Driving to Maine for the Sugarloaf experience is well worth the trip. Sugarloaf gives meaning to the Maine expression, “Ya cahn’t get they-ah from he-ah.” Sure, it’s a bit farther and more remote than other resorts, but that, along with its unrivaled terrain and Maine ‘tude, are what make it so worth the effort. This behemoth is unpretentious, genuinely friendly and as unaffected as an L.L. Bean boot. Although trend-conscious sophisticates might find it rough around the edges, Sugarloaf delivers the best alpine skiing and riding in New England. Just ask Turnio Olympians—snowboard cross gold medalist Seth Wescott and alpine  skiers Bode Miller and Kirsten Clark —who trained here as students at Carrabassett Valley Academy.

MOUNTAIN STATS | CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Just when you think you’ll never arrive, narrow, serpentine Route 27 rounds Oh My Gosh corner and delivers the gasp-producing views of the mountain that earned the corner its name. It would be hard to find another ski area in North America with such presence. It commands the landscape, a perfect white-capped pyramid piercing the sky and laced with ribbons of trails. Sugarloaf is an oasis in the wilderness, not just another stop along the suburban sprawl highway. While there are the requisite condominiums and a growing number of timber, glass and stone trophy homes, the compact base village and handful of restaurants and stores clustered near the access road and strewn along Route 27 are about it for shopping and dining. The good news is that because most of the restaurants are independently owned, the food is very good. And remember, you’re here for the skiing.

Sugarloaf’s renowned for the only lift-serviced above-treeline terrain in the East, but don’t let that scare you away. It has well-rounded, boundary-to-boundary skiing and riding that will keep most anyone happy. That’s no real surprise: With 1,400 acres, it’s the largest resort in the East and, with the exception of Killington, it’s about twice the size of the East’s other largest resorts, Better yet: all that terrain is on one peak. Although some of the lifts need updating, the network is well planned. On all but the most crowded days, you can find lifts with short or no lines.

Like other northern New England resorts, the weather can be brutally cold, especially if the wind is honking. And during January, days seem almost cruelly short. But when the sun begins to peak over the mountaintop and things warm up, you won’t find a better place to ski or party. The annual Reggae Weekend in April, when name bands play outdoors by The Beach, always sells out.

Summit elevation: 4,237 feet
Vertical drop: 2,820 feet
Base elevation: 1,417 feet

Expert: +++++
Advanced: +++++ Intermediate: ++++
Beginner: +++
First-timer: ++

Dining: +++
Apres-ski/nightlife: ++
Other activities: ++

Address: 5092 Access Road, Carrabassett Valley, ME 04947
Area code: 207
Ski area phone: 237-2000
Snow report: 237-6808
Toll-free reservations:
(800) 843-5623 or (800) 843-2732
Fax: 237-2718
E-mail: info@sugarloaf.com
Internet: www.sugarloaf.com

Number and types of lifts: 15—2 high-speed quads, 2 quads, 1 triple, 8 doubles, 2 surface lifts
Skiable acreage: 1,400 acres
Snowmaking: 94 percent
Uphill capacity: 21,810 per hour
Parks & pipes: 3 parks, 3 pipes
Bed base: 5,400
Nearest lodging: Slopeside, condos and hotel
Resort child care: Yes, 10 weeks to 5 years
Adult ticket, per day: $72 (07/08)