These upgrades provide an improved skiing experience, increased terrain, and more efficient snowmaking systems. Skiing is a major driver of Maine’s tourism industry. Each winter, the state’s 18+ ski resorts attract hundreds of thousands of visitors, generating millions of dollars in revenue for local businesses, including hotels, restaurants, and shops.
Northeast skiers flock to Maine for its reliable snowfall, extensive terrain, and diverse offerings—ranging from the expansive slopes of Sugarloaf and Sunday River to the family-friendly atmosphere of Pleasant Mountains. With continued investment in infrastructure and snowmaking, these mountains ensure a top-tier skiing experience while maintaining the scenic beauty and welcoming charm of The Pine Tree State.
Sunday River: advanced snowmaking and new pass partnership
Sunday River, one of Maine’s largest ski resorts, has taken a major step in enhancing its snow conditions by installing 160 high-efficiency, automated HKD snow guns. This upgrade improves snow coverage while minimizing environmental impact. Additionally, Sunday River joined the Mountain Collective pass system this season, giving skiers access to 24 top resorts worldwide, including Sugarloaf and Stowe, Vermont.
Known for its extensive terrain spanning eight interconnected peaks, Sunday River boasts a vertical drop of 2,340 feet—one of the largest in New England. The resort, owned by Boyne Resorts, is already lauded for its reliable snowmaking and long ski season.
Sugarloaf: West Mountain Expansion and new chairlift
Sugarloaf has completed its highly anticipated West Mountain Expansion, adding 12 new beginner and intermediate trails. The centerpiece of this project is the Bucksaw Express, a high-speed chairlift greatly improving access to the expanded terrain. In addition, snowmaking has been upgraded to ensure quality conditions across the new trails.
As Maine’s largest ski resort, Sugarloaf features a vertical drop of 2,820 feet and over 1,200 acres of skiable terrain. It is renowned for its backcountry-style skiing in the Brackett Basin and Burnt Mountain areas, as well as its extensive snowmaking coverage. The expansion further cements its status as a premier East Coast ski destination.
Pleasant Mountain: faster lift to the summit
At Pleasant Mountain in Bridgton, a major lift upgrade has cut ride time in half. The resort replaced the Summit Triple with a high-speed detachable quad—previously the Jordan Express at Sunday River. The new chairlift now brings skiers to the summit in just 4.5 minutes, significantly enhancing mountain access.
Pleasant Mountain, formerly known as Shawnee Peak, is Maine’s oldest ski resort. It is a favorite among families and locals for its welcoming atmosphere and diverse terrain across 44 trails. The lift upgrade makes it an even more attractive option for skiers looking for a quick and convenient day on the slopes.
New shopping and amenities
In addition to skiing improvements, Sugarloaf Village has welcomed a new L.L. Bean Outlet store, offering outdoor gear and apparel. This addition provides another shopping option for visitors looking to stock up on high-quality winter essentials. Sunday River has added gluten-free breakfast options by welcoming Ona-Tripp food truck. Visit them at the new ski-in, ski-out food truck venue, The Igloo, in the Jordan Basin.
With these major investments, Maine’s ski resorts are ready to offer an enhanced experience this winter, ensuring more terrain, better snow coverage, and faster lift access for skiers and riders.
1. Featured Ski Resorts in Maine:
Sunday River – www.sundayriver.com
Sugarloaf – www.sugarloaf.com
Pleasant Mountain – www.pleasantmountain.com
2. Other Notable Ski Resorts in Maine:
Titcomb Mountain – www.titcombmountain.com (a top community mountain in the Western Foothills)
Camden Snow Bowl – www.camdensnowbowl.com (unique ocean views while skiing)
Mt. Abram – www.mtabram.com (great for families and beginner-friendly terrain)
Black Mountain of Maine – www.skiblackmountain.org (affordable skiing and Nordic trails)