Peter’s Sugar Shack Guidebook
Outdoor Recreation
One of the largest Ski Resorts in New England, Sugarloaf has terrain for everyone. With multiple lifts, terrain parks, cat skiing and numerous dining options, Sugarloaf is a must ski mountain.
117 locals recommend
Sugarloaf Mountain
One of the largest Ski Resorts in New England, Sugarloaf has terrain for everyone. With multiple lifts, terrain parks, cat skiing and numerous dining options, Sugarloaf is a must ski mountain.
Fat Tire Biking, Single Track Trail riding, Nordic Skiing and so much more. The Outdoor Center is basecamp for most adventures that don't involve downhill skiing. With an Allspeed Cycle shop on site, they can help get you on a rental, fix your gear or make recommendations on where to bike, hike or just play.
34 locals recommend
Sugarloaf Outdoor Center
3001 Outdoor Center RdFat Tire Biking, Single Track Trail riding, Nordic Skiing and so much more. The Outdoor Center is basecamp for most adventures that don't involve downhill skiing. With an Allspeed Cycle shop on site, they can help get you on a rental, fix your gear or make recommendations on where to bike, hike or just play.
Located mid way between The Sugar Shack and Sugarloaf Mountain, this access point for the Narrow Gauge Pathway offers plenty of parking and a moderate grade ride along the scenic Carrabassett River. Take our bikes with you or bring the dog for a walk. In winter nordic ski trails are pressed on either side of this well maintained trail. This is a lovely spot for all.
14 locals recommend
Narrow Gauge Pathway
Narrow Gauge PathwayLocated mid way between The Sugar Shack and Sugarloaf Mountain, this access point for the Narrow Gauge Pathway offers plenty of parking and a moderate grade ride along the scenic Carrabassett River. Take our bikes with you or bring the dog for a walk. In winter nordic ski trails are pressed on either side of this well maintained trail. This is a lovely spot for all.
Also known as Burnt Mountain, this is a lovely moderate hike with incredible views of Sugarloaf Mountain near the summit. The trailhead is located off the Sugarloaf Mountain access road and can be tricky to find. Head to Bigelow Mountain Rd, the trailhead is right at the end. This hike has lovely water features, some steep and rocky sections, but should be accessible for most people in good health.
Burnt Hill
Also known as Burnt Mountain, this is a lovely moderate hike with incredible views of Sugarloaf Mountain near the summit. The trailhead is located off the Sugarloaf Mountain access road and can be tricky to find. Head to Bigelow Mountain Rd, the trailhead is right at the end. This hike has lovely water features, some steep and rocky sections, but should be accessible for most people in good health.
If the 20 minute drive to the trails of Carrabassett Valley seems too far, check out the incredible efforts of a small community of riders at Freeman Ridge Bike Park. There are fees associated with this Bike Park, but the price of admission gives you access to well maintained single track with trails for all abilities.
Freeman Ridge Bike Park
Freeman Ridge RoadIf the 20 minute drive to the trails of Carrabassett Valley seems too far, check out the incredible efforts of a small community of riders at Freeman Ridge Bike Park. There are fees associated with this Bike Park, but the price of admission gives you access to well maintained single track with trails for all abilities.
Located at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center, this small Allspeed storefront offers rentals, repairs and limited gear. Their staff are extremely knowledgable and ready to help with a quick fix if you need, or upgrade your ride to a full suspension beast! Stop by if you're looking for a trail recommendation.
Allspeed Carrabassett Valley
3001 Outdoor Center RdLocated at the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center, this small Allspeed storefront offers rentals, repairs and limited gear. Their staff are extremely knowledgable and ready to help with a quick fix if you need, or upgrade your ride to a full suspension beast! Stop by if you're looking for a trail recommendation.
Food scene
On mountain dining and brewing. The Bag is a local favorite with incredible pizza. We are Gluten Free and their GF crust is not to be missed. If you like pepperoni, go for their infamous Pepperoni Pizza which is so loaded with meat you can barely see cheese... not that you'll be complaining!
39 locals recommend
The Bag & Kettle Restaurant
On mountain dining and brewing. The Bag is a local favorite with incredible pizza. We are Gluten Free and their GF crust is not to be missed. If you like pepperoni, go for their infamous Pepperoni Pizza which is so loaded with meat you can barely see cheese... not that you'll be complaining!
Just off the access road, this is many families go to for Aprés Ski dining and libations. With several arcade games in the basement, a fire pit outside and an original Sugarloaf Gondola sitting area outside, the Rack features BBQ and beer. What else do you need?
63 locals recommend
The Rack
5016 Access RoadJust off the access road, this is many families go to for Aprés Ski dining and libations. With several arcade games in the basement, a fire pit outside and an original Sugarloaf Gondola sitting area outside, the Rack features BBQ and beer. What else do you need?
Located between the mountain and our camp - The Sugar Shack - Tufulio's is where the locals meet. And it gets PACKED after a day on the slopes. Tufulio's features great food and well priced dinner specials. They offer food to go and their pizza is a great family dining option to bring back to camp.
53 locals recommend
Tufulio's Restaurant & Bar - Craft Beer - Happy Hour - Pizza/Italian Food
Valley CrossingLocated between the mountain and our camp - The Sugar Shack - Tufulio's is where the locals meet. And it gets PACKED after a day on the slopes. Tufulio's features great food and well priced dinner specials. They offer food to go and their pizza is a great family dining option to bring back to camp.
Conveniences
Located just minutes from our camp, Mainely Provisions (formerly Tranten's, but still Tranten's to the locals) has a great selection of fresh produce, meats and groceries. I'm often surprised how many international food items they offer as well. We love to make Indian Food at home and they always seem to have the tikka masala sauce and naan we need! The gas station attached is one of your close options for filling up the tank.
21 locals recommend
Tranten's
363 Main StLocated just minutes from our camp, Mainely Provisions (formerly Tranten's, but still Tranten's to the locals) has a great selection of fresh produce, meats and groceries. I'm often surprised how many international food items they offer as well. We love to make Indian Food at home and they always seem to have the tikka masala sauce and naan we need! The gas station attached is one of your close options for filling up the tank.
Located just after you exit the Sugarloaf access road, Mountainside Grocers is a small grocery and convenience stop. They also offer gas. This is a great place to grab your aprés beverages, stock up on chips or the kids have been begging you for. Easy to navigate, even in ski boots, this stop is used to the mountain crowd and is a favorite with locals and visitors.
19 locals recommend
Mountainside Grocers
3205 Carrabassett DrLocated just after you exit the Sugarloaf access road, Mountainside Grocers is a small grocery and convenience stop. They also offer gas. This is a great place to grab your aprés beverages, stock up on chips or the kids have been begging you for. Easy to navigate, even in ski boots, this stop is used to the mountain crowd and is a favorite with locals and visitors.
Need a tune? Drop a glove or a pole? Just want to rock some sick Loaf Logo gear? Stop by Downhill Supply Co. for all of your needs. The tune shop does offer a variety of options and can usually accommodate an overnight tune. The rental shop is usually stocked with lots of great gear, including current season demo skis.
7 locals recommend
Downhill Supply Company
9000 Main StNeed a tune? Drop a glove or a pole? Just want to rock some sick Loaf Logo gear? Stop by Downhill Supply Co. for all of your needs. The tune shop does offer a variety of options and can usually accommodate an overnight tune. The rental shop is usually stocked with lots of great gear, including current season demo skis.
No, this is not a coffee shop! But man do they have the BEST deals on a pound of coffee. Choose from one of several regular roasts or try something exotic. At $8.00/lb you're not going to get much better coffee anywhere else. Pounds of coffee make great gifts too, so take some home with you.
9 locals recommend
Carrabassett Coffee Company
93 Main StNo, this is not a coffee shop! But man do they have the BEST deals on a pound of coffee. Choose from one of several regular roasts or try something exotic. At $8.00/lb you're not going to get much better coffee anywhere else. Pounds of coffee make great gifts too, so take some home with you.
Attractions
Weather got you down? More sleet than snow? Head to the SugarBowl and pretend that was the plan all along. This is a great offering for the Carrabassett Valley area all year long. Bowling, brews and good food. They also offer outdoor seating and are a favorite stop for the snowmobile crowd.
42 locals recommend
The SugarBowl - Craft Beer - Wine Bar - Indoor Golf - Burgers
1242 Carrabassett DrWeather got you down? More sleet than snow? Head to the SugarBowl and pretend that was the plan all along. This is a great offering for the Carrabassett Valley area all year long. Bowling, brews and good food. They also offer outdoor seating and are a favorite stop for the snowmobile crowd.
Another great spot for anyone who is seeking indoor thrills, the Anti-Gravity Center has indoor climbing, trampoline, basketball, indoor track and gym. Offered as part of the Sugarloaf Mountain Complex, this is another wonderful way to entertain on a day off from skiing, riding, biking or hiking.
10 locals recommend
Carrabassett Valley Anti-Gravity & Recreation Center
3207 Carrabassett DrAnother great spot for anyone who is seeking indoor thrills, the Anti-Gravity Center has indoor climbing, trampoline, basketball, indoor track and gym. Offered as part of the Sugarloaf Mountain Complex, this is another wonderful way to entertain on a day off from skiing, riding, biking or hiking.
Traveler advice
Book before you go
CRNEMBA Notifications - Penobscot Nation Lands
"As many of you know, or have heard, “No Trespassing without written permission” signs have been posted on several Penobscot Nation roads in Carrabassett Valley. At this point, we really do not know the scope of the intent of these signs. Nonetheless, the CRNEMBA riding community places a high value on gratitude and respect; we recognize how lucky we are to be allowed to ride on Penobscot lands. Until we confirm that we have permission for 2021, please be respectful of any signs you may encounter. We’ll do our best to keep you posted."
What to pack
Re-Usable Shopping Bags
It's important to know that as of July 1, 2021 the State of Maine has instituted new shopping bag policies. Single use plastic bags are no longer available. We recommend you bring one or two reusable shopping bags for groceries and/or other shopping adventures. Many stores will offer you a reusable bag - which will cost you .05 cents per - but these don't replace the sturdy reusable bags you can get from your local grocer.