Sugarloaf Announces Grand Opening Of West Mountain. Largest Terrain Expansion In Northeast

Sugarloaf, the largest ski area East of the Rocky Mountains is getting larger. “We are thrilled to announce the highly anticipated grand opening of West Mountain”, shares Karl Strand, President & General Manager. “The magnitude and pure impact of this type of terrain expansion can’t be understated. It’s the largest terrain expansion to happen in the Northeast since the late 1970’s and to be able to pull this off ahead of Vacation week is incredible”. 

The centerpiece of the West Mountain development is the new “Bucksaw Express” chairlift. The lift is a high-speed detachable quad which will increase Sugarloaf’s uphill capacity by 2,400 skiers per hour. Bucksaw Express will transport skiers and riders up to Bullwinkle’s Restaurant providing convenient access to the heart of the mountain revolutionizing the way guests access and navigate the slopes 

Not only is Sugarloaf the largest ski area in the East it’s also the second tallest mountain in Maine making it vulnerable to the elements. “The location of the lift is intentional” says Strand, “we recognize and have addressed the need to mitigate windy days and the location of this lift does just that”.

In addition to the Bucksaw Express, West Mountain development includes the addition of 12 new alpine trails, covering approximately 120 acres, 9 of which will open Sunday. The expansion will increase Sugarloaf's total skiable acreage by nearly 10% catering to both beginner and intermediate skiers and riders. 

“West Mountain creates a new family-friendly zone, something Sugarloaf has needed for quite some time”, shares Strand, “the accessibility of the lift and terrain provides a progression platform unlike anything we’ve ever had here. Our instructors and families will have a separate zone creating confidence and a “safe” zone, if you will, for beginner and intermediate level skiers.”

Building and growing generational Sugarloafers is part of the fabric that makes Sugarloaf – Sugarloaf; the milestones reached this season are nothing short of historic.