Summary

Join us for a social weekend of downhill skiing at Sugarloaf.  Sugarloaf is a world-class ski resort located in the Carrabassett Valley, nestled amoung the high peaks of western Maine. It is the largest ski resort east of the Rocky Mountains, in terms of number of skiable acreage (1,400 acres) and snowmaking percentage (95%).  Its continuous vertical drop of 2,820 feet (860 m) is the second longest in New England (after Killington's 3,050 feet).  The resort offers 60 miles of trails.  

Lodging:  We'll be staying at the Mountain View Motel in Stratton.  NOTE:  While you will be responsible for your own reservation, you may want to contact me or other participants about doubling up/sharing rooms.  Currently, I've reserved a suite (Room 5) for 4 guys...there is a opportunity for a couple or 2 friends to join us.  As of November 1st, all the other rooms are available.  Check out their site for rates.

Activities:  We'll ski Sugarloaf on Saturday.  Sunday is unplanned and some may wish to ski Sugarloaf again or ski over at Saddleback (30 miles away).  Snowshoeing may also be an option for some on Sunday.  As we have a suite with a living room, we may want to play cards/games or watch movies Friday and/or Saturday evening.

Food:  Bring along your own food for a couple of breakfasts and lunches.  Coordination of dinners will be made beforehand (going out to eat or having a communal dinner at the motel), if desired by the group.  Bring along your favorite snacks and beverages, as well.  There are small markets in Kingfield and Stratton, but you should bring what you need.

Equipment:  Skis, if you have your own...otherwise rentals are available at the mountain.  If you wish to snowshoe bring those along as well.  It can be very cold at Sugarloaf, particularly the upper mountain, so bring appropriate clothing for the activities.

Lift-tickets:  Available for purchase online ahead of time from Sugarloaf or at the mountain (they typically range from $68 to 84, depending on where you purchase them...Liftopia is a good resource for discounted lift tickets).

Directions To Trailhead Parking Lot

From the Maine Coast or Eastern MA:  From the Route 95/Route 295 Split just before Portland...stay on Route 95.  Travel approximately 30 miles to Exit 75.  Follow Route 4 North beyond Farmington, where you'll turn onto Route 27 North.  After going through Kingfield and the Carrabassett Valley, the motel will be on your right before the village of Stratton.  This route is approximately 123 miles (2.5 hours).

From Central NH or VT:  Travel up to Gorham, NH (Route 2).  Take Route 16 north towards Berlin and continue following Route 16 all the way to the motel, which will be on the left (you will make turns in Rangeley and Stratton to stay on Route 16.  Note:  Routes 16 and 27 coinside from Stratton to the motel.  This route is about 98 miles (2:20 hours).

For more detailed directions from your specific location, use the following address in Google Maps or your GPS:  The Mountain View Motel; 4755 Carrabassett Rd; Stratton, ME 04982 (45.123844, -70.413354).