Sunday River Resort

Sunday River Resort. Located in Newry, Maine, near Bethel, Maine, Sunday River Resort is a popular ski resort in the Northeastern United States, attracting visitors from Boston, Massachusetts, New York City, and Montreal. The resort is owned by Boyne Resorts, a company founded by Ernest Boyne, which also owns other notable resorts like Big Sky Resort in Montana and Loon Mountain in New Hampshire. Sunday River Resort has hosted various events, including the US Alpine Championships and the X Games-style Sunday River Freestyle competition, which has featured athletes like Shaun White and Lindsey Vonn.

Overview

Sunday River Resort offers a wide range of amenities and activities, including ski lessons with certified instructors from the Professional Ski Instructors of America (PSIA) and snowboarding programs for all skill levels, from beginner to expert. The resort features 135 acres of skiable terrain, with 15 ski lifts, including a high-speed quad chairlift and a magic carpet for beginners. Visitors can enjoy stunning views of the surrounding White Mountains and Mahoosuc Range, which are part of the Appalachian Trail. Sunday River Resort has been recognized for its environmental efforts, including its partnership with the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA) and the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to reduce its carbon footprint.

History

The history of Sunday River Resort dates back to the 1950s, when it was founded by a group of local investors, including Pierre Beauregard, a Canadian entrepreneur. The resort has undergone significant expansions and renovations over the years, including the addition of new ski trails and lifts, as well as the development of condominiums and other real estate properties. In 2007, Sunday River Resort was acquired by Boyne Resorts, which has continued to invest in the resort's infrastructure and amenities, including the installation of a new snowmaking system and the expansion of its ski school programs. The resort has hosted various events and competitions, including the US Alpine Championships and the Eastern Cup series, which has featured athletes like Bode Miller and Ted Ligety.

Skiing and Snowboarding

Sunday River Resort offers a diverse range of ski trails and snowboarding terrain, including gentle bunny hills for beginners and challenging double black diamond trails for experts. The resort features a terrain park with jumps, rails, and other features, as well as a superpipe and a halfpipe. Visitors can enjoy night skiing on select evenings, with lights illuminating the slopes. The resort has been recognized for its ski patrol and mountain rescue services, which are staffed by certified Emergency Medical Technicians (EMTs) and ski patrollers from the National Ski Patrol (NSP). Sunday River Resort has hosted various ski competitions, including the US Freestyle Championships and the Northeast Masters series, which has featured athletes like Hannah Kearney and Jeremy Cota.

Amenities and Activities

In addition to its skiing and snowboarding facilities, Sunday River Resort offers a range of amenities and activities, including dining options like the Peak Lodge and the Shipyard Brew Haus, which serves craft beer from Shipyard Brewing Company. Visitors can enjoy shopping at the Sunday River Sports store, which offers a wide range of ski equipment and apparel from brands like Rossignol and The North Face. The resort also features a spa and fitness center, as well as a game room and arcade with video games and other entertainment options. During the summer months, Sunday River Resort offers mountain biking and hiking trails, as well as a zip line and other adventure activities, which are operated by Sunday River Adventure Center.

Geography and Climate

Sunday River Resort is located in the Western Maine Mountains, near the New Hampshire border. The resort is situated in a valley surrounded by mountains, including Sunday River Mountain and Barker Mountain. The climate is characterized by cold winters with significant snowfall, averaging over 155 inches per year, and mild summers with average temperatures in the 70s and 80s (°F). The resort is accessible by car via Route 2 and Interstate 95, and is also served by the Portland International Jetport and the Bangor International Airport, which offer flights from American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines. Sunday River Resort is near other popular ski resorts in the region, including Loon Mountain and Cannon Mountain in New Hampshire, and Sugarloaf Mountain in Maine.