Take advantage of Maine’s premiere ski resort during the summer when the scenery is lush & the lines are short
My family and I are regular visitors to Sugarloaf during the winter months, so seeing the mountain all dressed in green took some getting used to. We quickly realized that ski resorts in the summer are perfect family vacation spots. This one is Maine’s best-kept secret; we almost had this magical mountain to ourselves! My husband and I and our two kids experienced great service, no wait at any of the local restaurants, and no lines for the mountain’s plethora of activities.
Where to stay at Sugarloaf?
I recommend that you stay right on the mountain at either the Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel or one of many condos. During the summer, rates are much lower with plenty of options. We chose a 3-bedroom condo in the Birchwoods complex which has easy access to everything on the mountain.
The condos are not fancy or modern, but they’re very clean and comfortable as a home base. If you are staying at the resort for a family getaway, you probably won’t spend much of your time in the condo anyway. We brought groceries to prepare some of our meals and found everything that we needed in the well-equipped kitchen. All of the beds were comfortable, and even without air conditioning, we all slept well in the mountain air.
Our condo was a short walk to the Sugarloaf Sports and Fitness Center, where we enjoyed the indoor pool and the outdoor hot tubs.
What to do at Sugarloaf?
The list of summer activities at Sugarloaf is long and varied.
While my husband enjoyed 18 holes at the Sugarloaf Golf Club, arguably the most beautiful (and challenging) golf course in New England, the kids and I took the Zipline Tour. This zipline is described as “thrilling and high speed,” and I am not great with heights, so I was a little nervous. It turns out that this tour was perfect for both me and my daredevil kids. The funny and experienced guides led us safely through the six ziplines that hover 30 feet above the ground and through the wooded trails, giving us a whole new view of the mountain. Meet your guides at the Outpost Adventure Center right at the base of the mountain and plan on 90 minutes of fun. Cost: Rider $42.
Families with kids (14 and older) can take advantage of the Segway tours offered on the mountain. These are rugged Segways that take you off-road and onto some of Sugarloaf’s trails. My son and daughter spotted some of the older kids cruising around on the Segways, and we made a note to take this tour when they are old enough. Cost: 20-minute guided tour $20; 90-minute guided tour $52.
Other options include renting kayaks or stand-up paddleboards from the Outpost Adventure Center. Sugarloaf also offers 80 miles of mountain bike trails, and you can rent bikes from the center, too. In addition, the area is full of hiking trails and swimming holes. The friendly staff at the Outpost can provide you with age-appropriate trails and maps to help you find your way.
Another highlight of the weekend was the trip up the mountain on the Scenic Lift Ride. Cruise up to the top of the mountain on the SuperQuad, and when you get off, enjoy the mountain vistas and meadows of wildflowers. You can hike down about 3 miles or take the lift to the bottom. Pack a picnic and make an afternoon out of it. Rides are available on Saturdays and Sundays. Cost: Youth (5 and under) Free; Other $14.
For an easy and rewarding hike, drive to the golf course and look to your left just before the parking lot for the sign that reads “West Mountain Falls Hiking Trail.” A few hundred yards down the trail, you’ll find the rushing Carrabasset Stream, perfect for wading, swimming or building rock sculptures.
Another terrific day trip is just a short drive to Flagstaff Lake. At the bottom of the Sugarloaf access road, turn left and drive about 13 miles until you come to the Cathedral Pines Campground. From the campground parking lot, you can access the free, public beach and swim in the clean, sparkling lake. Again, we could not believe the mountain views across the lake or the fact that there was hardly anyone else here.
Where to eat at Sugarloaf?
We ate some of our meals in our condo, which I recommend for convenience and budgetary reasons. However, there are some family-friendly dining options on the mountain for you and your kids to check out.
The Sugarloaf Golf Club has its own restaurant, Strokes Bar and Grille, with a newly-updated menu and a lot of great options for kids and adults. We enjoyed burgers and sandwiches with huge helpings of sweet potato fries while sitting on the outdoor patio, overlooking the rolling green golf course.
The best and most fun place to eat on the mountain, according to my family, is The Rack, a rustic lodge with great food and 14 beers on tap. While we waited for our food, the kids played tether ball in the yard and video games downstairs. The pizza and chicken fingers made the kids happy, while I was satisfied with the creative salads. We happened to be there on a Thursday and ended up staying for the after-dinner trivia night, which turned out to be challenging but family-friendly. Everyone had a blast!
KidTripster Tip: You may get lucky and see Seth Wescott at The Rack, co-owner and Olympic gold medal-winning snowboarder, who lives on the mountain year-round.
For a fancier dining experience, try 45 North in the lobby of Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel. It offers a menu of locally-sourced foods and modern Maine cuisine.
Getting to Sugarloaf
Sugarloaf is easily accessible on scenic, winding roads from all points in northern New England. It’s about a 2-hour drive from Bangor and Portland and a 4-hour drive from Boston.
Emilie Brand Throckmorton is a writer, teacher, and mom to 9- and 11-year-old kids. She’s always looking for new and creative ways to spend their summers together in their beloved Maine.
This writer received a complimentary stay and some activities for the purpose of this review. However, all opinions expressed are solely her own.
Pin to Pinterest & Read Later
