Sunday River Resort — Attraction in Newry

This is our 10th anniversary at Sunday River. “Happy Place Found” is a true testament of our experiences here. The breathtaking mountains, the peaceful tree lines, the fresh breeze, the sound of snow under the skis and laughters of children, the meditating chairlift rides, and the blended smell of the signature burger and burning firewood outside the Sliders’ all make this winter wonderland real and ever calling.

Our fondest memories here are from the people. From our ski school instructors 10 years ago (Karen, Genie, Joe, Gail, and many others - hope you are all well), to Someday Bigger childcare and Mogul Munchkins kid’s ski school, to Jordan Hotel’s staff (Greg is such an empathetic and hotel manager to ensure great customer experiences), we gradually understand what “Mainely Maine” is.

I want to share a special heart-warming memory during this trip. A minute after I was taking in the gorgeous mountain view on Excalibur, I fell. I heard popping sounds as my left ski and knee hit the ground. As I sat on the snow trying to figure out what just happened. At least half a dozen skiers stopped by to check if I needed help (very typical here🙂), I was optimistic and said I just needed a minute. As I got up and tried to step my boot into my ski binding, my knee gave out and lower left leg bent outward. Now I knew I was trouble. A young lady Brooke stopped and asked if I needed help. I asked if she could call Ski Patrol for me. My phone had no signal. She told Ski Patrol our location and offered to call my husband who went down the trail first with our son. I left a message to my husband on her phone. She insisted on staying with me until Ski Patrol arrives. Eliza (yes she is a God-send and has the same first name), the first responder came out of the woods only a minute later. She checked on my spine then the leg. One of her coworkers brought the ski patrol sled. She corresponded with the Ski Patrol Clinic with her walkie-talkie, and carefully buckled me, my skis and poles to the sled securely. Then off we go. It felt a dream to watch how skillfully she moved her skis when dragging the sled behind her on the blue trail, checking in with me from time to time how I was feeling. A few minutes later, we arrived at a small parking area where a Ski Patrol Bill and his van were waiting. Eliza and Bill carefully transferred me from the sled to the van, serving as my temporary crutches. I met Joan and Ken, a couple who also came up here to ski for the weekend. Joan bumped her head three times and felt dizzy. We had a pleasant chat on the way down to the South Ridge. Ken shared his twisted knee experience from a year ago. Bill told me his wife was home with an injury and urged him to come to work. When we arrived at the South Ridge Ski Patrol and Clinic, Diane (NP) greeted us and checked on Joan while Bill checked on my left knee and leg. My husband and son arrived when Bill put a bag of ice on my injured knee, filled out the paperwork, and compassionately gave suggestions and direction to the nearby hospital in Norway. Diane lent me a pair of crutches so I can keep my left leg off of the ground. Jack, another Ski Patrol staff drove my family back to the Jordan Hotel, found the wheelchair and rolled me into the lobby. The Jordan Hotel’s staff were all empathetic and accommodating to us throughout the rest of the stay. As we checked out, Greg, the hotel manager ensured he would cancel the rest of our stay so we don’t have to worry about calling Customer Service.

I felt in great care and good hands the entire time since the accident happened. The transition was seamless and everyone made me feel they truly care about the person in their care and it’s not just a job. Sunday River is a Happy Place Found, even when life makes an unexpected turn. Thank you, Brooke, Eliza, Bill, Diane, Jack, and Greg for all you care and help! Bill, I hope you and your wife both feel better soon! You all make Sunday River such a special place...

Gather round, fellow snow enthusiasts, for I have ventured to the fabled lands of Sunday River Ski Resort, and what a glorious journey it was! Picture this: a vast, snow-covered kingdom with peaks that pierce the sky, trails that weave through the forest like threads of silver, and an atmosphere buzzing with the spirit of adventure. This isn’t just any mountain; it’s a snow-clad paradise where every turn brings a new thrill, every lift ride offers a breathtaking view, and every moment is a memory in the making.

The Majestic Mountain

Sunday River isn’t merely a ski resort; it’s a behemoth of nature, boasting an expanse so vast it feels like its own sovereign nation of snow. With its sprawling terrain that accommodates every level of skier and snowboarder, from the green-circle adventurers to the double-black diamond daredevils, this mountain has something for everyone. The sheer size of the resort means that even on the busiest days, you can find your own slice of winter wonderland, untouched and waiting for the first carve of your skis.

The Kindred Spirits of the Slopes

But what truly sets Sunday River apart isn’t just its impressive geography; it’s the people. From the lift operators who greet you with a smile that warms you quicker than a cup of hot cocoa, to the ski instructors whose passion for the sport is only matched by their patience and skill in teaching it. The staff here doesn’t just work at a ski resort; they embody the very spirit of winter sports, making every guest feel like part of an extended snow-loving family.

An Unforgettable Day

My day at Sunday River was nothing short of epic. Each run was a new discovery, a chance to challenge myself, and an opportunity to revel in the sheer joy of skiing. The conditions were impeccable, with groomed trails that felt like skiing on clouds and off-piste areas that offered the exhilarating crunch of fresh snow underfoot. The lifts whisked us up the mountain with ease, ensuring that not a minute of precious slope time was wasted.

As the sun dipped below the horizon, painting the sky in hues of orange and pink, I realized that Sunday River had given me more than just a great day of skiing; it had given me an experience that I would cherish forever. It’s a place where the mountain’s majesty is matched only by the warmth of its people, where each run brings a sense of achievement, and where the love for winter sports thrives in the heart of every visitor.

Final Thoughts

In the end, Sunday River Ski Resort stands as a testament to what makes skiing and snowboarding so magical. It’s not just about the thrill of the descent or the beauty of the landscape; it’s about the community, the camaraderie, and the shared joy of experiencing something truly special. So, to those who seek the ultimate winter adventure, look no further than Sunday River. Whether you’re carving through the powder for the first time or the hundredth, this mountain is sure to leave you with stories of triumph, laughter, and a longing to return to its...

Visited during the spring so some areas were closed due to season/melted patches. I probably should've known what to expect from the mountain during this time of year, but I'm relatively new to snowboarding still; one day it was slushy and the next day it was ice, I think there was only one day where there was a nice bit of powder (personal preference I suppose, but you definitely don't want to start out on ice). I can't knock the resort for the climate/weather conditions, but it was frustrating not having more access to what the mountain has to offer. If you're a beginner snowboarder I'd honestly just recommend you take a blue (square/intermediate) trail instead of the green (circle/beginner) trails because the green trails can be so flat or bring or have too much uphill sections for you to make it far enough to the next downhill section which requires you to either limp your way to the next downhill bit or just completely unstrap and walk the rest. If you're scared of blue trails I'd recommend just taking wider turns/carves (some of the blues were easier/more enjoyable than the greens in my opinion). I wasn't feeling up to try any black diamond (most difficult/expert) trails—especially because of the ice and melted away snow—, but I did try some alternative routes/tree paths (not sure what they're called usually a narrow bumpy path along a main trail) which was fun. I also tried the freestyle section near the bottom of the mountain by the "Chondola" (chairlift/gondola?). There're some other more difficult freestyle trails I believe, but if your starting out like me I'd recommend the low grind box near the entrance to the freestyle trail by the "Chondola” and the jumps didn't seem too bad (you can just ride over the side of the jumps if you want to get a feel for it. I also tried raised flat rail at the exit, but I can't say I'd recommend trying that first as it's a lot more difficult to balance and spot your landing than the easier low grind box.

*I didn't take any pictures or videos on the mountain myself, but I'll add some later if I'm sent any and I'll update/include the correct trail names when I get home/better connection to look at the trail map online (for some reason I left my trail map...