SAM Magazine-Carrabassett Valley, Maine, Aug. 31, 2010-Sugarloaf is expanding onto neighboring Burnt Mountain in a development that will eventually add 655 acres of terrain over the next decade, effectively doubling the area's size. For the coming season, the area is adding 270 acres. The expansion is part of a comprehensive, 10-year plan for development at the resort, called Sugarloaf 2020. Stephen Kircher, president of Boyne East, and Sugarloaf general manager John Diller made the plan public today.

The new terrain will all be gladed "sidecountry" terrain, offering skiers and riders a backcountry-style experience, but with the relative security of patrolled, inbounds terrain. The expansion will be completed in three phases, the first of which opens the "Brackett Basin" area this season. The second phase will encompass 135 acres, including the summit of Burnt Mountain, and will open a second above-treeline area to complement Sugarloaf's existing Snowfields. The third phase will open 250 acres on the north face of Burnt Mountain.

Access to the new terrain will be via a cross-cut from the top of the existing King Pine Quad. There are no plans to install lifts on Burnt Mountain, thus preserving the backcountry-style wilderness experience. The new acreage will range from tight, steep Eastern tree skiing to more open Western-style glades, cliff bands, and more.

"This is really a revolutionary type of ski area expansion, and uniquely Sugarloaf," Diller said. "No grooming, no snowmaking, no real estate-just pure skiing, which is what we think the core Sugarloaf skiers and riders are ultimately looking for."

Sugarloaf 2020 does include capital improvements elsewhere at the resort, including new chairlifts, significant upgrades to the resort's snowmaking system, base lodge and facility improvements, and plans for summertime offerings-including ziplines, which were installed this summer. Renovations to the exterior of the Sugarloaf base lodge are currently underway, as are several snowmaking improvements. One of these will allow the resort to open terrain on the east side of the mountain earlier in the season.

"We think we have a very solid vision for the future," Kircher said. Every resort is unique . . . In the Sugarloaf 2020 plan we're confident that we have a good vision, uniquely tailored to fit the true DNA of Sugarloaf."

The massive expansion of terrain and plans for future investment are expected to elevate Sugarloaf's destination appeal. "There's no question that this is a game changer," said Brad Larsen, vice president of sales and marketing. "It instantly puts us on every skier's 'must-do' list."

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