What to Know Before You Go
If you've always wanted to learn to ski or snowboard but are not sure how to get started, you've come to the right place. We have everything you need to know to get ready for your first day on the slopes so you can enjoy the sport with confidence.
Planning Your Trip
Where to Stay
On-Mountain Accommodations
There are three lodging properties at Sunday River—the Grand Summit and Jordan Hotels, and the Snow Cap Inn—and a number of lodging options in the area.
How to Learn
SnowSports School Lessons
Lessons are strongly recommended for your first time on snow. Your instructor serves as your mountain guide and gets you geared up and ready to go.
How to Go
Lift Tickets
If you are not participating in a lesson, you will need to purchase a lift ticket. The Beginner Lift Ticket offers access green terrain only, while an All-Mountain Ticket allows you to go anywhere on the resort.
Where to Get Gear
Rental Equipment
If you are not participating in lessons, Sunday River offers rental equipment at the South Ridge Lodge. You may reserve equipment online ahead of time. Sunday River also offers clothing rentals through an online provider.
When to Come
Hours of Operation
Come as much as you can from November to April! Sunday River typically opens for the season around Halloween. However, the beginner terrain required for a positive learning experience is open from around Thanksgiving until mid-April. The SnowSports School is open for private lessons when beginner terrain is available and for group lessons from early December to late March.
Where to Eat
Refuel and Recharge
Sunday River has many on-mountain dining options from grab-and-go to full sit-down meals. At South Ridge, you have the widest selection of food, like the Foggy Goggle, South Ridge Food Court, Cilantro Burrito, Cho Sun, Coffee Hound, and the Mountain Grocer.
What to Wear & Bring
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Wearing layers keeps you warmer because it lets you adjust your clothing if the temperature changes as the day goes on. It's also a good idea to wear moisture-wicking clothing to stay dry and comfortable. Your outermost layer should be wind and water-resistant, including your pants. Clothing such as jeans or sweatpants just don't cut it as an outer layer, and are only going to guarantee you'll be wet and cold.
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One pair of quality wicking socks will keep your feet nice and warm. More isn't always better when it comes to your feet, so don't bother wearing a second pair of socks. Instead, bring an extra pair to change into if yours get wet.
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Keep your hands warm, dry, and protected with a good pair of waterproof gloves or mittens. This is a must-have.
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Knit hats may look cool, but we highly recommend a helmet specifically made for skiing or snowboarding. With the latest styles, they look just as cool as beanies, they're safer for your skull, and they are warmer than a hat. The best helmet is the one that fits. If you need help with the fit, ask a Team Member at Sunday River Sports, or a rental shop tech or your SnowSports School instructor to explain it to you.
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To protect your eyes from wind, snow, and the sun, we recommend wearing goggles or sunglasses.
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Sun, snow, and wind — enough said. You definitely want to protect your skin. SPF 30 or higher is suggested.
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Many people keep their ski and snowboard gear in one handy bag and use it every time they head to the mountains. You don't need to wear it while you're skiing or snowboarding.
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- Pocket tissues are optional, but your nose may run a little in the cold.
- An ID and wallet stored in a secure, zipper pocket.
- An energy bar to have as a little pocket snack to keep you energized.
- A trail map or the Sunday River App on your smartphone to help you find your "happy place" trail for the day.
- A water bottle to stay hydrated! Drink plenty of water before and after your day on the slopes. Sunday River has water bottle refill stations throughout the lodges.
Need winter clothes or forget something? We've got you covered. Sunday River Sports at South Ridge Lodge offers a wide selection of apparel and equipment for sale, or you can rent premium ski and snowboard apparel specifically for your trip through our partner Arrive.
Traveling to the Slopes
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Prepare Your Vehicle
Seasoned skiers and snowboarders will recommend a basic roadside emergency kit, blanket, plenty of washer fluid, good windshield wipers, and a snow scraper brush combo.
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Leave Your House with Time to Spare
Plug Sunday River into your preferred directions app to determine how long it will take you to get here. You’ll want to start your day at South Ridge Lodge. You’ll also want to plan to arrive at least an hour before your lesson time.
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Parking at the Resort
Parking is available near all of Sunday River’s base lodges and hotels. On weekends and holidays, parking lot attendants will guide you to the closest available spot. The free resort shuttle service is a great way to grab a ride with your gear, but you'll never park more than a seven-minute walk from any slope access.
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Check the Snow Conditions
Plan for the weather and conditions of the day. You may access a Sunday River’s current information by checking the resort’s Mountain Report or by downloading Sunday River’s app.
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