When it comes to operating safely this winter, we're all in.
Though the landscape is continually changing, we're fully committed to opening safely for Sugarloaf's 70th winter season. With over 1000 acres of terrain, our resort naturally lends itself to social distancing, and although many things will be different this winter, we are confident that we will be able to provide a safe environment for you to enjoy the mountain. Outlined below you will find details on our plans for different areas of resort operation, and we strongly encourage you to thoroughly review all of this information prior to visiting us this winter.
We're excited to get back on the mountain, and we look forward to seeing you here.
Karl Strand
General Manager
Do Your Part
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Face Coverings
Face coverings are required at all times in all public areas, including lift lines and while riding a chairlift. Winter neck gators are acceptable as long as they cover both the nose and mouth, are two layers (folding over is okay), and are dry. We suggest keeping an extra face mask on you in case one is lost or you find your primary face covering freezing up and getting too uncomfortable.
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Sick? Stay Home
Even if you're sure it's just a cold, please stay home if you're feeling under the weather. Please review all of the health screening questions below prior to your visit, and if your answer to any of them is 'yes' you should stay home and come another time. We're all in this together, and sometimes that means staying apart.
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Travel Guidelines
Before you travel to Sugarloaf, please review all State of Maine guidelines and restrictions for travellers, including quarantine or testing requirements for visitors from out of state.
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Social Distancing
As recommended by the CDC and state guidelines, please maintain a distance of at least six feet from other guests wherever possible. Keep your eyes out for signage to denote safe distancing, and be respectful of those around you.
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Be Flexible
Our staff has worked incredibly hard to plan for this winter, but this season will be new and different for all of us. In many situations we’ll be learning on the fly and adapting to changing rules and realities. Just as we will be flexible with our plans, we encourage you to be flexible with yours. A successful season will require us all to work together.
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Health Screening
Before you travel to the resort, we ask that you go through the following health screening questions on your own. If you answer "yes" to any of the following, please stay home and come visit us when you're feeling better.
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- Fever (a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher) or are feeling feverish;
- Respiratory symptoms such as a runny nose, nasal congestion, sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath;
- General body symptoms such as muscle aches, chills, and severe fatigue;
- Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea; or
- Changes in your sense of taste or smell?
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Note: healthcare workers caring for COVID-19 patients while wearing appropriate personal protective equipment are not considered to have a close contact exposure and should answer “No” to this question.
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See states exempted from testing and quarantine requirements
This includes any international travel or travel by cruise ship and any domestic travel, within the US, outside of an exempted state, regardless of the mode of transportation.
What to Expect
Opening Day: November 23
We will open for the season on Monday, November 23 with access for season pass holders, Ikon and Mountain Collective pass holders, and pre-paid ticket pack holders only. Lift tickets will not be available to purchase. We will add access for day tickets once we are able to expand terrain and lift offerings. Check the Daily Report for the latest updates.
Tickets & Passes
Currently we do not require daily reservations for season pass, Ikon Pass, Mountain Collective, or ticket pack holders. Online lift tickets are now on sale for December 14 and later, and we strongly encourage guests to purchase lift tickets online in advance. Online tickets will be priced lower, and will provide contactless pickup at our new Online Express ticket kiosks in the base area. It is possible that lift tickets may be limited or unavailable to purchase at the ticket window on peak days.
Base Lodge Restrictions
Capacity will be strictly limited inside the Base Lodge this season, and gear storage and changing will not be permitted. Guests should come prepared to boot up at their cars, and only bring with them items that can be carried throughout the day (small day packs, for example). We have installed additional, temporary outdoor restrooms to limit indoor traffic, and guests should expect to spend minimal time indoors during their visit.
Please note that due to reduced indoor capacity, brown bag lunches will not be permitted in the Base Lodge this season.
Chairlifts
Our new RFID ticketing system will provide contactless ticket checking at our chairlifts, and guests will be asked to ride the lift with members of the group they travelled with. Lift attendants will not require guests to ride a chairlift with people they do not know. Lift mazes will be arranged to provide safe spacing between lanes, and all guests will be required to wear face coverings while in line and while riding the lift.
Restaurants
Indoor occupancy in all of our restaurants will be limited in accordance with current Maine guidelines, and face coverings will be required for all guests except when seated at a table. All restaurants will feature expanded takeout offerings, and our new point of sale system will allow for contactless payments and online ordering.
Events
No large scale gatherings are currently planned or scheduled, though this could change if guidance from health authorities changes. All competitions will follow the guidelines of the relevant governing body.
Lodging
Lodging will be available this winter in the Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel and resort condos, and will operate in accordance with Maine guidelines. All lodging properties booked through Sugarloaf, including the Hotel, condos, and private homes, will follow American Hotel and Lodging Association Stay Safe guideline for cleaning and safety protocols.
Shuttles
All shuttles will operate at 50% capacity, and face coverings will be required at all times while inside the shuttle. All shuttle busses will be sanitized after every drop off, and a second base area dropoff location has been added to reduce congestion. We encourage guests to drop off passengers in the Sugarloaf Mountain Hotel lot before parking to reduce the number of passengers on busses.
Ski School & Daycare
- All daily and seasonal lesson programs for ages 7-and-over will operate this season. Group sizes will be limited, and all programs will meet outdoors on the snow, rather than inside the Base Lodge.
- Lesson programs for ages 6-and-under, including Minicuffers and Mountain Magic, will not be available this season.
- Daycare will not be available to guests this winter, as our daycare facility will not be able to operate within current state guidelines.
Employee Safety
All Sugarloaf staff members undergo a health screening every day prior to their shift. If team members are feeling unwell or displaying symptoms, they are instructed to stay home. Masks are required for all employees and guests while indoors or in any situation in which it is difficult to maintain a safe distance.
Team members have been trained in stringent cleaning procedures, with increased frequency of scheduled cleanings in all common areas.
Notice
It is important to recognize that when visiting any public space, including Sugarloaf, an inherent risk of being exposed to COVID-19 does exist. While no reasonable steps can completely eliminate the possibility of a virus being transmitted, we are committed to doing everything we can to protect the health and safety of our guests and staff.
Prior to visiting to Sugarloaf, we strongly encourage all guests to review current State of Maine Guidelines for travelers.
Ski Well, Be Well
This plan was developed in alignment with NSAA’s Ski Well, Be Well guidelines. The National Ski Areas Association supports a thoughtful return to outdoor winter recreation. An advisory group of ski industry leaders developed the Ski Well, Be Well operational best practices based on scientific guidelines from experts.