We've stayed at Sugarloaf/USA in the winter and summer. The resort's relative isolation from major cities is a god-send for those serious about getting close to a first-class mountain, run by locals who are genuinely down to earth. Conversely, it is probably not the best choice for those who crave a glitsy apres-ski experience. While predominantly known as a ski resort, Sugarloaf also has a stunningly beautiful golf course and a well-run summer kid's day camp, the latter run in conjunction with the town of Carrabassett Valley. I think Sugarloaf's camps (winter and summer) are just as good as the famed Smuggler's Notch ones, but at a fraction of the price. There are also daily summer day tours that range from canoeing to moose-watching. There is a small spa in the Grand Summit Hotel, a larger health club and spa serving the rest of the mountain, as well as the so-called Anti-Gravity Center (shared with Carrabassett Valley Academy) at the resort entrance. The Grand Summit's restaurant is a bit pricey in the evening, but the breakfasts are reasonable. Other recommended restaurants nearby include D'Ellies (on-mountain deli), Hugs (Italian), and The Rack (American).

The bottom floor of the Timberwinds condominium, the only room left for New Years Eve 2004-2005. Yea, we took it. Didn't want to dissapoint the family, you know. Two nights, a sketch over $800.00 for 2 adults and 2 teens, skiing for 1 adult and 2 teens for 2 days. One bedroom was supposed to have a queen, had 3 single uncomfortable beds. Also a combo kitchen-living room with a short, uncomfortable futon. Any walking in the above room was loud enough to wake us let alone the neighbor's conversations. The only window was 5 feet off the floor with a view of ski boots tromping by! The entrance door had a wide diagonal opening at the top and there was no interior lock! Chair lift about 50 feet from the door nice, but we can not reccomend this even for the last minute on New Years Eve.