Policies & Safety

Responsibility Code

Skiing and riding can be enjoyed in many ways. At ski areas you may see people using alpine, snowboard, telemark, cross-country, and other specialized equipment, such as that used by adaptive skiers and riders. Regardless of how you decide to enjoy the slopes, always show courtesy to others and be aware that there are elements of risk in skiing and riding that common sense and personal awareness can help reduce. Observe the code listed below and share with other skiers and riders the responsibility for a great on-hill experience.

Be safety conscious. Officially endorsed by the National Ski Areas Association.

Maine Ski Area Safety Act

The Maine State Legislature, recognizing the inherent risks of the sport, passed the Maine Ski Area Safety Act which details the risks inherent to the sport and associated responsibilities of the ski area. Anyone using the ski area facilities is considered a “skier.” You must obey the act. 

Under Maine law, a skier assumes the risk of any injury to person or property resulting from any of the inherent dangers and risks of skiing and may not recover from any ski area operator for any injury resulting from any of the inherent dangers and risks of skiing, including, but not limited to: existing and changing weather conditions; existing and changing snow conditions, such as ice, hardpack, powder, packed powder, corn, crust and slush and cut-up, granular and machine-made snow; surface or subsurface conditions, such as dirt, grass, bare spots, rocks, stumps, trees, forest growth or other natural objects and collisions with such natural objects; lift towers, lights, signs, posts, fences, mazes or enclosures, hydrants, water or air pipes, snowmaking and snow-grooming equipment, marked or lit trail maintenance vehicles and snowmobiles, and other man-made structures or objects; variations in steepness or terrain, whether natural or as a result of slope design, snowmaking or grooming operations, including, but not limited to, freestyle terrain, jumps, roads and catwalks or other terrain modifications; the presence of and collisions with other skiers; and the failure of skiers to ski safely, in control or within their own abilities.

Click here for more information on the Maine Ski Area Safety Act.

Lift Safety 

Before Loading

Prior to loading the chairlift, make sure that you have all the necessary equipment--poles, gloves, goggles, and helmet, etc. Also, make sure you lift ticket is visible to the ticket checker or lift operator.

Wait in the loading area, until it's your turn to board the chairlift. If you're a skier, hold both poles in one hand. Watch over your shoulder for the next chairlift to come, and sit on the chairlift just like you were sitting in a chair.

Use your free hand, if necessary, for balance and to hold on. Keep your ski tips pointed up as the chairlift moves outward and upward.

On the Chairlift

After leaving the loading terminal, lower the bar, and keep it down for the duration of the lift ride. Read, and pay attention to signs as you near the top that prompt you to raise the bar and prepare to unload. 

Should the lift stop for an extended period of time, or become disabled while you are riding, do not jump from the chair. Stay put, and remain calm. A member of Ski Patrol will be along shortly to provide information and instructions for an evacuation or alternative unload. 

Unloading 

As you prepare to unload, make sure you are holding your poles, and any other loose items, securely. Raise the bar completely before you reach the unloading ramp. Keep your ski or snowboard parallel to the ground with the tips up, as to glide off the lift.

After you unload from the chairlift, ski clear of the unloading area to make room for the upcoming chairs and unloading passengers.

T-Bars & Surface Lifts

When loading the T-Bar, wait in the lift line until the lift operator signals that it is clear for you to proceed into the loading area.  Watch over your inside shoulder for the next T to come around the bullwheel; the lift operator will lower it, and place it behind your mid-thigh.

While riding you should:  

• Stand with knees slightly bent
• Keep your skis parallel with tips pointed uphill
• Distribute weight evenly on both skis
• Look uphill - not at your ski tips
• Stay in the track; do not edge or traverse in path unless absolutely necessary

You should not: 

• Sit on the T or lean against your partner
• Unload before reaching the top
• Edge or traverse in path
• Jump or bounce on the T

As you prepare to unload, make sure you and your riding partner are in agreement as to who will unload first and who will hold on to the T. Check for any loose clothing, equipment or straps that could have become tangled, and be sure to release the T gently, to prevent it from swinging, as it continues to the bullwheel. Clear the unloading area quickly, as other riders approach. 

The other surface lifts here at Sunday River are the Sundance conveyor belts at South Ridge.  When preparing to load, wait for the lift operator to signal that it is safe for you to proceed into the loading area. Give at least two feet between you and the passenger ahead of you.  Keep your skis parallel with the tips pointed uphill, and your weight evenly distributed on both skis. Do not walk on the conveyor belt. As you unload, ski away from the unloading area quickly to allow for other passengers to unload. 

Patrol 

For emergencies, please call (207)-824-5350.

For non-emergent inquiries, please call (207)-824-5349 or email skipatrol@sundayriver.com  

Sunday River Patrol provides first aid in their aid room located at South Ridge Lodge, adjacent to the Western Maine Mountain Clinic. Follow the Patrol signs or find us on the ground level across from Betty’s Treats and Treasures. 

Patrol also staffs the top of White Cap, Barker, Spruce, and Jordan peaks.  

Boundary-to-Boundary Policy

Sunday River offers 870 acres of developed trails and glades, but within the boundaries of the ski area, you'll find nearly 2,000 acres to explore. We allow skiing and riding anywhere within the ski area boundary with the exception of trails or mountain areas marked as closed. Skiing has inherent risks and dangers, so we ask that you bring a sense of direction, use good judgment, and don't ski alone. Helmets are highly recommended. Accessing closed terrain, whether by ducking a rope or entering from adjacent areas, will result in the loss of your lift ticket or season pass. Unnamed, off-piste areas are not maintained or monitored by ski patrol, and parties requiring assistance may be charged for costs associated with rescue.

As backcountry skiing continues to rise in popularity, Sunday River acknowledges that some individuals may choose to access backcountry terrain from the resort. By exiting the resort boundary, the individual acknowledges that they are no longer under the protection or jurisdiction of Sunday River. Traveling in backcountry terrain comes with additional risks and extended rescue times. Individuals requiring rescue may be responsible for costs incurred by their rescue, as determined by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

Alera Group Competition Lift on Monday Mourning

The Alera Group Competition Lift is a T-bar located on the Monday Mourning competition trail on Locke Mountain. Access is limited to athletes and coaches from Gould Academy, Bates College, and those training or participating in competitions held at the resort. This lift was made possible by private fundraising efforts lead by Gould Academy and the generous support of the Alera Group and other large donors.

In the event that the resort is experiencing lift holds on at least four primary lifts, the Surface Lift will be available for use by to public as indicated by signage at the base of the lift and on the Sunday River app. Primary lifts are defined as the White Heat Quad, White Cap Quad, Barker Mountain Express, Spruce Peak Triple, Chondola, Aurora Quad, and Jordan 8.

Photography & Drones

Personal photography is allowed across the resort and at all resort events. All commercial and media filming, video and photography, requires prior approval from Sunday River's Marketing Department by emailing communications@sundayriver.com.

Due to safety and privacy concerns, Sunday River prohibits the operation of unmanned aerial systems, or drones, on or above resort property without the prior written authorization from Sunday River.  This prohibition includes drones used for filming or videotaping, as well as any drone use by media or journalists operating above or within the area boundaries.  This prohibition extends to any devices launched or operated from Resort property, as well as any launched from private property outside of the Resort boundaries.

Authorization for drone use will require proof of FAA licensing, insurance covering drone use, liability release, notification of the Bethel Airport, and a written flight plan. Please contact the Marketing Department if and provide this documentation if you wish to apply for authorization or have any questions.  Any violation of this policy will be reported to the FAA and may involve suspension of your access privileges to the Resort, the revocation of your season pass, and confiscation of any prohibited equipment. Violators will be subject to any liability for damages, including, but not limited to, damages for trespass, violations of privacy, and physical injuries to persons and/or property, as well as legal fees.

Overnight Parking

Overnight parking is permitted in the back row of Parking Lot 6. To get to Lot 6, take the access road to the White Cap base area, and then take your first right.

Vehicles or trailers must be manufactured or retrofitted for overnight habitation and be fully self-contained for power, heat, water, and waste. No services or hook-ups are available and open fires are not permitted, and any guests creating a disturbance will be asked to leave.

Sleeping in regular passenger vehicles, tents, and other means of shelter are not permitted on resort property. Off-site camping is available at Stoney Brook Campground, approximately five miles from the resort.

Permitted On-Snow Equipment

Sunday River allows the use of alpine skis, snowboards, monoboards, snowblades and telemark equipment for lift-serviced recreational activities. Sno-Go Ski Bikes are permitted on certain lifts; please see the "Ski Bike" policy below. Snowskates with a runaway preventative device may also be used, but only on the Chondola lift and only when loading into cabins. Other types of sliding equipment are not permitted at the resort, with the exception of specialized equipment used through the Maine Adaptive program. Please contact guest services if you have questions about permitted equipment.

Children without their own equipment may not be carried by hand or by backpack by an adult with equipment, or towed in a sled behind them. 

Guests without equipment may ride the Chondola chairlift with a scenic ride lift ticket or with a season pass, downloading in a Chondola cabin to return to the base. 

Permitted	Prohibited
Alpine Skis	Cross Country Skis
Alpine Snowboards	Sleds, Saucers, Toboggans, etc.
Snowshoes	Snow Skates, Snurfers, Pow Surfers, or any device that does not have equipment tethers
Telemark Skis	Carrying a child or pet in a backpack, bjorn, etc.
Sno-Go Ski Bikes	All other Ski Bikes
Adaptive Equipment used through the Maine Adaptive program	Any other type of sliding equipment
Alpine Touring equipment with equipment restraints/tethers (ski breaks, leashes, etc.)	Technical Alpine Touring bindings without restraints

Sledding

Sledding, tubing, tobogganing, and the like are not allowed on resort property at any time. 

Ski Bikes

• Equipment used will be designed for and fit for the intended purpose.
• Attachments, pivots, connections must all be engineered solutions.
• Only Sno-Go ski bikes will be allowed at Sunday River unless the user has come through Maine Adaptive Programming. 
• Rider must use a safety leash.
• Snow bike must be able to securely stay on chair with no assistance from the rider.
• Chairlift restraint bar must be used when transporting snow bikes.
• Rider must glide on and off the lift.
• Ski bike must not be motorized for use with traditional ski/snowboard users.
• Rider must adhere to the NSAA responsibility code as outlined on this page. 
• Load and unload speeds should meet ANSI B77.1 standards for foot passengers when the rider is not wearing skis on their feet. Fixed grip lifts will need to be slowed for loading and unloading ski bikes.
• Sunday River permits use of ski bikes on all aerial lifts and conveyors, with the exception of the Locke Mountain Triple, the Spruce Mountain Triple, and the Oz Quad. 
• Lessons are required for first-time use or if you bring your own equipment. See the Sno-Go page for availability.
• Participants must be ages 13 and older, be at least five feet tall, and weigh at least 100 pounds.

Equipment Rentals

Contact Rentals: 207-824-5362

Sunday River's ski and snowboard rental shop offers skis, snowboards, boots, helmets, and poles for both adults and kids of all abilities with recreational and performance packages available. For intermediate and advanced skiers looking to try this season's newest premium skis, we also offer demos at Sunday River Sports. 

Our rental equipment is inspected for function and damage after each use. We strive to provide a safe and comfortable equipment rental experience to you, however our services depend on skiers and snowboarders providing accurate weight, height, and ability level. Please be honest with yourself and our rentals staff so we can help get you on the right gear.

Retail

Contact Sunday River Sports  207.824.5090

Sunday River Sports is one of the largest and most comprehensive ski shops in New England, offering a wide selection of the latest equipment and apparel from dozens of top brands for both adults and kids, and is your exclusive source for Sunday River logo gear and Eddy the Yeti merchandise. We also offer a range of specialty services and programs listed below, comprehensive tuning and repair services, and some of the best boot fitters in the East.  

Our Terrain

Green Circle = easiest terrain on the mountain. Beginner learning areas and slow zones are marked with yellow hash marks on our map.

Blue Square = Intermediate terrain. These trails have steeper pitches and may present more challenging snow conditions than our green circle trails.

Black Diamond = Advanced terrain. These trails may feature natural obstacles like trees, rocks, moguls, and narrow sections.

Double Black Diamond = Expert terrain. These trails are for expert skiers and feature natural obstacles like trees, rocks, moguls, streams, and cliffs. 

Freestyle Terrain and Terrain parks = Features like jumps, rails, rollers, and boxes may be present. Please see details about our Park Education and Etiquette (PEEPs) program below.

Additional Considerations

Our easiest Green trails are located in South Ridge and are served by conveyor lifts and chair lifts. Additional beginner terrain can be access via Lift 11 in White Cap.

Not all Green Circles are created equal. Some of our more challenging Green Circle trails include Bear Paw, Lollapalooza, and Dream Maker. These trails often ski at the difficulty of a Blue Square. If you find yourself stuck on terrain that is too challenging, contact Patrol at (207)-824-5350 for assistance. 

Not all Blue Squares are created equal. Some of our more challenging Blue Square trails include Risky Business, Northern Lights, Rogue Angel, and Excalibur. Please exercise good judgement when selecting your route and account for your ability level as well as the ability of those in your group. If you find yourself stuck on terrain that is too challenging, contact Patrol at (207)-824-5350.

Go with the Flow

Sunday River's Go With The Flow program promotes the use of sound, personal judgment regarding speed and control when skiing and riding. Because "fast" skiing and riding may mean different things to different people, Go With The Flow reminds skiers and riders to be courteous and follow the pace of those around them. In addition to Ski Patrol and Mountain Host support, you will see green Go With The Flow banners on lift area signs and at key areas on the mountain outlining the program. Go With The Flow focuses on three key messages:

• Be Aware - Pay attention to your surroundings.
• Respect Slow Zones - Slow down at orange signs and all trail junctions.
• Follow the Pace - Faster than those around you is too fast.

Park Education & Etiquette

The Park Education & Etiquette Program, or PEEPs, is an educational program focuses on terrain park safety that was developed for Sunday River and our sister Boyne Resorts mountains. Program participants receive a special PEEPs pass and qualify for special savings and rewards. 

Sunday River promotes the Smart Style program and uses the Orange Oval to designate Freestyle Terrain, such as parks and pipes. Prior to using Freestyle Terrain, you are responsible for familiarizing yourself with Freestyle Terrain and obeying all instructions, warnings, and signs. Freestyle skills require maintaining control on the ground and in the air.

• Look Before You Leap - Scope around the jumps first, not over them. Know landings are clear, and clear yourself out of the landing area.
• Easy Style It - Start small and work your way up.
• Respect Gets Respect - From the lift line through the park.