
Sunday River – a Fantastic Destination for your New England USA School Ski Trip
Here is a first impression account of the very first of our New England USA School Ski Trips:
A few years ago, Troy, who runs the school ski programme for Boyne resorts, challenged us to see what Sunday River had to offer.
What we found was a fabulous resort with endless possibilities. Also staff with a real desire to accommodate all the requirements of a school ski trips to the USA… this was a good start!
It is one of Maine’s largest and most visited ski resorts, there is something for all abilities.
When you see the Sunday River skiing laid out over eight peaks you just have to think – wow! There are acres and acres of trails and endless possibilities for your day.
What struck us was the lift system and the way it whisked us with efficient ease to any point of the mountain. Despite how many skiers were on the hill there never seemed to be a queue.
We were there with a group of school teachers who were intermediate skiers and they had an absolute ball on trails that started at the top of the mountain and seemingly went on forever. So much so that lunch was just a snack and a coffee because we didn’t want to take up too much precious skiing time.
Sunday River has lots of great entertainment opportunities to keep your students happy in the evenings. If you are staying at either of the Snow Cap properties you are just a short walk from the outdoor skating rink and the Tubing Hill. In fact there is a great vantage point outside the clubhouse standing by a warm fire pit enjoying a hot chocolate or even something a little stronger.
Depart from London airport bound for Boston. Your group will be met by a member of the destination team and escorted to your coach for transfer to Sunday River. The Snow Cap Inn combines all the charm of a cosy New England lodge with the convenience of a short walk to the slopes. The communal areas have warm fires and rustic.
Sunday River has an excellent schools programme and Troy the programme director likes to meet all the groups, especially on the first day as everyone gets their skis and is allocated their instructor. As with all areas of Activ4 School Tours programmes, evening entertainments will be carefully planned for your group this evening you could have a quiz.
Head out for another full day of fun in the snow. The Perfect Turn Ski School has an excellent reputation and for those first timers there is even a magic carpet lift running alongside the beginners slope. The base station at Sunday River is well proportioned and even includes a convenience store so the children can pick up some of the essential items.
Another active day and everyone starts to feel that they are making progress. The Snow Cap’s location is perfect not just for the slopes but for the White Cap Centre which has a really unusual tubing hill. This evening why not make the most of the snow and head out for some snow tubing – a great adrenaline buzz!
Set off for another exciting day skiing. Head on up the mountain for the start of the ski lessons. By now the students will have gained confidence and will be eager to show what they can do! This evening you can walk over to the Ice Arena and enjoy an evening of Ice Skating.
The last day to make the most of the snow. After a hectic week of intense lessons the students will be desperate to show you what they can do! After saying your good-bye’s on the mountain it’s back to the hotel for a presentation evening bringing everyone together and recognising improvement and dedication throughout the tour.
Unfortunately all good things come to an end and today you check out. A popular option is to hit the Outlet Mall. Then over to Boston Logan Airport for the flight home. Your tour officially ends when you get back to the UK, but with a trip this great we are sure that it will live long in the memory.






Photos above are from our sample itineraries, excursions and activities – each trip is tailored to your group.
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Explore the winter landscape at a slower pace with guided snowshoe walks or winter hikes. A fantastic opportunity to appreciate alpine scenery and spot local wildlife.

Enjoy an evening of fun on the ice at a local rink. A great way for students to socialise, practise balance and coordination, and experience a classic winter activity away from the slopes.

Race down floodlit runs on sledges or toboggans for an exhilarating evening activity. A fun and energetic way to enjoy the snow after the ski lifts close.

Spend time with friends in a relaxed and social setting, with ten-pin bowling, arcade games and friendly competitions to keep everyone entertained.

Round off the day with a lively quiz night or group disco. Perfect for building team spirit, celebrating achievements on the slopes and creating lasting memories together.
What struck us straight away about staying in Sunday River was just how flexible the accommodation options were. There are two large Grand Summit hotels, one of which we stayed in and had one of the most memorable breakfasts ever, The Snow Cap Inn and The Snow Cap Youth Lodge.

The Snow Cap Inn combines all the charm of a cozy New England lodge with the convenience of a short walk to the slopes. The Inn provides comfortable accommodation at a great value and is centrally located off slope. The communal areas have warm fires and rustic furniture and are ideally located at the end of the bedroom corridors for group leaders to be able to congregate and keep an eye on the student. Don’t miss the freshly baked cookies when you get back from skiing or the chance to use the outdoor jacuzzi!
The Snow Cap’s location is perfect not just for the slopes but for the White Cap Centre which has a skating rink and a really unusual tubing hill. Inside there is a bar and out on the deck there is a fire pit which gives a great view of the group enjoying the tubing.
Duration: 7 days
Tour Type: Ski
Duration: 7 days
Tour Type: Ski
Duration: 8 days
Tour Type: Ski
Duration: 7 days
Tour Type: Ski

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