getting the most out of a weekend in Sugarloaf?

[brokenbetty]

I live in the UK but will be coming over for work next week so am taking the opportunity for a couple of days' snow. I've boarded in Europe for many years and had a couple of trips to Whistler, but never boarded in the Eastern US before. I really don't know what to expect from Sugarloaf in the way of snow conditions, weather or trails at all. I hear the snow is all ice and the wind is like a buzzsaw, but the same is true about Scotland and despite the conditions I've had good times there.

I am a strong intermediate snowboarder. I don't call myself an expert because I'm not aggressive/fast, but I can cope with pretty much any on-piste or between-piste conditions in Europe, and enjoy going further off-piste with a guide.

What should I plan for compared to Europe (both on and off mountain)? What should I avoid and what should I not miss?

 

[wa-loaf]

Even though we are having kinda a crappy winter here Sugarloaf is doing pretty good. They keep getting small snow events with 2-4 inches or so. It's keeping things fresh and most of the mountain is open. You'll have a great time and if they get a nice storm everything is ready to go.

 

[wa-loaf]

And if you are on Facebook look Sugarloaf up, you'll get good updates from them on how things are looking there.

 

[bobbutts]

I live in the UK but will be coming over for work next week so am taking the opportunity for a couple of days' snow. I've boarded in Europe for many years and had a couple of trips to Whistler, but never boarded in the Eastern US before. I really don't know what to expect from Sugarloaf in the way of snow conditions, weather or trails at all. I hear the snow is all ice and the wind is like a buzzsaw, but the same is true about Scotland and despite the conditions I've had good times there.

I am a strong intermediate snowboarder. I don't call myself an expert because I'm not aggressive/fast, but I can cope with pretty much any on-piste or between-piste conditions in Europe, and enjoy going further off-piste with a guide.

What should I plan for compared to Europe (both on and off mountain)? What should I avoid and what should I not miss?

Compared to resorts Europe the place is tiny and compact. There are lots and lost of well maintained piste runs winding through the woods, you're going to spend almost all your time here below the tree line. The snow and wind thing is an exaggeration most of the time. Also you'll find that since the mountain is not in the alpine, the visibility and wind resistance of lifts is helped by the trees during a storm. There are even a few t-bars that will run in case the winds are too high for the chairlifts.

 

[Bumpsis]

I'm quite certain that you'll find the experience of riding Sugarloaf really fun. Even with the crappy season that we're having now, it will be good. Most of the covearge up there is man made snow now, but I was always impressed with how well the crews groom it and maintain it from day to day.

The conditions will generaly stay good throughout the day, despite the fact that man made snow ices up really quickly. This is greatly dependent on the traffic. Sugarloaf is a big mountain and people have a lot of room to spread out, thus the icing due to ski/snowboard traffic is diminished in comparison to other resorts (like Sunday River). Quite often, when I'm there, I'll start skiing at half day (noon) and I'll find plenty of trails where I can still get a nice edge grip and avoid the ice.

As to the wind and cold, well, that's a personal limit issue and to a great extent, a matter of proper clothing. For alpine skiing- lift serviced experience, if the temps are at about -15*C or lower with about 20-25mph winds, I only go out if there has been a good powder dump. Otherwise, I find a different way to have winter fun (hike, XC).

 

[brokenbetty]

Thank you for the responses - I'm really looking forward to it now

Are there any must-do runs, or good places to head for if the wind gets up?

 

[UVSHTSTRM]

Thank you for the responses - I'm really looking forward to it now

Are there any must-do runs, or good places to head for if the wind gets up?

Also I don't know if you are just daytripping or staying overnight, but though the place is isolated the place is walkable or a quick bus ride to the few places to eat and drink. Hit the Rack up if you are looking for a nice pub style atmosphere.

 

[bigbog]

As mentioned, check up on conditions...Sugarloaf's a great mountain but is a little more exposed...and if theres wind...after a slight thaw conditions can apt to get a little windblown/crusty/icy-in-a-spot-or-two...so don't rule out Saddleback...but temps have been pretty steady. Trees...Sugarloaf's Brackett Basin with a few smaller areas off the snowfields area(open?) and definitely Saddleback's Casablanca.
Temps have remained terrific up here...but as it faces northward Sugarloaf can be a little colder...but often equates to drier snow. $.01

 

[Tooth]

As a strong intermediate you'll be fine on every groomed trail. Hit them all. Hit the King Pine area for awhile then head over to the Skyline lift for a few laps down the middle of the mountain then head west over to the Super Quad for runs like Hayburner, Kings Landing. From there hit Timberline to the top for a few runs down Nitro. Theres so much to do at Sugarloaf. I hope you get a nice day to be able to see it all.
Most people work the mountain from East to West to follow the sun. If we dont get much snow between now and your visit dont hit the trails which dont have snowmaking. Tours are available also with Ambassadors of Sugarloaf. All of this info is on their website. www.sugarloaf.com. For other Sugarloaf info go over to Sugarloaftoday.com.

8)

 

[BackLoafRiver]

As a strong intermediate you'll be fine on every groomed trail. Hit them all. Hit the King Pine area for awhile then head over to the Skyline lift for a few laps down the middle of the mountain then head west over to the Super Quad for runs like Hayburner, Kings Landing. From there hit Timberline to the top for a few runs down Nitro. Theres so much to do at Sugarloaf. I hope you get a nice day to be able to see it all.
Most people work the mountain from East to West to follow the sun. If we dont get much snow between now and your visit dont hit the trails which dont have snowmaking. Tours are available also with Ambassadors of Sugarloaf. All of this info is on their website. www.sugarloaf.com. For other Sugarloaf info go over to Sugarloaftoday.com.

8)

Pretty much sums it up right there.

Also, there are a few regulars who frequent the forums, if you post a meet-up, I am sure those of us around would love to give you a guided tour. If not, the Mountain Ambassadors are a great resource!! Use it if you can.

This past Sunday the mountain was skiing beautifully. Look for a full trip report soon. You will have a great time. I am sure it pales in comparison to anything European but it is a real gem here in the east.

 

[C-Rex]

Lower Binder has always been one of my favorites at the Loaf. It's a narrow, winding trail that forms a sort of shallow, natural half pipe.

And DEFINITELY hit up The Rack. Awesome food, and great atmosphere.

 

[mhoran1982]

The Bag has very good burgers right in the village.

 

[SIKSKIER]

Sounds like your coming here alone.Don't know if they still do it or if your into this sort of thing but Friday nights at the Stratton house of pizza is pretty intersting.About 8 college girls dancing around with very little on.Ok yes,I went twice and was a little shocked at what was happening at a pizza joint.I never did see a pizza though.7 miles north on rt 16.

 

[brokenbetty]

Wow - thank you to everyone who has taken the time to advise I'm going to get the piste maps and try to find the trails you recommend.

I'm not by myself - there are three of us coming, but none of us know the area and I'm not sure how close in standard we are so if the others prefer to take it easy I'll probably explore some of the blacks by myself. And I like the sound of lower binder too

What about the snowfields - I see there are a couple of runs open - are they worth a look or only fun when the snow is fresh?

 

[Tooth]

Snowfields need more snow. The runs off the top are a little slick these days without the natural snow we normally get. Binder also needs a little more snow. I hope you get to see the mountain with a little more snow on it. Geppettos is a relaxed place to get a really fresh Maine seafood for dinner. Always great quality. If you have any more questions fire away.

 

[dropKickMurphy]

Sounds like your coming here alone.Don't know if they still do it or if your into this sort of thing but Friday nights at the Stratton house of pizza is pretty intersting.About 8 college girls dancing around with very little on.Ok yes,I went twice and was a little shocked at what was happening at a pizza joint.I never did see a pizza though.7 miles north on rt 16.

Or the Carrabasset Inn (about 4 miles away) where the girls wear nothing at all. Last time I was there was a couple of years ago. Mostly young (~19-24 years old) athletic, high energy young women. Was there with a group of 8 guys and we all had a great time.

If you're interested in a really good American burger, the Bag & Kettle (at the Sugarloaf base area) is the place to go.

If you've got 3 or more days, I'd recommend skiing a day at Saddleback (about 1 hour from Sugarloaf)

 

[xwhaler]

If you've got 3 or more days, I'd recommend skiing a day at Saddleback (about 1 hour from Sugarloaf)

+1000 Can't reccomend this enough. The Rangeley Lakes are beautiful and Saddleback is a really nice mtn. Less expensive and fewer crowds than the Loaf. Smaller, but I'd argue the trails have more character and the views are far superior. Plus, good chance of seeing a moose on Route 16 between Carabassett and Rangeley!

 

[Tooth]

+1000 Can't reccomend this enough. The Rangeley Lakes are beautiful and Saddleback is a really nice mtn. Less expensive and fewer crowds than the Loaf. Smaller, but I'd argue the trails have more character and the views are far superior. Plus, good chance of seeing a moose on Route 16 between Carabassett and Rangeley!

Both mountains are great. Both mountains trails have tons of character. Both mountains have great views.

 

[brokenbetty]

Well we had a great time last weekend - didn't see the bars at all (wiped out by jet lag by 8pm) but did see the snow Sunday was COLD! but we were rewarded with almost empty trails and a little new snow. I had a couple of ice moments til I got the feel for it, plus one sheer comedy fall along one of the cross trails - not a hard fall but the ice was so polished I couldn't stand up again and just glided on knees and hands til the end of the ice...

and I tried a halfpipe for the first time in about three years (didn't realise that's what pipeline meant - doh) ...and didn't suck as much as I used to