During Maine’s Snowiest Month, Sunday River Prepares For Spring With New Events
Though March is historically the snowiest month in Maine, Sunday River is getting ready for spring with a full calendar of events. Enjoy warmer days, sunny skies, and spring conditions before heading to brand new events like the Après Relay and the World Snowshoe Wife Carrying Championship, and tried-and-true favorites like the Eat the Heat Chili Cookoff, Spring Fest, and Pond-a-Palooza.
The schedule is as follows:
March 23: Après Relay
During this brand new event presented by Elite Airways, participants can enjoy après-ski under the sun from 4:00-6:30 PM slopeside at White Cap Lodge. Team members will compete in the free relay with a wide range of activities, including fat biking, snowshoeing, inflatable kayaking, and cornhole.
March 25-29: Kids Ski Free Week
Pull the kids out of school and enjoy an entire week of free skiing for kids ages 4-12. To qualify for the free kids' benefits, book a ski and stay package with at least one adult staying three nights or longer in the Grand Summit or Jordan Hotel. Packages include adult lodging and lift tickets, with accompanying kids free up to the maximum capacity of the room. Daily breakfast for up to two adults is included as well. Kids benefits include free lodging, lift tickets, lessons, and rental equipment. Call 800-543-2754 to book.
March 29-30: World Pro Ski Tour
In this 3rd annual competition, alpine skiers will race head-to-head to the finish line. Sunday River welcomes back Olympic, World Cup, and NCAA competitors to compete in the dual slalom competition. Skiers ages 18 and up can also register to compete with the World Pro Ski Tourathletes in the Race Arena trail located on Locke Mountain. Spectators can watch from the finish of the race or cheer from the deck of Barker Bar.
March 30: Spring Apres Concert
Enjoy live music slopeside at South Ridge Lodge from 2:00-5:30 PM starting with Whiskey Militia, a 5-piece modern country cover band based out of Lewiston, Maine, followed up by Whiskey Treaty Roadshow.
March 31: Eat the Heat Chili Cookoff
Sunday River will host the annual chili cookoff, featuring local restaurants and chefs from the Maine region. With a panel of local celebrity judges to determine who wins ‘Best Chili’, tasters will also have the opportunity to cast their vote for ‘People’s Choice’.
April 5-7: Spring Fest Weekend
In celebration of the warmer weather and an ongoing ski season, Sunday River will host the annual Spring Fest Weekend slopeside at White Cap Lodge. With live music, spring skiing and riding, food, and more, Spring Fest continues to be a highly anticipated island-themed event for skiers and riders all around the New England region.
April 13: Pond-A-Palooza
This annual pond skimming contest stands out as a signature event at Sunday River and continues to bring characters in their best costumes to the Western Mountains of Maine. Up to 100 participants can register for free the day of the event at the Welcome Center at South Ridge Lodge. Judges base their decision on costume choice and skiing ability—so come suited up and ready to ski, or swim. The event will take place in the South Ridge Base Area.
April 13: Maine Brew Fest Spring Session
The Maine Brew Fest returns with 100 Maine craft beers to sample in South Ridge Lodge. So far, participating breweries include Boothbay Craft Brewery, Definitive Brewing, Foundation Brewing Company, Geaghan Brothers, Geary's Brewing Company, Mason's Brewing Company, Nonesuch River Brewing, Norway Brewing Company, Ricker Hill Hard Cider, Saco River Brewing, Shipyard Brewing Company, and Steam Mill Brewing. Tickets are on sale now: a General Taster is $46 and a Designated Driver is $15.
April 13: Spring Apres Concert
The final concert of the Spring Apres series will feature The Conniption Fits, voted "Best Rock Trio" by New Hampshire Magazine, followed by Darik and the Funbags. Free live music will play slopeside at South Ridge Lodge from 2:00-5:30 PM.
April 20: The Great Tailgate
Impromptu cornhole tournaments, good food, a goggle tan, and spring skiing will take over Sunday River’s Barker Mountain parking lot for The Great Tailgate. This year’s theme, Jamaican Vacation, encourages tailgaters to come dressed in their best island vacation attire.
April 20: World Snowshoe Wife Carrying Championship
Based on the signature North American Wife Carrying Championship in the fall, Sunday River is excited to announce the 2019 World Snowshoe Wife Carrying Championship. Originally started in 2011 by Scott Berk and Erik Person of Norway, Maine, the wife carrying contest on snowshoes consists of a series of obstacles lasting approximately 278 yards.
The race will run in heats with two teams racing head-to-head. The two teams with the fastest times will qualify for the championship round. The winner of the championship round will be declared the World Snowshoe Wife Carrying Champion. Prizes will be given to the top three teams, as well as the fastest team with a combined age over 80, and the fastest team with a combined weight over 350 lbs. Contestants need not be married, but must be over the age of 21. Registration is open and costs $25 per couple.
April 21: Ski Mania
Closing day at Sunday River offers free skiing and riding for all on Barker Mountain.
In addition to spring events, 2019/20 season passes are on sale now. Skiers and riders who purchase next year's pass and pay in full can use it to hit the slopes for the rest of the 2018/19 season. There is also an option to put $50 down and pay the remaining balance in four installments. Low rates are available throughout the Spring Sale, which ends on April 30.
