Sugarloaf and Sunday River 2019 Opening Weekend Recap


The Family Skiing in Maine Old Man and Sons were able to get out the past two weekends and enjoy some opening turns of the season at Sunday River and Sugarloaf. It is always nice to pick up the season pass, strap on the sticks and ski the first runs of the season.

Whenever you get a chance thank a snowmaker! This is hard, demanding and COLD work. They are out there in freezing temps making sure the trails are covered and we can all get out skiing. We enjoyed some amazingly good early season conditions at both Sugarloaf and Sunday River this year thanks to their hard work!

Opening weekends at ski areas are a lot of fun, but they are not for everyone. Here are some things to watch out for:

Be prepared for long lines

Sunday River was the first resort in Maine to open, and the skiers and riders turned out on opening day in a big way! The lines were huuuuuuuuuuuuge. With only one lift running you just have to grin and bear it and be happy ski season is starting!


Limited (if any) beginner terrain available

If we can give a piece of advice to new skiers and riders, be sure there is appropriate terrain open for your ability level. Very early in the season, mountain operations usually only have higher elevation intermediate to advanced terrain open. We saw way too many people in over their heads on difficult terrain at Sugarloaf. They were taking of their skis and snowboards and walking / sliding down. This can be an extermely dangerous situation. One snowboarder slipped and fell thereby losing his grip on his snowboard. The snowboard came tumbling down the trail at a high rate of speed. Luckily it missed everyone but someone could of been seriously injured. It's better to wait a week or two to give the mountain operations staff a chance to open beginner terrain so we can all be safe out there.

Limited on-mountain amenities

A lot of the restaurants, bars and shops are not quite open yet this early in the season. It usually takes to the Thanksgiving weekend and into December before business and mountain operations are fully staffed. Just be prepared by perhaps bringing a bag lunch or snacks to keep you fueled during the day. And you may have to search a bit harder to find the bar with the Après beverages!

However, if you take these things into consideration, you can have a great time on opening weekend. We sure did! We will see you soon on a ski slope in Maine.


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A Family Skiing in Maine: Sugarloaf and Sunday River 2019 Opening Weekend Recap
Sugarloaf and Sunday River 2019 Opening Weekend Recap
Opening weekends at Sugarloaf and Sunday River ski areas can be a lot of fun but they are NOT for everyone. Read this blog post on our advice on how to best handle opening weekend expectations.
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A Family Skiing in Maine
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