ABOUT US
Sugarloaf Mission
At Sugarloaf, our mission is to create Sugarloafers – a welcoming and inclusive community of passionate, unique individuals – by providing authentic experiences and creating enduring memories.
Values
We believe that the most important person in our company is our customer, and we strive to treat them like guests in our home. We also strive to make sure they have fun. We believe in the dignity and worth of individuals, customers, and staff alike, and give them the benefit of the doubt. We encourage and expect our staff to do more than they think they can. We believe that our third responsibility is to our community and our environment. We will work together with our community, balancing growth with conservation of our unique area.
Sugarloaf Ski Club
Founded in 1951, the Sugarloaf Ski Club is Maine’s oldest. With its support, Sugarloaf hosts premier events like the U.S. Alpine Nationals, U.S. Freestyle Nationals, and the North American Championship Series. The Club recruits, trains, and directs volunteers for alpine, freestyle, and snowboard competitions, allowing us to hold a full event calendar (and do it well) each season. It also provides youth grants and administers a local scholarship program to support young skiers and snowboarders. From cutting the first trails to organizing events today, the Ski Club remains a key part of Sugarloaf’s history. Find them at the Competition Center on the mountain.
History
Sugarloaf Mountain, one of New England’s premier ski resorts, began its journey in 1950 when the Sugarloaf Mountain Ski Club secured land on the mountain’s northern face. From its first rope tow in 1953 to the installation of a groundbreaking gondola in the 1960s, Sugarloaf steadily evolved into an international destination. Over the years, expansions like the West Mountain area, state-of-the-art snowmaking, and investments under Boyne Resorts have cemented its status as a top-tier resort.
1950
Development Begins
Development begins after Sugarloaf Mountain Ski Club secures a lease from Great Northern Paper Company.
1951
Winter's Way Trail Completed
Winter’s Way trail completed and skied; the first ski trail on the mountain.
1953
Lift Service Begins
First lift installed – a 700-foot rope tow at the base of Winter's Way.
1955
First T-Bar and base lodge open
Sugarloaf Mountain Corporation formed; first T-Bar and base lodge open for the 1955-56 season.
1959
New T-Bar and Base Area Moved
Base area relocated downhill, new novice T-Bar installed, and expansion planning begins.
1964-66
First Gondola
Gondola installed, transforming Sugarloaf into a major ski destination. The gondola opens in 1966.
1966
NCAA Championships
Sugarloaf hosts NCAA Intercollegiate Skiing Championships and World Heavyweight Ski Championships.
1969-71
First Chairlifts
First chairlifts added, including the Bucksaw and Timberline lifts, enhancing summit access.
1972
Additional Land Purchased
Construction on Village Center commenced in 1972 and land was purchased on Burnt Mountain.
1974
Snowmaking Begins
Snowmaking system installed, covering the most vertical feet in the world at the time.
1981
Timberline
Timberwind chairlift added, expanding the ski area’s vertical drop. Amos Winter, Sugarloaf’s founder, passes away in 1982.
1994
Superquad
The longest detachable quad lift in the East at the time is installed at Sugarloaf
2007
Boyne
Boyne Resorts takes over operations, initiating the Sugarloaf 2020 expansion plan.
2010/11
Brackett Basin
Brackett Basin expansion opens, introducing backcountry-style terrain.
2015
U.S. Alpine Championships
Sugarloaf hosts the U.S. Alpine Championships
2017/18
Burnt Mountain Snowcats
For the 2017-18 season, two snowcats were purchased to provide cat skiing on Burnt Mountain.
2022/23
CVA/Colby T-Bar
New racing T-Bar installed for Carrabassett Valley Academy & Colby racing
2023/24
West Mountain Expansion
West Mountain expansion adds new novice and intermediate terrain with a high-speed quad.
2030 Plan
Long-Term Development
Long-term development plan focuses on new lifts, terrain, parking, and snowmaking.