Located minutes from picturesque Bethel Village in western Maine’s Mahoosuc Mountains, Sunday River, one of New England’s premier resorts, is truly a four-season destination. But let’s face it, winter is the time when it magically shines!
Boasting eight interconnected peaks of world class skiing and snowboarding, two resort hotels plus an inn and New England’s only Chondola—a hybrid ski lift that combines elements from the chair lift and the gondola—it’s no wonder why so many ski enthusiasts call Sunday River their second home for the winter months.
Where to Stay & Where to Play
Perhaps you’re looking for a cozy inn nestled near the slopes. If so, consider Sunday River’s Snow Cap Inn, which possesses the warmth of a New England lodge and is just a short walk to the slopes. If it’s the most premier address you’re seeking for your stay, book a room or a suite (suites with up to three bedrooms are available) at the Jordan Grand Hotel & Conference Center, which lies at the base of Sunday River’s Jordan Bowl. For those seeking the best of both worlds, consider the Grand Summit Hotel and Conference Center, where you’ll enjoy the amenities you’ve come to expect from a full-service hotel, including divine dining options, a health club and a heated outdoor pool. Best of all, this resort hotel is also situated slopeside, so hitting the trails is literally just a few steps away no matter where you stay.
After you’ve skied your heart out, take advantage of the spa services offered at The Jordan Spa and Summit Health Club. Indulge in a milk and honey body polish, an aroma body wrap, a massage with essential oils, a manicure/ pedicures, a maple sugar body scrub or a hands and feet paraffin treatment.
When you’re done rejuvenating your batteries with a refreshing spa treatment, take the family to the White Cap Fun Center, which is located on-mountain and accessible by Sunday River’s complimentary trolley service. There, you’ll find a lighted ice skating rink, a lighted tubing park open afternoons and evenings and plenty of family dining options.
Special Events Heat Up Sunday River’s Winter Season
The holidays are a great time to jaunt off to Sunday River. And, this season the resort has got plenty of special events to keep the family entertained. Here’s a sampling of some of the great events and deals going on right now at Sunday River:
12th Annual Santa Sunday (Dec. 4)—Celebrate the arrival of winter and the spirit of holidays while raising money for the Bethel Rotary Club during its annual drive to provide holiday gifts to the area’s needy children. Dress as Santa and you can ski free on Santa Sunday and receive one additional lift ticket valid through Dec. 16, 2011!
Winterfest Weekend (Dec. 16-18)—Weekend lodging rates start at just $79 per person and activities and events include a visit by Santa, live music at the Foggy Goggle, the kick-off to night skiing, fire dancers, Zipline Tours and Eddy the Yeti sightings.
Dining at The Peak (Dec. 17)—This is the first night of the resort’s yearly Dining at The Peak event, which is available to guests on Saturday nights through mid-March. The menu changes each week, and dinner includes a roundtrip ride on Sunday River’s Chondola to the Peak Lodge for live entertainment and a fresh four-course menu. $65 per person; reservations are required.
Christmas Vacation Week
(Dec. 23-31)—Ski and stay packages are available starting at just $139 per person. Events and activities include live music on the mountain, the Black Diamond Entertainment Series featuring Brent McCoy and Master Stage Hypnotist Ian Stewart.
College Week (Jan. 2-6)—Instead of hitting the books, college students can take a much-needed break by hitting the slopes with Sunday River’s special Ski & Stay vacation package, which includes lodging, lift tickets and lessons. Attention college students: Only have a night to getaway? Opt for the “One Night Stand” package. The mid-term celebration includes live entertainment, nightly parties, games, fireworks and concerts, plus some last-minute surprises! For example, last year’s College Week included a fire and ice party featuring live entertainment by Rahzel and a black-light glow party.
Children’s Festival Week (Jan. 9-13)—Head “up the River” the week of Jan. 9-13, 2012 with the kids in tow for this special week of ski & stay packages, which include lift tickets, lodging and perfect-turn clinics. Kids can attend themed lessons, and they’ll have the chance to participate in arts and crafts nights and pajama parties. Besides the wonderful memories you and your little ones, as well as your teens, will share, the best part of all just may be that children ages 4-12 ski, rent equipment and take lessons for free (three-night minimum stay per family for these freebies to apply).
Go50 Week (Jan. 23-27)—Join Sunday River for this mid-winter celebration for skiers and riders over the age of 50. Special Go50 weeklong ski and stay packages are available, which include lodging, lift tickets and an adult perfect-turn lesson each day of the stay. Activities for Go50 Week include a welcome reception, mountain tours, dinner specials and a sock hop.
By Laura Starczewski
