Summary:  When looking for good terrain, variety, and vertical drop in the eastern resorts, Sugarloaf immediately tops the short list.  With nearly 3,000 feet of vertical and 1,400 acres of terrain, Sugarloaf could put itself up against many western resorts and come away looking good.

People who go to Sugarloaf often describe the setting as secluded and relaxing.  Tucked away in Western Maine, Sugarloaf’s weakness can be its strength:  It is remote and can be cumbersome to get to, being 4 hours from Boston and a full day drive from many places along the New England population corridor.  Once you are there, however, you’ll find few crowds, a community intensely committed to treating guests well, and skiing that is superior to anything else in the east.

Sugarloaf offers season package deals that are a bargain compared to its western peers, both for skiing and also for ski school and child care.  There are enough restaurants and nightlife spots so you won’t get bored, but not so many that it becomes a popular college spring break destination.  Sugarloaf provides excellent snowboarding, and is recognized as a premier snowboard resort in the east.

Lodging Choices:  Most Sugarloaf lodging is in the form of condos lined up within a short walk of the ski village.  Mountainside condos provide a ski-in, ski-out experience, and two hotels keep you close to the action if you aren’t keen on condo rental.  Virtually all lodging in Sugarloaf is walkable from the ski village.

Terrain / Highest Elevation / Vertical Drop:  1,400 acres / 4,237 feet / 2,820 feet

Activities for Non-Skiers:  Sugarloaf is tucked away in Western Maine, without a Vail or Aspen-type downtown.  You’ll find a nice community able to fill your needs, but may want to bring a book.  A dozen restaurants and some shops provide diversions, and the tubing hill always gets good reviews.

Ski School:  Sugarloaf’s ski school is available for children ages 3 and up.  Full day cost is $78, which is very good compared to the western US resorts.  Ages 7-14 can join ski school for just $65 per day.

Day Care:  Child care is available for children ages 10 weeks to 5 years old, and costs $60 per day.  At the age of 3, children can join the Moosekateers program which integrates a partial day of ski instruction for just $13 more.  Season child care passes are also available  (e.g. 20 full days for $890).

Getting there:  Sugarloaf is a 4 hour drive from Boston, a 4 hour drive from Montreal, a 2 ½ hour drive from Portland, or a 2 hour drive from Bangor.  Most cities provide direct flights to Boston, and Bangor and Portland are serviced by a few major airlines.

Insider Tip:  A popular Reggae festival in early April provides an appropriate conclusion to the ski season.