New England is known for its cold winters, yet it is also highly regarded as being the best place for skiing. Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont are three of the most beautiful states during the wintertime. When ski mountains begin to open up, all the ski rats pack the mountain for the first chair.
Skiing is such an exciting way to spend your weekends during cold winters. It’s a thrilling experience to wake up early to go skiing and come home and take off your boots after a long day.
The mountains are a great place to be in the winter, and skiing is definitely the best way to spend that time.
Although there are many mountains throughout New England that have amazing trails and views, in my opinion, Sunday River takes the cake.
Sunday River, ME
Sunday River is in Newry Maine. It’s a bit of a drive ranging from three to four hours from Massachusetts, but entirely worth it. There are 139 trails, 20 chairlifts, and 8 peaks.
What people like about Sunday River is how family-friendly it is and that is a great place to take your kids to learn how to ski. Most beginners will learn at the Learning Center at South Ridge. A few simple trails are Dream Maker, Sensation, and Lower Lazy River.
South Ridge is where the main lodge is located. South Ridge Lodge is the main lodge that is regularly packed throughout the day. An eight-passenger heated lift and a gondola are also located at South Ridge which will take you over to North Peak.
North Peak is where you will find the North Peak Lodge scenic trails such as American Express and Ride Run, a long and narrow trail with a view of the houses located on the mountain.
On the far right-left side of the mountain is White Cap with trails like White Heat, which is supposedly the “hardest trail on the mountain.” This steep and speedy trail drops 2,340 vertical feet in just over a mile, providing experienced skiers with the ability to showcase their skills. White Cap also has the Summit Hotel located directly alongside the mountain, a popular place to stay while visiting Sunday River.
Locke Peak which is right of White Cap has trails like Upper Sunday Punch and Cascades. You will find many tight and compacted tree skiing trails at Locke Peak. Trails such as Goat Path and Locke Line. These trails are entertaining if you are an advanced skier who likes to spend thirty minutes weaving in and out of moguls and trees. Your quads will be burning by the end of the day.
Barker, a popular peak crowded with tons of people waiting in line for their turn to ski multiple trails that can take you to various parts of the mountain. Some of the best trails at Barker are the Lazy River and Right Stuff. Although each trail can take you to other parts of the mountain, such as Spruce Peak.
Spruce Peak, on the right side of the mountain, is incredibly scenic with enclosed trails such as Last Tango. Last Tango is another trail between the trees if you prefer tree skiing, it’s also a challenging but exciting way to get from Barker to Spruce Peak.
Aurora, alongside Spruce Peak, is one of the best peaks at Sunday River, transitioning to the more advanced and challenging trails on the mountain. Some trails at Aurora consist of Vortex and Borealis.
Once you reach Oz, a peak directly next to Aurora, you have reached the summit of the entire mountain. Oz is surrounded by double black trails covered in powder or moguls that are very challenging, some being all-natural skiing. All-natural skiing involves lots of power, trees, and even ice. The hardest trails at Oz are debatable, although Flying Monkeys and Lost Princess have some of the most amazing views of New England.
Lastly, on the far right side of the mountain is where Jordan Bowl is located. Jordan Bowl is usually very packed, especially one of its popular trails, LollaPalooza. Another comforting place to stay at Sunday River is the Grand Summit Hotel, located directly off the LollaPalooza trail. There are also a few challenging trails at Jordan Bowl like, Double Blind and Blind Ambition.
After hours spent skiing, It feels very rewarding to take your boots and helmet off and head up to the foggy ski bar, located above the regular lodge. The foggy ski bar above the regular lodge with insanely good food. They also have live music in the afternoon and firepits.
The houses in Newry, Maine, have stunning views of the mountain. Occasionally, some fireworks shows are held on some nights in the winter, which can be seen from many of the homes located near the mountain. The atmosphere of Sunday River is cozy and comforting and will keep families entertained even aside from skiing.
