Equipment, lessons, and snow activities
The Sugarloaf Rental Shop has skis, poles, snowboards, boots, and helmets for $59 to $77 for adults and $25 to $41 for kiddos. If this is your first time on New England powder, you can purchase one of the Learn to Ski Packages from $185 to $195, which includes rental equipment, a two-hour lesson, and a lift ticket. If you’re traveling with little ones, they can partake in the fun with lessons from $159 to $240, depending on their age group and whether you book a half day or a full day of instruction. Private lessons are another option, helping you hone your skills and bypass long lines for $299 to $859, with prices subject to change.
Though Sugarloaf is best known as a skiing resort, you’ll find plenty of other winter activities to keep things interesting. There are 8 SnoGo Skibikes available to rent for $99 a day, which combine skis with the frame and handles of a bike. For some peddling action, try Fat Biking for $10 a day, which involves a wide-tire bike built for the snow. If you’re in need of scenery at a slower pace, embark on a Snowshoe Safari Tour for $46, complete with cookies and hot chocolate. And no trip to Maine’s Western Mountains would be complete without a little ice skating at the nearby Outdoor Center, which has an outdoor, NHL-size rink from December to March.
Tickets and accommodation options
There’s a range of packages, based on how much you want to ski and whether you plan to explore other resorts. Ticket packs start at $279 for adults and $199 for kids for the Sugarloaf 3 Pack, giving visitors any three days to ski at Sugarloaf during the season. The Maine Pack includes four days on Sugarloaf, Sunday River, and Pleasant Mountain for $259 to $379, with the cheaper option for weekday visits. For those who believe winter is a way of life, a season pass is best for $699 to $1,619, with discounts available for students and seniors.
By booking accommodation right on the mountain, you can save up to 10% on lift tickets. The Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel has one-bedroom ($151), two-bedroom ($219), and penthouse suites ($881) slopeside accommodations, not to mention a 30-person hot tub to warm you right up. Nearby condos offer one-bedroom ($169) to five-bedroom dwellings ($645) with furnishings, kitchen amenities, fireplaces, and shuttle service to and from the lifts. For a more budget-friendly option, head down the hill to the cozy Hostel of Maine for bunks starting at $45 a night. Whether you’re here for a day or you’ll be stopping by all season long, Sugarloaf is a prime place to hit the slopes this winter.
