Sugarloaf Resort is set to expand its summer offerings with the opening of a new lift-accessed bike park on July 4, 2025. This marks a significant addition to Maine’s outdoor scene, providing downhill biking trails suited for riders of all skill levels.
The bike park will be served by the Whiffletree Express lift, which transports riders to the top of the park. From there, bikers can enjoy rides dropping more than 1,000 feet in elevation.
At launch, Sugarloaf will debut Emerald, a freshly built, machine-cut flow trail stretching three miles. It features jumps, rollers, and berms designed to offer a smooth yet exciting experience. Additional trails, including a beginner-friendly flow trail, are planned to open by early fall 2025 to complement Emerald.
Beyond these new trails, the park will also grant access to Sugarloaf’s existing natural downhill and enduro race courses. These include steep and technical runs like Widowmaker Extension, Jackpot, and Rookie River — trails that have previously hosted World Cup enduro races and the Eastern States Cup. Riders will navigate rock gardens and root drops typical of New England’s challenging terrain.
For more advanced riders, the park offers Rock Lobster, which blends machine-cut and natural trail sections. A short pedal up Peavy X-Cut leads to Crusher DH, a trail featuring a mix of natural and man-made technical features for those seeking a tougher downhill challenge.
Adam Craig, Sugarloaf’s Bike Park Manager, said, “Emerald is just the beginning. It’s the first step toward building a world-class riding experience that will grow each season. This lift-access bike park complements the extensive cross-country trail network in the valley, thanks to the Town of Carrabassett Valley trail crew’s hard work.”
The bike park opening is a key part of Sugarloaf’s 2030 development plan. This strategy aims to diversify the resort’s offerings and attract visitors year-round, beyond the traditional winter ski season.
Sugarloaf also offers a full-service bike shop with rental options. During the inaugural summer season, the lift to the bike park will operate Fridays and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Sundays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.