Three Days at Sunday River
Skiing, Dining, and Everything In Between
Here's the thing about Sunday River: you can absolutely do it in a day or a quick overnight. But if you want to actually experience everything this place has to offer, you need at least three full days.
Here's how to make the most of 72-hours at Maine's premier ski destination.
The Arrival
Check-in at The Jordan sets the tone for the weekend. This slopeside property sits at the base of the Jordan 8, one of the fastest eight-person chairlifts in North America. Ski-in, ski-out access means guests are steps from the slopes, but they're also positioned perfectly to explore everything the Jordan Bowl area has to offer.
After settling in and maybe catching a few afternoon runs, there's time to check out The Iglu. This is Sunday River's one-of-a-kind snow igloo and ice lounge. Located right in Jordan Bowl at the base of the Jordan 8, this architectural marvel is carved entirely from snow and ice, featuring a hand-carved ice bar and outdoor seating by the fireplace.
For dinner, Sliders is right there at The Jordan. This Italian-inspired restaurant is known for its tableside carbonara, with creamy pasta tossed in a wheel of aged Parmesan right at the table. The wrap-around deck offers stunning views of Jordan Bowl, and the ski-in, ski-out location means no need to venture far after a day of travel and skiing.
Full Mountain Experience
Saturday morning starts with breakfast at Camp in the Grand Summit Hotel. The breakfast buffet features everything from pancakes to an omelet bar, providing the fuel needed for a full day on the mountain. Then it's time to explore.
Sunday River spreads across 884 acres and eight peaks, with 135 trails served by 19 lifts. That's a lot of terrain to cover, and a full day means actually being able to explore different areas of the mountain. Between runs, there's time to check out the resort's shops for gear upgrades or resort apparel.
By lunch, it's time to ride the Chondola up to The Mountain Room at Peak Lodge. This mid-mountain restaurant by Portland Chef Harding Lee Smith serves elevated comfort food. Think grilled cheese with bacon jam and local chèvre, or dishes like oxtail on sourdough.
Exploring Downtown Bethel
Downtown Bethel is only about 10 minutes from Sunday River. This classic New England village features a walkable Main Street lined with local shops, galleries, and restaurants.
Treating Yourself
After a couple days of skiing, it's time to focus on relaxation. The Jordan Spa is the perfect place to start. Located right in the Jordan Hotel, the spa offers everything from Swedish massages to deep tissue treatments and customizable facials. After two full days on the mountain, those tired muscles need the attention. The therapists know exactly what skiers need, and the treatments are designed with mountain recovery in mind.
Then it's time to head over to Ember at the Grand Summit Hotel. This new elevated dining experience brings New England cuisine to life with open-kitchen energy and craft cocktails.
The menu brings refined comfort to the mountain, and the intimate mountain-modern setting creates the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to linger over another drink and soak in the last hours of the weekend.
Making It Work
The beauty of 72 hours at Sunday River is having enough time to actually experience the place rather than just skiing through. Staying at the Jordan means everything is within easy reach: lifts, dining, The Iglu, the spa. The resort's new D-Line lifts on the Jordan 8 and Barker 6 maximize time on snow, while the variety of dining options means every meal can be different.
That's what 72 hours at Sunday River looks like: enough time to ski hard, eat well, explore the area, and actually relax. It's the difference between a quick ski trip and a real mountain getaway.
