft
• Skiable Terrain: 884 acres
• Annual Snowfall: ~167 inches (plus one of the most advanced snowmaking systems in North America)
• Number of Runs: 135
• Lifts: 18
• Vibe Check: Big, family-friendly, and proudly East Coast tough

The Vibe

Sunday River has an unmistakable energy—equal parts weekend warrior and mountain town soul. The resort’s layout makes it feel endless, with eight connected peaks that each have their own personality. White Cap and Locke are old-school classics; Oz and Jordan Bowl bring open alpine lines and a hint of the West. Off the slopes, the vibe shifts to fun and friendly: après beers by the fire, big family dinners, and live music echoing through the valley. There’s no pretense here, just passion.

Must-Ride Runs

🟢 Greens

• Southway – wide, forgiving, and perfect for warm-up laps.
• Moonstruck – scenic, easy run for cruising under the gondola.

🟦 Blues

• American Express – classic Sunday River groomer for carving up corduroy.
• Dream Maker – fun, flowy trail with a little bit of everything.
• Lollapalooza – long and playful with a beautiful forest backdrop.

♦︎ Blacks

• Right Stuff – a local favorite for its perfect pitch and rolling flow.
• White Heat – steep, straight, and one of the most iconic runs in the East.
• Vortex – technical moguls that test your edge control.

Après + Town Stays

Après at Sunday River is a blend of mountain-party energy and cozy Maine comfort. Whether you’re grabbing a craft beer or relaxing fireside, it’s always warm, friendly, and full of locals.

• Foggy Goggle – the mountain’s top après bar with live music and rowdy fun.
• Matterhorn Ski Bar – legendary for pizza, pints, and ski-town chaos.
• Sunday River Brewing Company – hearty food and craft brews just down the access road.
• The Shipyard Brew Haus – slope-side classic with Maine comfort food.
• Bethel Inn Resort – historic inn with fine dining and cross-country skiing on-site.
• The Jordan Hotel – ski-in luxury with outdoor hot tubs and mountain views.
• The Grand Summit Hotel – central hub for families, complete with spa and easy lift access.

Travel Tips

Fly into Portland International Jetport (PWM) or Boston Logan (BOS), then drive about 90 minutes from Portland or 3 hours from Boston. The road winds through classic Maine countryside, and once you arrive, you’ll find everything within easy reach. Sunday River’s snowmaking is legendary—over 90% coverage means reliable skiing from November through April. For fresh tracks, hit Jordan Bowl early or sneak into Oz on a powder morning.

Fun Facts

• Sunday River was founded in 1959 and started with a single T-bar.
• The resort spans eight peaks, each with distinct terrain and style.
• It’s part of the Boyne Resorts family, alongside Big Sky and Loon.
• The Jordan 8 chairlift is the fastest 8-person lift in North America.
• Sunday River regularly wins awards for best snowmaking in the East.

Why It Made Our Top 50 List

Sunday River made the list because it’s the full East Coast package: big, bold, and full of stoke. It’s the mountain that delivers every time, whether you’re teaching your kids to ski or chasing White Heat at sunrise. For anyone who loves the challenge and charm of New England skiing, Sunday River is a must.