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Sugarloaf or Sunday River best for honeymoon
- Thread starter tss1065
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riverc0il
New member
Any other parameters? Terrain preferences? Past trip pluses and minuses?
Loaf is great because of the village. You just part your car and leave it parked for the entire week. Pretty much every room on the mountain you can walk out of and put on your skis and go.
Week is a long time, though. Sunday River is close to other stuff. North Conway isn't far away for stuff to do and lots of other ski areas nearby including Abram, Wildcat, Black, Cranmore, etc. if you want to mix it up. With the Loaf, you are pretty much stuck with the Loaf and that is it. You can mix it up by skiing Saddleback. But otherwise, you need to entertain yourselves at the Loaf.
Both have lots of terrain and trails. Loaf has the summit and snowfields and unless you go early season, a week is long enough that you're almost guaranteed to get some time up there once they get them open.
I personally think the Loaf is a better mountain, but I have my biases.
Loaf is great because of the village. You just part your car and leave it parked for the entire week. Pretty much every room on the mountain you can walk out of and put on your skis and go.
Week is a long time, though. Sunday River is close to other stuff. North Conway isn't far away for stuff to do and lots of other ski areas nearby including Abram, Wildcat, Black, Cranmore, etc. if you want to mix it up. With the Loaf, you are pretty much stuck with the Loaf and that is it. You can mix it up by skiing Saddleback. But otherwise, you need to entertain yourselves at the Loaf.
Both have lots of terrain and trails. Loaf has the summit and snowfields and unless you go early season, a week is long enough that you're almost guaranteed to get some time up there once they get them open.
I personally think the Loaf is a better mountain, but I have my biases.
millerm277
Active member
A honeymoon? Go bigger than that, how about out West?
Edd
Well-known member
Both great places but I'd go for the River in your situation. In addition to the on-mountain options you'll have quite a variety of B & B's and other types of places to stay just 5 minutes or so away. Wildcat is about as close to SR as Saddleback is to the Loaf. North Conway, being only 1 hour away, is a decent place to take a day off of skiing.
If all I cared about is skiing all day, drinking beer, and dropping dead for 5 days in a row then I'd go for the Loaf and mix in Saddleback. Check the weather close that week if you select this option and watch the wind speeds.
If all I cared about is skiing all day, drinking beer, and dropping dead for 5 days in a row then I'd go for the Loaf and mix in Saddleback. Check the weather close that week if you select this option and watch the wind speeds.
Puck it
Well-known member
Go to Killington and stay in Woodstock. A lot of shops and reataurants.
MadPadraic
Active member
Since it is a honeymoon, some non-riding related comments. I feel that SL has better has riding, but SR has potentially better lodging. At SR you can do the whole romantic B&B thing or stay on mountain at a hotel with an outdoor pool, which is very important for this sort of thing.
One Stanley in Kingfield (20 mins form SL) is the best restaurant in either area that we've tried (assuming Gorham, NH doesn't count as near Bethel).
Anyway, SL has the snowfields, a bordercross trail, old school half pipe, burnt mountain, and the kinky misery whip. The river has good stuff too (but where are the sniffle stations?).
One Stanley in Kingfield (20 mins form SL) is the best restaurant in either area that we've tried (assuming Gorham, NH doesn't count as near Bethel).
Anyway, SL has the snowfields, a bordercross trail, old school half pipe, burnt mountain, and the kinky misery whip. The river has good stuff too (but where are the sniffle stations?).
steamboat1
New member
I've spent a week in SL with the wife (not on honeymoon) a few times. We always enjoyed ourselves.
Actually I think the 1st couple of times we weren't even married yet.
Actually I think the 1st couple of times we weren't even married yet.
Vortex
Member
What time of the winter would be something to look at. Bethel has a nice area to shop and visit. All on a shuttle. Many non ski activities. Both have on moutain lodging and food. You could stay at one and maybe day trip one or the other too.
If its great weather and you want to stay local and skiing is the only concern, The loaf has to get the nod. If other things come into to plan. Sr would be my choice hands down. That is why I own there. So slanted opinion. Can't go wrong with either.
If its great weather and you want to stay local and skiing is the only concern, The loaf has to get the nod. If other things come into to plan. Sr would be my choice hands down. That is why I own there. So slanted opinion. Can't go wrong with either.
skiberg
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There is very little to do a both resorts of the hills. If you want skiing, evening activities and romance go to Quebec. Stay in Magog, ski Orford, Sutton, Bromont and Owls Head. If you want slopeside then SR and the loaf are ok, but also try Stowe or killington. Your best of both worlds is absolutely Tremblant. Can't go wrong there.
bigbog
Active member
Haven't stayed at the hotel @base of SL in a while but my emory says = mattresses were (& should be) good there...other than that I think, as said, SR/Bethel lodgings will have the best rates for quality mattresses. Call as early as possible to places around Bethel like Rostay Inn(Al & Kathy = website) . She most always has great midweek rates....fwiw. However December is usually the early follow the snow month...so don't rule out Vermont = elevation.. Just that one can get better rates in Maine, usually. Having said that I love the Loaf.... There's one lodge that lies just outside of Kingfield..to the east, Somewhere....that I've never hit.. One Stanley..?(have never tried MadPadraic)...and Tufulios, a few miles from SL Access Rd. = good food & wine list, along with base area & hotel pubs/restaurants @SL.
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Well, depends on when you go (as said) and what you want. If you want to get away from things, you can't beat Sugarloaf. It is isolated. And if you are going in, oh say March, Sugarloaf may have the Snowfields (TM) open as mentioned. The condos are older at Sugarloaf. In my experience it is also more expensive. But if snow is plentiful, Sugarloaf is a much better mountain, especially for advanced skiers/riders. BTW what ability do you consider yourself and your wife? If you are low intermediates, Sugarloaf may be too steep and not as fun. But if you are solid intermediates or die hards, Sugarloaf is better.
Now I have spent a week at Sunday River and loved it. The service was outstanding...and this was in ASC's ownership...so it has only gotten better. My ex was a low intermediate and it was perfect because we could ski lots of long groomers and blues while I could hit a steeper pitch and meet her at the lift. It is a huge resort, but once you get to know it you can learn how to ski it quickly and get from place to place. A week gives you plenty of time to ski each area and to experience different weather. We had spring skiing at the beginning of our week and a big storm at the end that dumped two feet of snow. Lodging, generally, is more affordable and there are more options. You can stay at a condo or Snow Cap if you are on a budget and be able to walk to The Phoenix for a bite or just around the base area. You can drive down the road to The Matterhorn, or go to the Bethel Inn for a more fancy experience. If the weather goes south, as said go to North Conway or even Portland/Freeport. Major drawback IMHO is that the terrain is not as challenging overall. But ski White Cap and hit White Heat, Shockwave, and Obsession as well as the glades and tell me that they are easy....they aren't. And if you are going in, say, anytime before March Sunday River may be a bit warmer, less windier, and is pretty much guaranteed to have good cover because of a better snowmaking.
It may be still possible to stay at one and spend a day or two at the other. Ask the rep you speak with. Although from experience, on the honeymoon you are going to want to stay in one place.
And for unsolicited opinions as to other options, consider Quebec City and staying at the Chateau Frontenac. AMAZING. If you plan in advance, CHEAP. They do packages with Mont St. Anne and some other areas. The city was beautiful in July, but I hear in winter it is simply amazing with ice skating rinks, toboggan track, snow covered trees, etc. Amazing culture and shops. Amazing food. Friendly folks that are bilingual. You will think you are in Europe. Folks at first said, "gee, why are you going there?" It was a money thing, but we got a great honeymoon. More folks, including those at the wedding, said, "great place, very romantic, nice." I'd prefer having a local honeymoon to chill rather than worrying about flying somewhere and having the hassle.
Now I have spent a week at Sunday River and loved it. The service was outstanding...and this was in ASC's ownership...so it has only gotten better. My ex was a low intermediate and it was perfect because we could ski lots of long groomers and blues while I could hit a steeper pitch and meet her at the lift. It is a huge resort, but once you get to know it you can learn how to ski it quickly and get from place to place. A week gives you plenty of time to ski each area and to experience different weather. We had spring skiing at the beginning of our week and a big storm at the end that dumped two feet of snow. Lodging, generally, is more affordable and there are more options. You can stay at a condo or Snow Cap if you are on a budget and be able to walk to The Phoenix for a bite or just around the base area. You can drive down the road to The Matterhorn, or go to the Bethel Inn for a more fancy experience. If the weather goes south, as said go to North Conway or even Portland/Freeport. Major drawback IMHO is that the terrain is not as challenging overall. But ski White Cap and hit White Heat, Shockwave, and Obsession as well as the glades and tell me that they are easy....they aren't. And if you are going in, say, anytime before March Sunday River may be a bit warmer, less windier, and is pretty much guaranteed to have good cover because of a better snowmaking.
It may be still possible to stay at one and spend a day or two at the other. Ask the rep you speak with. Although from experience, on the honeymoon you are going to want to stay in one place.
And for unsolicited opinions as to other options, consider Quebec City and staying at the Chateau Frontenac. AMAZING. If you plan in advance, CHEAP. They do packages with Mont St. Anne and some other areas. The city was beautiful in July, but I hear in winter it is simply amazing with ice skating rinks, toboggan track, snow covered trees, etc. Amazing culture and shops. Amazing food. Friendly folks that are bilingual. You will think you are in Europe. Folks at first said, "gee, why are you going there?" It was a money thing, but we got a great honeymoon. More folks, including those at the wedding, said, "great place, very romantic, nice." I'd prefer having a local honeymoon to chill rather than worrying about flying somewhere and having the hassle.
Smellytele
Well-known member
Umm - Honeymoon...
marcski
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I kind of agree with the direction the Trailboss was pushing...Quebec City or even Stowe, IMHO, would be a much more romantic destination for a quick honeymoon getaway.
We got an amazing package with Chateau Frontenac (Fairmont Resorts) for a week for about the same price as maybe a two or three day get away to a cheapo Florida or Caribbean Destination. You can't beat it, especially if you plan early. Great room, amazing hotel, awesome location. Park the car and don't worry about moving it at all. You walk in and the place is stunning. I mean come on, there is nothing like staying at a place like this:
It is not hard to see why it is the most photographed hotel in the world.
But again, sorry for the thread highjack........
riverc0il
New member
I was going to put a winkie in there but I decided to play it deadpan.....
UVSHTSTRM
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To follow up with bigbob in regards to mattresses, The Sugarloaf Hotel, I think (formely the Grand Summit, I think) has "Boyne Beds". Apparently Boyne has there own special mattresses now, might be a big plus depending on how much horizontal hokey pokey you plan on doing.
On a side note. I remember my dad always made a point to ask friends of the family returning from honeymoons in the Carribbean "Soooooooo I see you didn't get much sun, rain out?":grin:
On a side note. I remember my dad always made a point to ask friends of the family returning from honeymoons in the Carribbean "Soooooooo I see you didn't get much sun, rain out?":grin:
jerryg
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They do and they are very comfortable. Both hotels at SR and SL have them.
For quaint village, SR. For overall experience, SL.
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