Waiting for the ropes to drop on summer

Posted on May 22, 2012 by Sarah

There’s a hornet climbing up my window right now, the quaking aspen outside the window is shimmering in the wind, and the thermometer is supposed to hit the mid-70s today. It may not be summer yet, but we’re awfully close. And, since we’re just a little over a month away from opening for summer operations, I wanted to give you a quick update.

Late last week, we posted a video of our mountain bike park to our site and Facebook and Twitter. I’ve helpfully linked it above in case you missed that. After you watch it, you have to admit, you sort of expect/hope someone crushes that sweet little daisy at about the one-minute mark. No? Just me? The mountain bike park is getting a little post-ski season attention right now; it opens on June 29.

This weekend, we’re hosting the 10th annual US Kyokushin Open, a karate tournament that attracts all ranks and all styles. Everything takes place on Saturday, May 26, at the Grand Summit Resort Hotel, $15 at the door, doors at 5, fun starts at 6. I heard Kristen from the tune shop is competing. Cannot wait to see that female Chuck Norris hit the mat. (I think I mixed disciplines, but you get the point.)

Speaking of things happening around here, the numbers for the Tough Mountain Challenge (July 21) are coming in pretty fast. As of this morning, the only heats available are at 2:45 and 3:00. If you’re interested in competing or, in my case, getting your a$$ kicked, hop on and grab your spot. People are posting to the Tough Mountain Challenge Facebook page, so you might want to check that out for conversations between athletes. We’ve been posting updates there as well. It’s a good idea to poke around in there a little bit.

For now, I hope you’re enjoying the warm weather, maybe pick up a tee time at the golf club? (The greens are looking particularly nice right now.) Still no official word on some of the new additions to our summer mountain park, but I’ll let you know as soon as I know for certain some of the new activities we’ll be offering this summer.

Hang tight, people. The ropes will drop on the summer season pretty soon.

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Best What?

Posted on May 7, 2012 by Sarah

Hi, Sarah here, filling in for Darcy while she’s on maternity leave. She plans to be back later this summer, but I wanted to keep you informed of things happening on the mountain.

The Sunday River Golf Club opened on April 18 and it looks amazing. Plus, it’s pretty quiet out there, so nobody cares about your pace of play. The greens are in great shape. No kidding.

Back on-mountain, everyone’s eager for summer operations to start on June 29 with the mountain bike park, ziplining, scenic lift rides, hiking, and more more more, and the buzz is starting to…well…buzz. Last week, the VP of Marketing got an interesting package from Yankee Magazine. Inside was a mounted copy of the cover of their recently published “Best of New England” issue (it’s on stands now, actually) and at the bottom was listed “Best Mountain Park, Sunday River.”

We were surprised, albeit pleasantly surprised, because we all read it as “Best Mountain Bike Park.” Not to toot our own horn (but that is what we do), getting Best Mountain Bike Park wasn’t the surprise. People love our mountain bike park. It’s got interesting terrain and fun berms with lots of challenges. But, let’s be honest: The demographics for Yankee Magazine don’t exactly match the demographics for our mountain bike park.

That’s when we realized something. We got editors’ pick for BEST MOUNTAIN PARK! That’s biking, ziplining, hiking, scenic lift rides. That’s everything. And that, my friends, is one HECK of a commendation from Yankee Magazine and its readers. That is an honor. That’s a badge (or a “patch,” if you follow our Facebook stuff, for which we received a “Best of” in Ski Area Management, but I’m getting off track).

Check it. We have some great plans for the summer. Come back here often. I promise to keep you updated and though I tend to be very very upbeat and optimistic because I love it here, I will tell you the truth. But, yes. I tend to see the glass as half full.

We open that best mountain park, including the mountain bike park, zipline tours and twin zips, scenic lift rides on the Chondola, hiking, geochache adventures, and a whole bunch of other fun stuff that’s in the works, on June 29. I’ll let you know about some of the plans as soon as we have confirmation, but I think you’ll be pleased. And, of course, we keep adding events so stay tuned to the calendar.

Now stop reading this and get outside!
SD

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Tough Mountain Challenge 2011 Recap

Posted on July 26, 2011 by Darcy

This past weekend’s second annual Tough Mountain Challenge brought in 1,000 racers to the slopes of Sunday River, all of whom were ready to take on the 16 obstacles sprinkled throughout the event’s new course. Most of the competitors filed in from nearby New England states but others came from as far as Illinois and Georgia! We’re working on a video recap now and hope to have it to post early next month. For now, here’s a photo sampling of some of the action along with some comments posted to our Facebook page and event page:

First wave of the Tough Mountain Challenge 2011

Facebook Comment: “I survived the 1st and 2nd TMC. Look forward to the 3rd……”

@theacademymaine: Awesome race today at Sunday river. We’ll definitely be back next year with an even bigger team.

Hurrican Alley

Facebook Comment: “To the guy who lent me his shoes after mine got lost in the mud: You’re a good man! Thanks again.”

Facebook Comment: “Congratulations to Sunday River and the folks who put on the Tough Mountain Challenge! Yesterday was exceptionally well organized and the track was so much fun, keep it the same for next year! To all the competitors, you make the race, before during and after, all day long everyone demonstrated true sportsmanship! …Still counting mysterious cuts and bruises I don’t remember feeling them during the race but they are on my hands back and legs! Woke up with a right calf cramp last night…Tough Mountain Challenge the gift that keeps on giving! :) ”

Barbed wire mud crawl!

Facebook Comment: “Fantastic day – hot as the sun but wow, the water logged muddy shoes definitely made up for it. lol Will definitely be back.”

Facebook Comment: “Thank you for an awesomely wet, fun & muddy day!!!”

Barker Pond Net Crawl

Facebook Comment: “kicked my butt! my first race… ever!! awesome.”

Facebook Comment: “Great Time! I will do this again … if I live long enough”

Finish line in sight!

To everyone who competed in this year’s race – thank you! It was an awesome day filled with the energy of some pretty incredible athletes.  See you at next year’s start line :)

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First Full Moon Dinner this Friday

Posted on July 12, 2011 by Darcy

Full Moon = full bellies. Or at least this is the case when you’re lucky enough to take advantage of one of Sunday River’s Full Moon Dinners which combine a scenic Chondola ride with a mid-mountain specialty dinner and live entertainment at the Peak Lodge!


Sunday River’s next full moon feast is scheduled for this Friday, July 15, which means that you can pair the menu below with an action-packed afternoon spent watching the 20th Annual New England Forest Rally or flying through the air on a Zipline Tour or Twin Zip.

The Blue Willow Band, a six piece rhythm and blues/jazz band, will serenade you while a specialty menu featuring local ingredients such as Maine-grown tomatoes and potatoes, as well some Maine-made maple syrup and even vodka, are sure to please your palate. Full Moon Dinners at the Peak Lodge happen only four times throughout the summer/fall and are a must-do for anyone in the area! Need more convincing? Here’s a look at this Friday’s menu:

• Maine gazpacho shooters made with Cold River Vodka
• Mini fruit skewers
• Cucumber dill soup
• Locally-grown honey-glazed carrots
• Green Thumb Farms baked potato bar complete with all the toppings
• Assorted poached raviolis tossed with a slow-roasted Maine-grown tomato and balsamic chutney
• Maine cider marinated chicken served with Maine maple roasted apples
• Gifford’s of Maine vanilla ice cream topped with a locally-grown mixed berry caramel station

Reservations for Full Moon Dinners are required and can be booked by calling 207-824-3000. Dinners are from 6pm until 9 pm and priced as follows: $39 for adults, $14 for children ages 6-12 and free for kids ages five years and younger.

From soup to nuts this is certainly one of the area’s best summer experiences and one not to be missed!

 

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I spy with my little eye…

Posted on July 8, 2011 by Darcy

One of the greatest lawn games ever invented! Now, I could go into the details of how it is played but I think, instead, I’ll let these pictures fill in the blanks.

Ladderball!
Ladderball = Awesome
And it comes with a view!
And it’s conveinently located next to the Foggy Goggle’s outdoor seating area.

‘Nuff said.

From this point on if you need to reach me, you’ll know where I’ll be.

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Sunday River Bike Park Trail Update

Posted on July 7, 2011 by Darcy

Choices, choices...

Over the course of the past week the trail crew has done some serious work to Easy Tiger.  While you’re out riding on it this weekend you’ll notice some new berms and rollers, not to mention an improved riding surface! Special attention was given to channeling water flow off the trail and we plan to have it wrapped up by Friday afternoon for a Saturday morning open.

The crew has also spent some time working on Rt. 229.  The wet and muddy upper section has been rock armored so the muddy ruts should be a thing of the past! Another couple of turns were added to the very bottom of the trail which should dial up the fun factor. This trail too we anticipate to open on Saturday morning.

Last weekend was the reopening of the newly designed Flat ‘n ‘em and Keep it Going jump line. A lot of time was spent working on these two trails and it shows!  Be sure to check them out and as always – look before you leap!  Last weekend also saw the reemergence of the skills park. Patience young grasshopper, this like your skills, will grow with time.

Happy trails – the weather for this weekend is prime!

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A look at the weekend ahead

Posted on July 6, 2011 by Darcy

It’s hump day which means that you’re doing one of two things: checking the weather to see what is in store for the weekend and researching all that there is to do. Welcome to your one-stop-shop.

Weather-wise, Weather.com says that it’s going to be partly sunny and in the upper 70s. This, my friend, is the green light to proceed to the next matter at hand – what to do?

Here at the resort you’ll find Zipline Tours and Twin Zips, geocache adventures, scenic Chondola rides, and over 20 miles of beginner, intermediate, and advanced mountain bike terrain. The Bike Park may only be open Fridays through Sundays, but there is dirt work being done to it almost every day – specifically to the trails 229 and Easy

Tiger which should be in “puuurfect” shape for the coming weekend. Make it a weekend and book our Bed and Breakfast package starting at $129 for lodging in a standard or studio room with breakfast for two people (package based on double occupancy).

If all of this activity leaves you famished, you’re in luck because the Foggy Goggle is openfor business Friday through Sunday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. Featuring a new menu complete with fresh salads, sandwiches, burgers, wings, classic Maine lobster rolls and a to-go picnic menu to boot! That’s right, you can order one of two picnic options to bring with you on a hike or Chondola ride, or eat in and choose to saunter up to the bar for a cold on or grab a seat outside on the deck. Plus, every Saturday afternoon from 2 until 5 the Goggle features live music. Playing this weekend: Lyle Divinsky.

In the mood for some Maine lobster?

In the mood for some Maine lobster?

If all of this leaves you needing yet something else to fill your weekend plate – take your adventures into the many nooks and crannies of this mountainous area to experience one of these great events:

Saturday & Sunday, July 9 & 10: 50th Annual Western Maine Gem, Mineral & Jewelry Show

Saturday, July 9: Historic Bethel Hill: Guided One-Hour Walking Tour
Sunday, July 10: North Pond Sailing Regatta Schedule

Enjoy the weather – the weekend is almost here!

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I want to see a moose, now what?

Posted on June 29, 2011 by Darcy

Moose (moos), noun

According to Wiki: The moose (North America) is the largest extant species in the deer family. Moose are distinguished by the palmate antlers of the males; other members of the family have antlers with a dendritic (“twig-like”) configuration. Moose typically inhabit boreal and mixed deciduous forests of the Northern Hemisphere in temperate to subarctic climates.

Mountain Life edit: …specifically Maine and the Western Mountains region.

If you’ve never seen a moose, now is your chance. This summer, Sunday River is offering Wildlife Tours leaving from the Grand Summit and Jordan Grand Resort Hotels on Wednesdays and Saturdays. You’ll drive to various locations via tour bus and along the way, get an inside scoop about the wildlife that surrounds us. And while we can’t guarantee that you’ll see a moose, our 98 percent success rate certainly inspires some level of confidence.

Other wildlife you might encounter along the way include bobcats, coyotes, eagles, hawks, fox, fisher, and of course, deer. Throughout the tour, our experienced local guide will tell you all you need to know about moose, their habits and even some fun facts you might not hear anywhere else.

Coast for Sunday River’s Wildlife Tour is as follows: adults is $30, $20 for children (6-12 years old), and children ages 5 and under free. Guests staying at Sunday River will receive a $5 discount.

Tours leave both the Grand Summit and Jordan Grand Resort Hotel and take approximately 3.5-4 hours. Departure times may vary due to sunset. If you’re interested in spotting the elusive Maine moose for yourself, call and reserve your spot on our tour today: (207) 824-3500.

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No ski lifts required

Posted on June 28, 2011 by Darcy

If you think that the summer months spent at Sunday River are for foot and bike traffic alone then you would be wrong. And while we tout about all of the fun to be had while zipping down one of our ziplines or by letting gravity do the work for you on a mountain bike, there is something to be said about going uphill. Especially if that uphill is in the form of a Hummer.

This past weekend Sunday River was proud to host the second annual Northeast Hummer Event. Vehicle owners from near and far made the trek to Sunday River’s Jordan Grand Resort Hotel and then kept on going, and going, and going. Below are some of our favorite pictures and if you’d like to see more, check out our Facebook Album for a full rundown of this past weekend’s events including images of the group ziplining and mountain biking!

"Vroom vroom" doesn't do this picture justice

Who says an uphill battle can't be fun?!

Sunday River red - we like it!

Line em up!

All photos courtesy of serious4X4.com.

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Opening Weekend is Here!

Posted on June 23, 2011 by Darcy

Sunday River opens its many mountain activities for the summer today which means that it’s time to stop what you’re doing and start making plans to take advantage of some serious fun! Below are three ways to enjoy opening weekend, but don’t forget – there’s still golfing, geocaching, hiking, fishing, ATV tours and spas to add to the list (and don’t worry – we’ll be sure to highlight each in Mountain Life as summer progresses). For now, here’s the scoop on the big three.

Zipline Tours & Twin Zips

Zip-ah-dee doo dah! Zip-eh-dee ey!

Installed last summer, you don’t need to be a daredevil to take advantage of, and have fun on, a Zipline Tour and Twin Zip, and if you want more proof take a look at the video we created last year which highlights just how much fun it really is!

A Zipline Tour includes a guided “zip” across six lines ranging from 100 to 300 feet in length in a wooded area of Sunday River known for simply beautiful views of the best that nature has to offer including a waterfall, stream and deep ravine. Tours take place three times a day at 9 a.m., 12 p.m. and 3 p.m. Thursdays through Sundays.

Part of the Zipline Tour is the Twin Zip ending where you zip or race back down to the base on parallel lines extending 750 feet in length. Of course for those who want to test-drive a zip before committing to a tour, Twin Zips are available any time of the day on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, no reservations required.

For more information on safety requirements, appropriate attire and Zipline Tour reservations, visit our dedicated Zipline page.

Scenic Chondola Rides

It's a bird, a plane - no! It's so much better than both. It's Sunday River's Chondola.

Hands-down Sunday River’s most popular summer activity, scenic Chondola rides are the perfect summer escape. First and foremost, a ride on the Chondola requires very little physical activity. Simply purchase your roundtrip lift pass at Sunday River Sports in the South Ridge Base Lodge and then step into one of the lift’s gondola cabins or take a seat on one of its chairlifts and enjoy a stunning alpine journey up a mountain. Once at the top, you can exit the Chondola and walk to the mid-mountain Peak Lodge for a quick bite, take in the views of the Mahoosuc Mountain Range or, enjoy a hike along one of the resort’s dedicated foot paths. The Chondola is also the resort’s dedicated bike transport and the ideal uphill transport to keep legs fresh for downhill fun. Check out this video we took of the Chondola last summer for the full scoop!

The Sunday River Bike Park

Bike Park Madness!

With over 20 miles of dedicated trails, the Sunday River Bike Park has terrain for every level of and ability. New this summer, the park crew has been working on Rock Star – a new advanced trail sure to make you feel like its name implies. For newbie, Easy Tiger will leave you purring with delight. Don’t worry if you forgot your bike, Sunday River Sports has plenty to rent and is your one-stop shop for a park pass, lift ticket and most importantly – trail map. Learn more about the park through this video and dedicated webpage.

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