My favorite aspect of Sunday River that wasn’t mentioned is their “boundary to boundary” policy which allows skiers to ride any terrain within boundary, makes for some of my favorite tight glade skiing in Maine
Another superb and accurate assessment. Sunday River is a very, very wide mountain. As mentioned, always has had fantastic snowmaking because it had too. They definitely receive less now than Sugarloaf, and these two mountains are like polar opposites of each other. Whereas Sunday River is a great intermediate and family destination with a wide footprint, Sugarloaf has great and long top to bottom, centralized skiing, with better natural snow and far more expert terrain.
Also worth noting is that Sunday River is considerably lower in elevation than its rivals (base elevation of just 800 feet) and closer to the ocean. This means temps are consistently warmer than say Killington (higher and inland) or Sugarloaf (higher and further north). Sometimes this means nicer conditions, but in my experience, this often means more thaws, winter drizzle, and earlier melt come springtime.
As a regular Sunday River skier, I would agree with almost all your comments but have issue with your number scores. You gave it a 5 for grooming/snow making and I would have given it a 9. The other factor is they have put in 2 new high speed lifts, a 6 pack and 8 pack, so that has really improved any choke points. I would have expected SR to rank just under Killington and Sugarbush, but for different reasons (Kton size and varienty, Sugarbush for challenge and terrain). Good review though and you captured the place pretty well. They do have a lot of glades, but not always open unless enough natural snow.
@@PeakRankings Vail is 3x bigger than Killington, but Killington receive way less snow and had to make their own snow, hence they are smaller (or should I say that's the main reason), so it is really unfair
Lol. If you’ve only been to this East coast “resorts “ you’re doing yourself a disservice. They’re fine for what they are but vail , mammoth , squaw , whistler - they’re simply superior in almost every way. ☮️🏂😎. 5/10 is accurate
@@PeakRankings I think that ranking East Coast resorts with their own criteria rather than the same as western resorts, might be a good idea - there's little overlap between the two regions
Selling point is the size and the snow making. It makes Sunday River such a reliable experience compared to some of big east coast mountains that can't accommodate their crowds(which are also usually larger) nearly as well.
I live around 2 - 3 hours from there and we stay at a hotel around 5 minutes out I’ll have to check the name. But it is most definitely my fav place to ski
Good video! I will say that Sunday River is a really nice mountain to hit with a group of friends who are not all at the same skill level. As you mention, most lifts serve a variety of terrain, so it's easy for your group to work a single lift for a while and keep everyone happy. Also, the Blind Ambition glade is enormous, and is an amazing playground for beginner glade skiers, or more advanced skiers who want a chill experience. There's nothing else quite like it in the east. In general, I always enjoy the terrain at SR, because its sheer size and variety will allow you to find whatever you're in the mood for. There are solid bump runs, easy trees, blue cruisers, decent steeps, gnarly ungroomed lift lines, etc., etc. I'm a fan.
Sunday river has some good trees and sneaky spots when there is a good storm. On a pow day you can find fresh snow all day. I don’t usually go otherwise.
I've been binging your videos the last couple of days. Fantastic work. As a skier from Califoria now living in Montreal, I'd love to see you do some reviews on some Québec resorts. I know you did an article on Tremblant, but Le Massif de Charlevoix I feel is a really amazing east coast mountain that needs to be checked out !
Good vid, I’d disagree with the assessments of the glades. Saying a “handful of glades” is understating the volume of tree runs there, although some often closed due to lack of snow. I’d sharply disagree with the facilities assessment. Only Killington has more in the east, and if you know how to navigate Sunday River properly, you can access a lodge quickly.
I think Sunday River tops almost all NE resorts. I like that the lifts are slower, keeps the trails open for fast and more aggressive skiing. And I would argue the expert terrain is pretty tough, yes the trails are wider and a lot is groomed, but it’s also pretty dang steep. Shockwave for example is an ungroomed double black off White Cap, that may have been the hardest run I’ve skied. I also appreciate the size and have never felt lost or gotten confused, although I do like the feeling of being out on the mountain with no plan or direction, just out for an adventure
Go to either Sugarloaf in Maine, or Whiteface in NY for way better terrain, and especially Sugarloaf - it has trails that will test even World Cup skiers. Weekdays are best - zero lift lines amd and ridiculously low ticket prices. The bang for the buck is better than anything you will get out west.
Wow, another hit the nail review... everything is on point! Even I lived in NJ, I went to Maine twice the past 2 years as Sugarloaf and Sunday River are really worth the visit during Thanksgiving & Christmas holidays (albeit the long lines)
Week days are best - almost no lift lines, and the ticket prices are extremely low. I'm going to Sugarloaf next months, and my ticket cost for 5 days is only $179!
It's great when 2/3 of their lifts aren't shut down for the day due to wind! The wind was pretty strong there in the morning when I was there, but by afternoon, there was virtually zero wind at all, yet they never opened any of the summit lifts except for Locke. Lame af. Literally most of the best terrain there was inaccessible for the whole day, unless you wanted to do some serious hiking.
DONT BE HATIN ON LUNCH AT JORDAN BOWL BUBBA!! :) I WAS ON THE TRAIL CUTTING CREW FOR BLIND AMBITION BACK IN THE 90S..BEST GLADE SKIING TRAIL ON THE EAST COAST!
also known as "Someday Bigger" by western maine locals... any plans to hit saddleback/sugarloaf this year? both are better than SR in just about every way in my book Edit: finished the video, can see that youve ranked them and agree w me
We may have jumped the gun on putting Jay there and are still finalizing the score/review 🙈 although we can confirm that Jay Peak's official score will only change in the upward direction
We haven't gotten enough footage of the Snowfields and Brackett Basin at this point, but we have a written review here: www.peakrankings.com/content/sugarloaf
The locals call it "someday bigger" and it is so true. The width is annoying. The prices for food and bev is insane, and it is the least hype mtn of all time. Nothing going on ever. This place feels scammy. I would go to sugarloaf if I was traveling and skiing in Maine. They also lie like crazy about snow totals.
I disagree with your size, diversity, challenge, and navigation scores. I believe a finally tally of 60 is more accurate. However, I may be biased towards more optimal conditions as I never went during peak times (family vacation home nearby). Despite the score, still a must try resort.
Your east coast mnt rankings at the end is not up to par. Jay peak challenge rating should be a 6 if killington is a 6. Whiteface is the most challenging on the east coast, maybe North America (challenging being key word)… east coast mnts I’d say whiteface, jay, killington.
I've grown a little weary of Sunday River's claim of being situated on "eight separate mountain peaks". In reality, the resort is built on a long ridge and every little knob is excitedly referred to as a mountain peak. Please knock it off, SR.
My favorite aspect of Sunday River that wasn’t mentioned is their “boundary to boundary” policy which allows skiers to ride any terrain within boundary, makes for some of my favorite tight glade skiing in Maine
Are you allowed to ski on closed trails there?
@@holymeto9981I don't think so technically but definitely haven't seen any harsh action against it
@@holymeto9981nothing that’s roped off, but anything unmarked is fair game
The unmarked "secret" trails are some of the best at Sunday River. If you can find them there are some real nice glade runs
Another superb and accurate assessment. Sunday River is a very, very wide mountain. As mentioned, always has had fantastic snowmaking because it had too. They definitely receive less now than Sugarloaf, and these two mountains are like polar opposites of each other. Whereas Sunday River is a great intermediate and family destination with a wide footprint, Sugarloaf has great and long top to bottom, centralized skiing, with better natural snow and far more expert terrain.
Also worth noting is that Sunday River is considerably lower in elevation than its rivals (base elevation of just 800 feet) and closer to the ocean. This means temps are consistently warmer than say Killington (higher and inland) or Sugarloaf (higher and further north). Sometimes this means nicer conditions, but in my experience, this often means more thaws, winter drizzle, and earlier melt come springtime.
As a regular Sunday River skier, I would agree with almost all your comments but have issue with your number scores. You gave it a 5 for grooming/snow making and I would have given it a 9. The other factor is they have put in 2 new high speed lifts, a 6 pack and 8 pack, so that has really improved any choke points. I would have expected SR to rank just under Killington and Sugarbush, but for different reasons (Kton size and varienty, Sugarbush for challenge and terrain). Good review though and you captured the place pretty well. They do have a lot of glades, but not always open unless enough natural snow.
“Sunday River is very large for the northeast”
**Only gives it a 5/10**
The existence of West Coast resorts that are 6-8x bigger will do that for ya 😅
@@PeakRankings True, but I think it’s unfair to be grading the size of east coast resorts based on the west coast sizes as well. Just my opinion tho
@@PeakRankings Vail is 3x bigger than Killington, but Killington receive way less snow and had to make their own snow, hence they are smaller (or should I say that's the main reason), so it is really unfair
Lol. If you’ve only been to this East coast “resorts “ you’re doing yourself a disservice. They’re fine for what they are but vail , mammoth , squaw , whistler - they’re simply superior in almost every way. ☮️🏂😎. 5/10 is accurate
@@PeakRankings I think that ranking East Coast resorts with their own criteria rather than the same as western resorts, might be a good idea - there's little overlap between the two regions
Selling point is the size and the snow making. It makes Sunday River such a reliable experience compared to some of big east coast mountains that can't accommodate their crowds(which are also usually larger) nearly as well.
I live around 2 - 3 hours from there and we stay at a hotel around 5 minutes out I’ll have to check the name. But it is most definitely my fav place to ski
Good video! I will say that Sunday River is a really nice mountain to hit with a group of friends who are not all at the same skill level. As you mention, most lifts serve a variety of terrain, so it's easy for your group to work a single lift for a while and keep everyone happy. Also, the Blind Ambition glade is enormous, and is an amazing playground for beginner glade skiers, or more advanced skiers who want a chill experience. There's nothing else quite like it in the east. In general, I always enjoy the terrain at SR, because its sheer size and variety will allow you to find whatever you're in the mood for. There are solid bump runs, easy trees, blue cruisers, decent steeps, gnarly ungroomed lift lines, etc., etc. I'm a fan.
Thanks Daniel! Agreed that Sunday River is one-of-a-kind.
Your videos are awesome! The flow is great, and your clips give a clear view of what the resort has to offer.
Yo! I was in the video! Thank for the publication bro! Wooho!
LOL good 4 u!
Snowmaking was pioneered here, Lost Valley in Auburn maine had their own snowmaking shop and they pioneered alot of snomaking tech here.
They used to be a triple black diamond there called Spruce Cliff
Sunday river has some good trees and sneaky spots when there is a good storm. On a pow day you can find fresh snow all day. I don’t usually go otherwise.
I've been binging your videos the last couple of days. Fantastic work. As a skier from Califoria now living in Montreal, I'd love to see you do some reviews on some Québec resorts. I know you did an article on Tremblant, but Le Massif de Charlevoix I feel is a really amazing east coast mountain that needs to be checked out !
Also St Annes
Good vid, I’d disagree with the assessments of the glades. Saying a “handful of glades” is understating the volume of tree runs there, although some often closed due to lack of snow.
I’d sharply disagree with the facilities assessment. Only Killington has more in the east, and if you know how to navigate Sunday River properly, you can access a lodge quickly.
Love the videos, you guys should visit NM. Ski Santa Fe is amazing and Pajarito is small but steep. And of course, Taos Ski Resort.
Taos is coming soon!
I think Sunday River tops almost all NE resorts. I like that the lifts are slower, keeps the trails open for fast and more aggressive skiing. And I would argue the expert terrain is pretty tough, yes the trails are wider and a lot is groomed, but it’s also pretty dang steep. Shockwave for example is an ungroomed double black off White Cap, that may have been the hardest run I’ve skied. I also appreciate the size and have never felt lost or gotten confused, although I do like the feeling of being out on the mountain with no plan or direction, just out for an adventure
Dying to see a PeakRankings vid on Sugarloaf, just 2 hours away from Sunday River!!
I’m really looking forward to it, I’m going to Sunday River for the first time this December. These are the best mountains I’ve seen on the east coast
Go to either Sugarloaf in Maine, or Whiteface in NY for way better terrain, and especially Sugarloaf - it has trails that will test even World Cup skiers. Weekdays are best - zero lift lines amd and ridiculously low ticket prices. The bang for the buck is better than anything you will get out west.
Awesome channel. As a resort nerd, this might be my favorite content I’ve ever discovered on the internet lol
Great video as always!
I was in the video! Woohoo! Let go my guy! Thank for the publication, and by the way, Sunday River is the best in the east!
I was near the beginning, at a 1:20!
Cool good 4 u
Sunday river is the best btw
Sugarloaf much better!
Wow, another hit the nail review... everything is on point! Even I lived in NJ, I went to Maine twice the past 2 years as Sugarloaf and Sunday River are really worth the visit during Thanksgiving & Christmas holidays (albeit the long lines)
Thanks James!
Week days are best - almost no lift lines, and the ticket prices are extremely low. I'm going to Sugarloaf next months, and my ticket cost for 5 days is only $179!
AWESOME! now do one on STOW in Vermont.
Stowe will hopefully come this winter!
@@PeakRankings Can’t wait!
It's great when 2/3 of their lifts aren't shut down for the day due to wind! The wind was pretty strong there in the morning when I was there, but by afternoon, there was virtually zero wind at all, yet they never opened any of the summit lifts except for Locke. Lame af. Literally most of the best terrain there was inaccessible for the whole day, unless you wanted to do some serious hiking.
Just curious as to why there are no ski areas in New Hampshire in any of the videos on this channel?
We have not covered the New Hampshire region yet, but plan to visit this season.
5 for snowmaking?? Should be at least a 9!
How does it make sense that the vertical rise is 2,300 feet but the highest peak is only 1,700?
Would love to see a Wolf Creek Review.
Wolf Creek is in the pipeline!
Please visit Mont Saint Anne Quebec
Sunday River is #1 in the East!
what did they previously say - Someday Bigger
DONT BE HATIN ON LUNCH AT JORDAN BOWL BUBBA!! :)
I WAS ON THE TRAIL CUTTING CREW FOR BLIND AMBITION BACK IN THE 90S..BEST GLADE SKIING TRAIL ON THE EAST COAST!
As someone who skis there you have to stay for a while to get the fullest experience
Definitely 2 days
also known as "Someday Bigger" by western maine locals... any plans to hit saddleback/sugarloaf this year? both are better than SR in just about every way in my book
Edit: finished the video, can see that youve ranked them and agree w me
isn’t saddleback 400 acres and has one his speed quad?
@@lukenelson5069 size isnt everything
what no nh mountains you're smoked lol id say loon needs to be on that list somewhere
Skibig3! I’m from Maine heading out to Banff this season!
If you are in NH check out Waterville Valley!
Awesome video!
Releasing that Jay Peak score before the post 🧐
Looks like the east has a new top mountain for challenge (along with whiteface)
We may have jumped the gun on putting Jay there and are still finalizing the score/review 🙈 although we can confirm that Jay Peak's official score will only change in the upward direction
Still waiting on some video about Jay Peak vt ,smugglers notch vt, sugarbush vt , stowe vt
Hey, do you have a review on Sugarloaf?
We haven't gotten enough footage of the Snowfields and Brackett Basin at this point, but we have a written review here: www.peakrankings.com/content/sugarloaf
@@PeakRankings great, thanks for the reply! Love your videos!
What about the igloo
Time to update with the Jordan 8!
We'll be back this season!
The locals call it "someday bigger" and it is so true. The width is annoying. The prices for food and bev is insane, and it is the least hype mtn of all time. Nothing going on ever. This place feels scammy. I would go to sugarloaf if I was traveling and skiing in Maine. They also lie like crazy about snow totals.
I disagree with your size, diversity, challenge, and navigation scores. I believe a finally tally of 60 is more accurate. However, I may be biased towards more optimal conditions as I never went during peak times (family vacation home nearby). Despite the score, still a must try resort.
Your my hero
Do you know if you can make a whistler review video
We're going this Feb, will have the footage for a video review after that!
Do you plan to visit some New Hampshire resorts?
We hope to this season!
You should do some Alaska and New Mexico ski resorts
agreed
Taos is coming soon! Alaska is still on our bucket list 🙂
@@PeakRankings ok
WHITE CAP
LOCKE
BARKER
SPRUCE
NORTH PEAK
AURORA
OZ
JORDAN
8 PEAKS BUB!!
Your east coast mnt rankings at the end is not up to par. Jay peak challenge rating should be a 6 if killington is a 6. Whiteface is the most challenging on the east coast, maybe North America (challenging being key word)… east coast mnts I’d say whiteface, jay, killington.
I've grown a little weary of Sunday River's claim of being situated on "eight separate mountain peaks". In reality, the resort is built on a long ridge and every little knob is excitedly referred to as a mountain peak. Please knock it off, SR.
You rate the rivah bad imma be mad
spruce peak glades >>>
Maine lifts are slow so we have time to smoke 🤣
Ello
Ello
Worst place to ski! Those are not peaks. They are revines. It’s a shitty place.
PRO TIP: DONT SKI ON SATURDAY
LOL
Sundays rivers “8 peaks” are a joke to everyone in Maine.
I lived in Maine in 1979 as a kid :)