Views of trails and mountains at Sunday River.

Smiling at the beginning of a trial at Sunday River.

This Ultimate Guide to Sunday River Resort covers everything you want to know about the mountain before your visit! With eight peaks, 139 glades/trails, all levels of terrain, and great snow, there is a lot to do! Sunday River is my favorite mountain to ski in Maine. The different peaks, mountain vibe, people, fun glade trails, aprés-ski and so much more!

I have been skiing Sunday River for almost ten years now and I never get sick of the mountain. There is just something special about it.

Are you interested in skiing here this winter? Check out this guide before you go! Here I share with you everything you want to know to make the most out of your ski day at Sunday River Mountain.

Let’s get into it-

The Ultimate Guide to Sunday River Resort

Location

Located up in Newry, Maine you can find the beautiful Sunday River Resort at: 15 S Ridge Rd, Newry, ME 04261.

On the drive in, you will head down a long road for about five or so minutes until you arrive at the end where you will be greeted with Sunday River Ski Resort!

Mountain terrain

Sunday River has something for everyone! I skied here when I was first learning, spent years working my way up to advanced trails and can now ski anywhere on the mountain. Whatever level you are at, there will be trails for you!

8 peaks, 18 lifts, 139 trails and glades, 884 trail acreage over 53 miles of trails!

Sunday River is broken down by: 30% beginner, 36% intermediate, 18% advanced and 16% expert.

Some peaks have more difficult terrain than others. Just be sure to check out a trail map before you go!

The peaks

Sunday River’s eight peaks: White Cap, Locke Mountain, Baker Mountain, Spruce Peak, North Peak, Aurora Peak, Oz and Jordan Bowl.

This is what makes Sunday River so awesome…with all these peaks and different trails you don’t ever have to do the same run twice! I often ask the lift attendants where they recommend going, they know where the good snow is!

The peaks from left to right

White Cap- Start your day here, conditions are best in morning because of how the sun hits this part of the mountain. This is where you’ll find White Heat…. The steepest, longest, widest trail on the East Coast. A lot of fun if you feel ready to conquer it!
Locke Mountain- Take Bim’s Whim to Monday Morning for a fun run down this peak!
Barker Mountain- I love Barker Mountain…Head down the Lazy River then pop into the Last Tango glade if the snow is good!
Spruce Peak- Located in the middle of all the Peaks, Spruce Peak is the centralized location of Sunday River! There are a lot of beginner trails that you can take all the way back to South Ridge Lodge (Main Lodge) over here.
Aurora Peak- Ski Upper Air Glow to Lower Air Glow for a fun run on Aurora!
North Peak- North Peak is an easy area to move around the mountain from. You can head back over the main lodge from here, ski down a quick trail to hop on a lift that’ll bring you to a higher part of the mountain, etc.
Oz- Oz is for the experts! Here you will find the steep, double blacks!
Jordan Bowl- I love Jordan Bowl! Try out Lollapalooza while over there! It’s an easy one but very long with fun turns. I like to start there then hit each trail at the Jordan Bowl because they are so much fun.

The lodges

There are three base lodges you can pick from to start your day at and one mountain lodge.

South Ridge Lodge

The “main” lodge at the mountain as well as Sunday River’s largest lodge.

Here at the South Ridge Lodge you can find access to very easy terrain, the Snowsport School, Guest Services and Skier Services. Plenty of room here to find your own table to get ready at in the morning.

There is a ski shop here which is nice incase you forgot anything. Head upstairs and checkout the Foggy Goggle!

Barker Lodge

The lodge that has more of a local feel to it.

Barker is where all the racers and competitors start at. From this lodge you can easily access intermediate and advanced trials.

You can find a Waffle Cabin outside of the Barker Lodge!

White Cap Lodge

This lodge is the smallest of the three base lodges, another with a more local feel.

From White Cap you can access a variety of terrain including advanced and expert.

You can find the Shipyard Brew Haus here!

Peak Lodge

Located at North Peak, stop into Peak Lodge to warm up on a cold day or grab a bite to eat.

This one is only accessible by chairlift and skiing to it.

Smiling for a picture outside the Peak Lodge at Sunday River.

Parking + shuttles

There are several parking lots at the mountain.

You can head all the way down to South Ridge Lodge where there are multiple lots. Barker has its own parking lot. If you can get there early this is a good place to park, it’s just not very big. White Cap also has its own lots. When you’re on the road headed down to the mountain, the White Cap parking will be the first option on your left, then Barker a little further down and South Ridge all the way down.

Arrive a little early to get a good spot. I like to either start my day at White Cap or Barker, check to see if these have room first!

Shuttles run if you need to grab a ride with all of your gear but none of Sunday River’s lots a long walking distance.

Riding up a chairlift at Sunday River with snow covered trees.

Restaurants + bars on the mountain

Here are some of the dining options you can find at the mountain!

Foggy Goggle: An aprés-ski hot spot! Located upstairs of the South Ridge Lodge. Great food and drink. A fun place to stop in on your ski day. If it’s sunny hangout on their deck!
South Ridge Food Court: Located at the South Ridge Base Lodge. This food court has a huge variety, something for everyone.
Barker Food Court: Located at the Barker Mountain Lodge. Stop in for lunch or a quick snack!
Waffle Cabin: Located next to the Barker Mountain Lodge open only on the weekends. Pull up on your skis and get one of their delicious waffles!
Peak Lodge Food Court: Located at the North Peak mountainside lodge. This food court has a huge variety, something for everyone.
Shipyard Brew Haus: Another great place for aprés-ski! Located at the base of White Cap. Great beer and delicious bloodys. Hangout outside, they usually have a fire going by their bar window. We like to come back here for dinner if we stay the night.
Sliders: Located at the Jordan Hotel at the Jordan Bowl. This ski in/ski out restaurant has delicious food and great views! A fun place to stop in for a drink and warm up.

Additional restaurants nearby

Here are other great restaurants that are not right on the mountain but are very close by!

Matterhorn Ski Bar: Located just minutes before the mountain on the same road Sunday River is on. A popular bar with the locals. Offer live music, great drinks and food! Be sure to check this place out while at Sunday River.
Definitive Brewing Company: Located between the South Ridge Lodge and Barker Lodge. Stop in for a beer and some food after your ski day or dinner if you are staying in the area.
Sunday River Brewing Company: The building that greets you when you pull down the road Sunday River is on. Casual restaurant with pub food. Be sure to get a donut!

Lift tickets + rentals

Go online ahead of time and buy your lift ticket as far as advance as possible! This will save you money and assure you’ll get a ticket for that day.

There is the possibility they could sell out if you wait until the day of. If you have the Nitro or Ikon pass you are all set, Sunday River is on your pass!

Do you not have your own gear? No problem, you can rent everything you need here! Skis, snowboards, boots, helmets, and poles for both adults and kids. For rentals, go to the South Ridge Base Lodge and look for the Discovery area. Be sure to ask about the different packages they offer!

The mountain vibe

Sunday River has a mixed vibe of a lot of young families as well as a lot of young adults.

When you hangout at the South Ridge Lodge it’s much more of a family vibe than if you go to White Cap for example.

The skiers and workers at Sunday River are very friendly.

Accommodations nearby

The options of accommodations are endless up at Sunday River! Hotels, Airbnbs rentals- houses, apartments, condos, bedrooms, etc. I often checkout Airbnb and find a mountainside ski in/ski out condo when I can!

Some places I’ve stayed and really liked –

Jordan Hotel: Located at Jordan Bowl, a beautiful mountainside hotel with ski in/ski out access. This hotel is worth the money…the views are amazing and the hotel is very nice.
Sunday River Airbnb: my favorite way to find a place at the mountain!
Snow Cap Inn: Located just across the street from Baker Mountain Road! Very clean, and cozy with mountain/woodsy vibes.
Brookside Condos: My boyfriend and I have stayed here and loved it. We found them on Airbnb. There is ski in/ski out access, you are very close to a lot of restaurants and the size of the condos are perfect for a weekend getaway!

Sunrise colors through hotel room window at the Jordan Hotel.

Annual winter events at Sunday River

Santa Sunday: December 11th- a celebration of the arrival of winter and the holiday season. 100s of skiers and riders dress up in Santa suits and shred down the mountain!
Winter Fest: December 17 + 18: Sunday River’s birthday + the kickoff to twilight skiing.
Spring Fest: April 1-3: Big spring weather celebration with parties, music, skiing, riding, food & drink. An overall great time to be at the mountain!

Smiling heading up the chondola at Sunday River.

Shopping

Whether it’s gear or groceries you need, you can find it at Sunday River! Here are my favorites-

Sunday River Sports: If you forget your gloves, neck warmer, coat, anything really…they have whatever you need here! They also have cute Sunday River apparel. Located in the South Ridge Lodge.
Good Food Store: I always make it a point to stop in and grab some of their cookies! If I’m spending the night up at the mountain I stock up on craft beer, snacks, fruit…all the goodies! They have great healthy options. Located about five minutes from the mountain.
Barking Dog Market: Here you can find anything you need! A large selection of liquor, wine, meats, cheese, snacks, etc. There is also a cannabis store inside of the market. Located just two minutes from South Ridge Lodge.

Ready to ski down a run at Sunday River.

Tips to know before you go

Sunday River can get COLD. I’ve been on days when it’s -6…be sure to check the forecast before you go and bundle up.
Arrive early, get a good parking spot at Barker. Just get ready from the car and head to the lift! This is what I often do, it makes the beginning and end of the day very easy.
I don’t recommend skiing White Heat at the end of the day if it’s your first time. It often gets icy by the afternoon because of the way the mountain faces. It’s much more enjoyable in the morning when the snow is good.
Avoid the lifts at the South Ridge Base Lodge on weekends….the lines get very long.
Head to the Foggy Goggle or the Shipyard Brew Haus if you are looking for a good time.

Overall, Sunday River is an awesome mountain…The eight peaks make it unique and constantly offer new trails to ski! The snow is good up in Newry and they do a good job of keeping the trails nicely groomed.

I hope this Ultimate Guide to Sunday River Resort has been helpful for you! Have you skied Sunday River or plan to this winter? Tell me about your experiences in the comments below, I want to know what you think of this mountain!

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Thanks for being here (: See you on the slopes!

The Ultimate Guide to Sunday River Resort

The Ultimate Guide to Sunday River Resort

Location

Mountain terrain

The peaks

The peaks from left to right