--- title: "Find your stay in Sugarloaf" canonical: "https://www.firstchair.com/destinations/maine/sugarloaf" --- # Find your stay in Sugarloaf [First Chair Destinations](https://www.firstchair.com/) › [Maine](https://www.firstchair.com/destinations/maine) › Sugarloaf, Maine Explore homes for every kind of mountain escape ## The only open summit in the East Sugarloaf rises to more than 4,000 feet in Maine’s Carrabassett Valley, and the open snowfields at its summit are the only lift-served above-treeline skiing in the East. Its visitors enjoy a diverse range of terrain paired with a walkable base village, a strong local dining and après scene, and year-round mountain recreation. The mountain serves a different skier depending on where you go: the main trail network covers more skiable acreage than any other resort in New England, and Burnt Mountain and Brackett Basin hold hundreds of acres of gladed terrain accessible by snowcat for advanced and expert skiers. The base village offers ski-in/ski-out accommodations, restaurants, and bars within walking distance of the lifts. ## Everything you need to know ### How do I get to Carrabassett Valley? Portland International Jetport (PWM) is the practical option, a drive of about 2.5 hours from Carrabassett Valley, served by major airlines with regular flights from cities across the country. Sugarloaf Regional Airport (B21) is closer but handles only small private aircraft, not commercial service, so most visitors fly into Portland. Ground transport from PWM is limited, so arrange a rental car before you arrive to cover the final stretch into the valley. ### Do I need a rental car? Yes. There’s no train, bus, or rideshare service running into the valley, and while a free shuttle covers Sugarloaf’s base village and mountain, it won’t get you there from the airport or take you to restaurants and trailheads outside that loop. A car is the best way to reach Carrabassett Valley and get around once you’re there. ### Is Sugarloaf on the Ikon Pass? Yes. The Ikon Pass provides full or limited access depending on the tier, in addition to the Mountain Collective Pass, New England Pass, and Boyne Freestyle Pass. ### Is Sugarloaf good for families? Yes. Sugarloaf has one of New England’s better learn-to-ski and ride programs, and a quarter of its trails are rated beginner-friendly. Off the slopes, families have the Anti-Gravity Complex, including a climbing wall, trampolines, and skate park, a turbo tubing hill, and the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center’s mellower Nordic trails for a change of pace from downhill skiing. The mountain’s mascots and kid-focused events add a bit of whimsy to the trip. ### Is Sugarloaf good for beginners? Yes, though it’s better known for its expert terrain. Of Sugarloaf’s 134 trails, around a quarter are rated beginner-friendly, concentrated on gentler, lower-mountain terrain away from the steeper runs up top. The resort’s ski and ride school offers structured lesson programs for new skiers and riders, and the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center’s Nordic trails give beginners a lower-key alternative to downhill entirely. It’s not as beginner-heavy as some smaller Maine mountains, but there’s enough green and blue terrain to build confidence before working up to the more advanced runs. ### Is Sugarloaf good for advanced skiers? Yes. Sugarloaf stands out as the largest ski area east of the Rockies, and its expert terrain includes the only lift-served, above-treeline skiing in the East at the summit. Burnt Mountain and Brackett Basin’s snowcat-accessed glades cover hundreds of acres of ungroomed, advanced terrain. More than 40% of trails at Sugarloaf are rated expert or glade skiing. For strong skiers looking for real vertical, steep pitches, and terrain that doesn’t get skied out by lunchtime, Sugarloaf is one of the more serious mountains in New England. ### Is Sugarloaf a good place to visit in the summer? Yes. Sugarloaf Golf Club is widely regarded as the best in the state, with its String of Pearls holes running along the Carrabassett River. Beyond golf, summer brings more than 80 miles of mountain biking trails ranging from beginner terrain to technical single-track, guided ziplining, an 18-hole disc golf course, scenic chairlift rides on weekends, and hiking that includes sections of the Appalachian Trail and access to 4,000-foot peaks. The base village stays open too, with restaurants, the bike shop, and the Anti-Gravity Complex running through the season. ### How many days should I plan to visit Sugarloaf Three to four days is the sweet spot for most visitors. That’s enough time for two full ski days, a rest day to explore the base village or try Nordic trails, and a buffer for weather or travel. In summer, three days covers a round of golf, a mountain biking session, and time to hike or explore the surrounding valley. Given the drive in from Portland or Boston, stretching to four to five days makes the trip feel less rushed and worth the distance. ## All homes in Carrabassett Valley - [Loafinit](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1088276) · 2 bd · sleeps 5 - [On Mountain Time](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1088310) · 4 bd · sleeps 10 - [Snow Lion](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1088292) · 5 bd · sleeps 10 - [Sugarloaf Mountain Treasure](https://www.firstchair.com/property/1088267) · 4 bd · sleeps 13 --- For photos, current rates and availability, see the page: https://www.firstchair.com/destinations/maine/sugarloaf