Maine, Usa · Ikon / Mountain Collective
Sugarloaf
1,240 acres, 162 runs at Carrabassett Valley. Only above-treeline skiing in the East, Ikon Pass.
Season 2025 - 2026
Opens
24 Nov 2025
Closes
26 Apr 2026
Days open
153
Annual snow
17ft
The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Sugarloaf's summit reaches 4,236 feet, the highest peak elevation of any ski resort in New England, dropping 2,819 vertical feet to a base at 1,417 feet across 162 runs spread over 1,240 acres in Carrabassett Valley, Maine. Terrain splits 34 per cent intermediate, 27 per cent advanced, 23 per cent beginner and 16 per cent expert, with average annual snowfall of roughly 200 inches. The resort carries Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective access. Thirteen lifts, including five double chairs and five quad chairs, serve the mountain alongside one triple chair, one surface lift and one t-bar.
Sugarloaf offers the only lift-served above-treeline skiing in the northeastern United States, a distinction tied directly to its status as New England's highest ski summit. This above-treeline terrain, combined with its 162 trails, gives Sugarloaf one of the most extensive and varied terrain networks in the eastern US. Its Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective affiliations have brought it firmly into the destination-resort tier of New England skiing.
Sugarloaf was established in 1950 by the Sugarloaf Mountain Ski Club, with a group known as the Bigelow Boys cutting the resort's first trail, Winter's Way, in 1951. A rope tow followed in 1953, and a gondola opened in 1966 that elevated the mountain's status into a major destination. Snowmaking arrived in 1974, at the time covering more vertical feet than any other ski area in the world.
American Skiing Company sold Sugarloaf to CNL Lifestyle Properties in August 2007, with management passing to Boyne Resorts. Boyne purchased the resort outright from Och-Ziff Capital Management in March 2018, alongside sister resorts Sunday River and Loon, consolidating full ownership to fund further on-mountain projects. Adult daily tickets run from 79 to 149 US dollars, with multi-day packages from 158 dollars.
2,818ft
Vertical
162
Runs
1,240 acres
Skiable
17ft
Annual snow
Ikon / Mountain Collective
Pass
The Terrain
162 runs across 1,240 acres skiable
Sugarloaf spreads 162 runs across 1,240 acres skiable of terrain. It leans intermediate at 34%, with 37 beginner runs to find your feet and 70 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.
Terrain split
162
runs
162 runs across 4 grades
Beginner37 runs · 23%
Intermediate55 runs · 34%
Advanced44 runs · 27%
Expert26 runs · 16%
Time it right
When to visit Sugarloaf
The 2025-26 season at Sugarloaf ran from 24 November 2025 to 26 April 2026, one of the longest seasons in New England at roughly twenty-two weeks. Average annual snowfall of around 200 inches, combined with substantial snowmaking infrastructure dating to 1974, supports this extended operating window. Season dates can shift depending on early and late-season weather.
Midwinter, from December through February, typically offers the most reliable natural conditions across Sugarloaf's full terrain network, including its above-treeline zones near the summit. As an Ikon Pass and Mountain Collective destination, the resort draws visitors from across the Northeast and beyond, with holiday periods bringing the heaviest crowds. Weekday visits generally remain calmer across the resort's extensive 162-trail network.
Sugarloaf's above-treeline skiing, unique in the Northeast, is a particular draw during clear midwinter conditions when exposed summit terrain offers open-mountain views uncommon in the region. The resort's Boyne Resorts ownership since 2018, alongside sister resorts Sunday River and Loon, has supported continued investment in seasonal programming and infrastructure. School holiday periods bring significant family visitation.
Specific event programming beyond standard lift operations is not confirmed in available resort information. The resort's late closing date into late April, among the longest in the region, reflects both its elevation and its substantial snowmaking capacity. Sugarloaf's combination of New England's highest summit, above-treeline terrain and extensive trail network continues to define its identity as one of the region's premier destination resorts.
Season 2025 - 2026
24 Nov 2025
Opens
26 Apr 2026
Closes
153
Days open
17 ft
Annual snow
Getting there
Getting to Sugarloaf, and where to stay
Sugarloaf sits in Carrabassett Valley in western Maine, with a base elevation of 1,417 feet and a summit at 4,236 feet, the highest in New England, across a 2,819-foot vertical drop over 1,240 acres. This remote inland setting places the resort well north of Maine's coastal population centres, within a genuine mountain-town environment built around the ski area.
Carrabassett Valley itself has developed largely around the resort, offering lodging, dining and services within a short distance of the lifts. The nearby town of Kingfield provides additional options, while Portland, several hours south, remains the nearest major population centre. The valley's remoteness contributes to Sugarloaf's above-treeline terrain feeling genuinely wild relative to more developed New England resorts.
Maine State Route 27 provides the main route into Carrabassett Valley from the south, connecting to the broader interstate network further toward Portland. Winter driving conditions on this rural Maine route can include snow and ice, and the distance from major cities means visitors should plan for a longer drive than at more accessible New England resorts. There is no direct public transport service to the mountain.
Portland International Jetport is the nearest airport with substantial commercial service, a drive of several hours from Carrabassett Valley. This distance is significant relative to many Northeast ski destinations, reinforcing Sugarloaf's identity as a genuine backcountry-adjacent mountain resort rather than an easy day-trip destination from a major airport.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Hotels and lodges near Sugarloaf, powered by Stay22.
Latest News
From the SnowStash desk
Spain Moves to Ban Smoking at Ski Resorts Under New Tobacco Law
Spain's government has approved a draft tobacco law that would ban smoking across a wide range of outdoor spaces, including sports venues - a category Spanish winter sports media expect to cover ski resorts, potentially extending to slopes and lifts themselves. The rules would also apply to e-cigarettes and vaping devices, even nicotine-free ones. The bill still has to clear the Spanish parliament before any ban, signage, or fines can take effect.
22 July 2026
South Tyrol Approves New 16-Person Ciampinoi Gondola in Val Gardena
South Tyrol has approved a full rebuild of the Ciampinoi cable car in Selva di Val Gardena, replacing the current 12-person gondola with a 16-person cabin and a new mountain-station restaurant. Capacity is capped at 3,200 people an hour rather than the 3,600 the operator wanted, and 250,000 euros must go toward compensatory measures. No construction or opening date has been set, though the upgrade is partly aimed at clearing bottlenecks before the 2031 Alpine Ski World Championships.
22 July 2026
Resort Spotlight: Hoshino Tomamu - Corporate Japan's Mountain Playground Revisited
Hoshino Tomamu is the ski resort equivalent of a conference hotel that happens to have excellent powder. Built for corporate retreats and package tourists, it offers genuine Hokkaido snow on surprisingly limited terrain - 29 runs spread across 585 vertical metres.
21 July 2026
La Thuile's New Cable Car Replaces Two Ageing Chairlifts
La Thuile is spending 38.7 million US dollars on a new 10-person cable car linking Les Suches to Chaz Dura, replacing the La Combe and Chaz Dura chairlifts after nearly forty years of service. Built by Leitner, the new cable car runs 1,950 metres to a top station at 2,576 metres, carrying up to 3,000 people an hour with a six-minute ride. It also improves the connection to La Rosiere in France via the Petit-Saint-Bernard Pass, and is on track to open for the 2026/27 season.
21 July 2026
The Remarkables Adds Scarpa Bowl to Its Inbounds Terrain
The Remarkables is adding new inbounds terrain for winter, bringing the Scarpa Bowl - known locally as the Toilet Bowl - into its lift-accessed network after years as backcountry-only ground. The roughly 500 metre run is reached by bootpacking from the top of the Sugar Bowl chairlift, with a shuttle picking skiers up from the road at the bottom. It's a smaller, faster addition than the resort's planned Doolans expansion, though the new terrain hasn't opened yet due to a lack of snow this season.
21 July 2026
Ski Portillo Cut Off After Storm Dumps More Than 4.5 Metres of Snow
Ski Portillo remains isolated after an extended storm buried the Chilean resort under more than 4.5 metres of snow, with both ground and air access suspended since Tuesday while crews monitor avalanche hazards and worsening weather. Resort officials say further snowfall is expected in the coming days and haven't set a timeline for reopening the mountain road. Once access resumes, the scale of the snowpack could set up a strong season at one of the Southern Hemisphere's most historic ski resorts.
21 July 2026
Resort Spotlight: Lotte Arai - Japan's Corporate Ski Anomaly With 22 Metres of Annual Snowfall
Lotte Arai receives 22 metres of annual snowfall - exceptional even by Japanese standards - but its corporate ownership model and limited terrain create an unusual cost-benefit equation. Here's what the numbers actually mean on the ground.
19 July 2026
Resort Spotlight: Banff Sunshine Village - Nine Metres of Snow and a Season That Runs Until May
Banff Sunshine Village sits at 1,660m base and receives 9.27m of snow annually. Inside Banff National Park, it offers a six-month season and terrain split that skews heavily advanced - though the crowds and lift infrastructure tell their own story.
18 July 2026
Lift tickets
Ikon / Mountain Collective11 pass options
Single-day passes
Adult 19–64
Adult Full Day
US$79up to US$149 peak
Full day access to Sugarloaf's 162 trails and 13 lifts. Experience the only above-treeline skiing in the East at Maine's second highest mountain. Includes access to legendary Snowfields and West Mountain expansion.
Buy passYouth 13–18
Teen Full Day
US$65up to US$119 peak
Discounted teen pricing for full day Sugarloaf access. Explore 1,240 acres of diverse terrain including beginner runs, expert Snowfields, and the famous Brackett Basin.
Buy passChild 6–12
Child Full Day
US$55up to US$99 peak
Child rates for full day Sugarloaf skiing. Perfect for young skiers to experience Maine's premier mountain resort with extensive beginner terrain and world-class ski school programs.
Buy passSenior 65–79
Senior Full Day
US$65up to US$119 peak
Senior discounted full day access to Sugarloaf. Experience Maine's largest ski resort with comfortable lifts, diverse terrain, and spectacular mountain lodge amenities.
Buy passChild 0–4
Child Under 5 Free
Free
Free skiing for children under 5 at Sugarloaf. Includes access to beginner areas and magic carpet lifts. Experience Maine's family-friendly mountain resort at no cost.
Buy passSenior 80–99
Super Senior 80+ Free
Free
Complimentary skiing for seniors 80+ at Sugarloaf Maine. Full mountain access including above-treeline Snowfields and all lifts.
Buy passAdult 19–64
Maine Resident Wednesday
US$69up to US$74 peak
50% off lift tickets for Maine residents every Wednesday at Sugarloaf. Valid Maine ID required. Experience your home mountain at incredible savings.
Buy passHalf-day passes
Adult 19–64
Adult Half Day
US$65up to US$119 peak
Afternoon skiing at Sugarloaf from 12pm to close. Experience Maine's legendary above-treeline terrain and diverse trail network. Perfect for late arrivals.
Buy passMulti-day passes
Adult 19–64
2-Day Ticket Pack
US$158up to US$268 peak
Two flexible days of skiing at Sugarloaf with no blackout dates. Perfect for weekend trips to Maine's premier above-treeline skiing destination.
Buy passAdult 19–64
5-Day Ticket Pack
US$395up to US$595 peak
Five flexible days of Sugarloaf skiing with access to Sunday River, Loon, and Pleasant Mountain. Maximum flexibility and value for serious Maine skiers.
Buy passSeason passes
Adult 19–64
New England Gold Pass
US$1,399up to US$1,699 peak
Unlimited access to Sugarloaf, Sunday River, Loon, and Pleasant Mountain. The ultimate New England skiing experience with extensive benefits and no blackout dates.
Buy passSugarloaf lift tickets & passes
The 2025 - 2026 season at Sugarloaf closed on Apr 26, 2026. Check back for next season's opening date and ticket pricing.
Day passes start from US$55, with peak rates up to US$149.
Lift tickets FAQ
How much does a Sugarloaf day pass cost?
Sugarloaf day passes range from US$55 to US$149 depending on the date and advance booking.
Can I buy Sugarloaf lift tickets online?
Yes, you can purchase tickets directly from the resort website or at the resort ticket office.
Are there discounts for multi-day passes?
Yes, multi-day packages typically offer significant savings compared to individual day passes. The per-day cost decreases with longer stays.
What is included with a Sugarloaf lift ticket?
Full access to all lifts and trails at Sugarloaf, including mountain safety and patrol services.
What is the difference between Sugarloaf lift tickets and ski passes?
"Lift tickets" and "ski passes" refer to the same thing at Sugarloaf - your access to the mountain's lifts and trails for your chosen duration.
When should I buy Sugarloaf lift tickets for the best price?
Purchase tickets at least 7 days in advance for the best rates, and consider weekday visits for further savings over weekend rates.
Does Sugarloaf offer group discounts on lift tickets?
Group discounts are typically available for parties of 10 or more. Contact Sugarloaf directly for group booking information and rates.
How can I check current conditions before buying tickets?
Before purchasing, check the live snow report and mountain webcams to see current weather, snow conditions, and lift operations at Sugarloaf.
More Sugarloaf intelligence: snow report, webcams, resort overview.