Why Sunday River is a Top Family Ski Destination: Lifts, Lodging & Dining

Looking at the snow totals in Maine this year, I was surprised. They’ve received about 100 inches less than my home mountain in Vermont. With these snow counts in mind, I started wondering why families would choose Maine over Vermont or New Hampshire. If it isn’t snow quality and quantity, what draws people to Maine?

Then I spent a weekend skiing and exploring Sunday River, and I remembered—a great mountain town depends on multiple factors, not just snowfall. Sunday River is thriving because it has invested in the experiences that enrich ski weekends. They’ve put resources into food, learning areas, and entertainment, making it a destination for families who want to ensure their vacation isn’t solely reliant on good weather. If you’re trying to time a ski vacation around the weather, more than half the time, you’ll be disappointed. That’s why a resort like Sunday River is an excellent choice for families.

Base Area Improvements

Founded in 1959, Sunday River is now operated by Boyne Resorts. Under Boyne’s management, the resort has undergone significant changes. Although summer operations may be limited, there is no shortage of activity in the winter. It’s worth noting that Sunday River suffered extensive damage from a storm and mudslide in December 2023. Yet, looking at the resort now, you’d never know it.

Sunday River attracts both locals and out-of-town visitors. While locals may grumble about burger prices, they also appreciate having access to the New England Ski Pass, which includes Sunday River, Sugarloaf, and Loon. Visitors rely on the Ikon Pass or day tickets, and even last-minute travelers can find a lift ticket for under $100 per day.

The base area serves as the hub for day-trippers and weekenders with homes in the valley. Parking lots fill up quickly when there is fresh snow, but that’s one of the few bottlenecks you’ll encounter. Sunday River has three base areas and high-speed lifts that efficiently transport skiers up the mountain.

The Best Lift System in the East

Boyne is known for investing in lifts, and it has significantly enhanced Sunday River’s uphill capacity. I was impressed by the lift upgrades, particularly since my home mountain, Sugarbush, is behind in high-speed lift technology (we can only dream of a bubble chair). The Jordan-8 lift, in particular, is a game-changer—not just because of its capacity but because of the bubble. On my visit, temperatures hovered in the teens (before factoring in windchill). Being able to warm up between runs extended my ski day by an hour. Blocking the wind makes a huge difference. However, loading an 8-person chair can be chaotic without a skilled lift line manager. During my three-day visit, I observed a mix of abilities navigating the loading process (more ski moms needed!).

Sunday River doesn’t just have one Doppelmayr bubble lift—it has two! The second is near the racecourse and, since it only seats six, is easier to load. This high-speed lift helps ease congestion in the primary ski areas.

Beginners also benefit from recent upgrades. The learning area at the base now features a series of three covered magic carpets, shielding students and instructors from the cold and wind. This improvement goes a long way in keeping kids engaged and reducing complaints on the bunny hill.

Navigating Sunday River

With all this awesomeness comes one challenge—meeting up with friends or tracking down your kids can be confusing. The resort spans eight peaks and four base areas across three miles. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• White Cap Lodge: The first parking area on the access road, home to the Grand Summit Hotel and lots of easy green terrain.
• Barker Lodge: Further along, this area is where college teams and Gould Academy racers train. Parking is limited.
• South Ridge Lodge: The largest parking area and central hub, offering the most food options, retail stores, and ski lessons.
• Jordan Lodge: A few miles down the road, this base area features the recently renovated Jordan Hotel, a spa, and the Igloo.

With 19 lifts and nearly 900 skiable acres, planning your day is essential. Keep your phone charged, as navigating the mountain can be tricky. I’ve skied here nearly a dozen times and still get turned around. Downloading the app and mapping out your day can prevent an exhausting trek back to your starting point.

The ski experience at Sunday River is excellent. While they don’t receive as much natural snow as Vermont, their snowmaking capacity is impressive. If you love varied terrain, this is the place for you.

Sunday River offers plenty of challenges for expert skiers. With a 2,340-foot vertical drop and lots of tough terrain, advanced skiers will find plenty to love. When the Oz area (with runs named after The Wizard of Oz) has enough snow, it features gnarly moguls. More consistently available are the fast runs off Barker Mountain Peak, where racers train. The mountain also has six terrain parks with various features.

Night Skiing

Sunday River extends ski days with twilight skiing, allowing locals to hit the slopes after work. North Peak offers illuminated skiing from the South Ridge base area at no extra cost. Twilight skiing takes place on Fridays and Saturdays, plus some holidays. You can ski under the lights with a valid season pass, Ikon pass, ticket pack, full-day ticket, or half-day ticket. Locals can get a $10 pass. How’s that for supporting the community!

Enhanced Base Area Experiences for Families

Beyond skiing and lessons, Sunday River knows that young families rely on the little extras to make those special memories. They now offer private day lodges for rent, conveniently located near the coffee shop and learning area. This trend of providing families and groups with dedicated space is a fantastic addition. The lodges are heated and situated in the heart of the action.

There’s a full assortment of lessons and clinics including programming with Maine Adaptive Sports & Recreation.  Sunday River has a daycare center for children six weeks and older. Book directly at https://www.sundayriver.com/someday-bigger-daycare

Keep an eye out at the base area for Betty and Eddy the local mascot yeti’s these colorful characters often make an appearance at ski school. As kids progress along, they can make their way to Eddy the Yeti’s cabin in the Enchanted Forest. For yeti souvenirs pop over to Betty’s Treats & Treasures a cute shop with candy and toys in the South Ridge Base area.

The Igloo at Sunday River

One of the most exciting investments is the Sunday River Igloo. Initially, I pictured a kid-friendly play area. Instead, it turned out to be a sophisticated lounge made entirely of ice, reminiscent of something you’d find in a European city. Inside, guests can sip bubbly while admiring ice sculptures and enjoying cozy seating covered in fur. Outside, a DJ often plays music for guests warming up by fire pits or waiting in the Jordan lift line.

Dining at Sunday River

I love seeing ski resorts partner with local businesses, and Sunday River excels in this area. Finding an elevated mid-mountain lunch spot in New England is rare, but Sunday River delivers with a few special partnerships:

•  The Mountain Room. This restaurant is the brainchild of Portland restaurateur Chef Harding Lee Smith, who owns four restaurants in Maine. My favorite dish? The Whipped Farm Ricotta toast, served on Standard Baking sourdough with EVOO and garlic—perfect fuel for a ski day. Find it at the top of the Chondola Lift.
• The Last Run Rooms. Smith has expanded his presence with The Last Run Rooms, offering private igloos for small bites like locally sourced oysters and house-made ramen. These reservations fill up quickly, so book early.
• Ona Tripp food truck. For a more casual option, check out the food trucks at Jordan Base. Though I didn’t get a chance to visit, I’ve heard great things about the Ona Tripp food truck, operated by Tripp’s Farmhouse Café. It specializes in gluten-free, keto, vegan, paleo, and dairy-free options. Their bacon, egg, and cheese sandwich on a pancake is rumored to be outstanding. Additionally, the Igloo Food Truck serves Austrian-inspired dishes like raclette and bratwurst.

Beyond Sunday River, the nearby town of Bethel has emerged as a foodie destination. I had some of the best pizza outside NYC at Watershed and have a list of places to try on my next visit, including Le Mu Eats and Steam Mill Brewing.

Final Thoughts

It’s the little extras that make Sunday River stand out. The resort team is committed to creating a memorable experience for every visitor. The ongoing investments and enhancements show they are determined to earn the loyalty of New England ski families. Sunday River is more than just a ski mountain—it’s a destination worth returning to.

Get a look at The Upgrades at The Jordan Hotel here:

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