Sunday River vs Sugarloaf – sibling rivalry

How ironic that Sugarloaf and Sunday River are again under the same parent company – Boyne! Maine’s two big ski areas were fierce rivals in the 90’s waging media wars against one another. The name-calling and harsh accusations over the radio and in print became so heated, they ended up before a judge, who sternly advised them to resolve this outside the court. Then along came Les Otten’s purchase of the “Loaf” in 97, and the ugly war of words ceased. Down came the disparaging signage at Sugarloaf, which sarcastically stated as you were halfway up the lift, “If you were at Sunday River, you’d be at the top now”. Sunday River’s radio ads no longer verbally bashed the Loaf. Skiers and riders were led to believe these newfound sisters were harmonious. Smart skiers rejoiced and recognized the value of the multi-mountain pass for both. Then in 2007, ASC had a fire-sale of resorts, dissolved, and sold the competitive sisters together to Boyne USA – package deal.

Ask anyone displaying the triangular “Loaf” sticker and they will tell you Sugarloaf is king. The “Loaf” has a whopping 2,820’ vertical and the only lift-serviced, above tree-line snowfields in New England. Sunday River fans do make the point that said snowfields are frequently not accessible, a legitimate claim. Some truly dedicated Loafers still refer to their affiliate down the road as “Someday Bigger”, implying that Sunday River will never rival the skiing and riding of Sugarloaf’s one big mountain. “I’d rather ski barefoot than go to Sunday River – there’s no vertical, runs are too short”, comments Brian Mullen of Stowe, “The trails at the Loaf are better, great traditional Northeast skiing versus just mowed down boulevards”. Dr. John Knowles, a Sunday River skier for 35 years, states, “Sunday River makes so much snow cover, it’s amazing. You accumulate way more skiing at the Rivah with the efficient lifts and less lines. Their crew and snowmaking system is spectacular and the entire resort is very skier friendly.”

Both Mountains claim over 130 trails and 92% snowmaking, interesting coincidences in math. Both have added glades, Brackett Basin at the Loaf and Blind Ambition expansion at the River. Sugarloaf has some great long runs, of course you have to take several lifts to obtain that endurance run, and be prepared for the run out at the base. Sunday River runs aren’t very long, with an average descent of a mile, but it is consistent fall line terrain with no run out. The “River’s” pod system of mountain development offers at least one high capacity lift and a trail network with a choice of Black Diamond or Blue Square runs on each mountain peak. Dr. Knowles remarks, “Sunday River continues to increase the variety of trails, so there are so many choices.” No wonder Sunday River received the National Ski Area Design Award; this area has been very meticulously laid out by Les Otten and his design team. So which would you prefer? One big mountain or eight smaller interconnected peaks?

“I enjoy Sugarloaf too, but at Sunday River, I really appreciate the modern lift system, the dependable snowmaking coverage and I can always find a lift that’s not crowded,” states Wesley Mills of Kennebunk, Maine.

There is another aspect that truly distinguishes these two Maine ski destinations. Though geographically near, each has tremendously different character. Sugarloaf has the charm of a genuine community nestled at the foot of its big snowy mountain where you can walk from most condos to the Village Center. “I love going to The Bag and Widowmakers, its like old friends, nothing changes”, adds Mullen. Sunday River, on the other hand, has multiple base facilities, which are equipped to handle the skier traffic. Two mountain resort hotels, Jordan Grand and the Grand Summit Hotel are well-designed with ski in ski out amenities, dining and spas. Both have summer fun including Golf, hiking, and mountain biking.

Now that Maine’s two big guns are owned by Boyne USA, the skiers and riders are left to bicker about whose better – or enjoy the conglomerate New England season pass. Fortunately, the mudslinging is over. That kind of childish battle for the almighty skier dollar may well have been turning people off completely. Now these two ski areas are equally endorsed and favorably promoted, consumers can “have at it” and decide for themselves. Or do as I do, experience them both for their uniqueness. Still, the comparison can make for great chair lift opening liners, if you enjoy a heated topic to warm you up during an otherwise chilly ride.
Where to stay and ski at Sunday River and where to lodge on mountain at Sugarloaf

Sugarloaf – Sunday River
Summit elevation: 4,237 – 3,140
Vertical total: 2,820 – 2,340
Trails: 162 – 135
Lifts: 16 – 16
Skiable acres: 1,230 – 885