Sugarloaf is the second highest peak in Maine at 4,237 feet and claims to be the largest resort in the East. This claim comes after the new Brackett Basin area opened this season. The area is part of a 10-year plan to expand into the glades of Burnt Mountain, Sugarloaf’s neighboring peak to the east. Once the expansion is complete, it will nearly double the resort’s size.

Negotiating your way around the mountain can be a bit confusing at first. The only lift near the base lodge that will get you elevated with any speed is the Super Quad. Stay away from the double lifts unless you’re looking for a slow, intimate ride. The Timberline Quad will take you to the peak; although it’s a little slow, it offers a few fun super-long cruising trails, as well as access to the snowfields. If you’re looking for fun steeps and trees, your best bet is to hang out near the King Pine lift.

Sugarloaf can be a windy mountain. After a lift accident this winter, “wind holds” on lifts became a common occurrence. Don’t let this deter you from visiting, though, as you may actually look forward to wind hold days. With the help of a couple of snow cats, you can be transported to the base of the T-bar. From the top, it’s a 20-foot hike to the Spillway X-cut, allowing access to the majority of the mountain, including Brackett Basin. This route may take some time—up to an hour just to get on the snow cat—but the reward may be greater if the wind hold comes with a snowstorm.

Overall, Sugarloaf has something for every level and type of rider. Sporting multiple parks and two pipes, park rats can tweak out all day. Racers can bomb the main face of the mountain on several perfectly groomed double black diamond trails. Nature lovers can enjoy rock drops and dope birch glades not only in Brackett Basin, but also in glades hidden throughout the mountain.

If the snowfields are open, don’t miss out on the opportunity. It is only a 10-minute hike across a moonscape of wind-scoured rocks and radio antennas. The views during clear weather give the impression of rolling off a cliff.