Sugarloaf Skiclipse

A once in a lifetime total solar eclipse party
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    April 5-8, 2024
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    Music all weekend
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    Multiple viewing areas
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    Sponsored by Orono Brewing Company

**UPDATE 12:45PM:  Parking at Sugarloaf is at capacity for this event.  

Experience the once in a life time Total Solar Eclipse at Sugarloaf. On Monday, April 8, 2024, the moon will completely cover the sun and the eclipse’s path of totality will only be visible in several states including parts of Maine. This is the last total solar eclipse in this hemisphere for 20 years and you won’t want to miss it!

While all of Maine will be able to view the eclipse, only some communities are in its path of totality, including Carrabassett Valley.  Sugarloaf will experience approximately three minutes of darkness the day of the event, plus live music with Skosh, Tom Faunce Floyd Experience playing Dark Side Of The Moon,  DJs Max & Dana, and more leading up to the big event. Join us for a full weekend of celebration sponsored by our friends at Orono Brewing Company.

Schedule of Events

  • Time Event Details
    3-6pm Après at the Widowmaker Join us for live music at the Widowmaker with Breakin' Strings. All ages welcome. 

  • Time Event Details
    3-6pm Après at the Widowmaker Juke Joint Devils will be playing live. All ages welcome. 
    9pm-12:30pm Eclipse party at the Widowmaker Skosh will be ramping up the party as we celebrate the upcoming total solar eclipse. Join us for a free show;  ages 21+. 

  • Time Event Details
    3-6pm Après at the Widowmaker The weekend celebration continues with Tom Faunce Floyd Experience playing Dark Side Of The Moon. You won't want to miss this show, free for all ages.

  • Time Event Details
    11am-5pm DJ Party at the Beach Join us on the Beach for the most conveniently located party at the base of the mountain. The outdoor beach bar will be serving up food and beverages during the day while Max & Dana keep the music going.
    11am-3:45pm DJ Party at Bullwinkles For those who want to ski/ride the mountain, join Orono Brewing Company and DJs Max & Dana in celebrating the total eclipse at Bullwinkles during the day. Food and beverages will be available for purchase inside and outside. The kitchen will be serving food until 3pm and the outside grill will be serving a limited menu until 3:30pm. Last call will be 3:45pm. 
    2:20-4:40pm* Total Eclipse  During this two hour time span, the moon will pass in front of the sun, first blocking the sun partially and then totally for about 3 minutes at approximately 3:30pm. Viewing glasses will be available to purchase at all retail outlets. 
    3:50pm & 4:20pm Lifts Close All lifts will open & close as per their normal operational schedule, 8:30am to 3:50pm with the exception of Super Quad which will remain open until 4:20 pm. Lift access is only for skiers and snowboarders and a lift ticket or season pass is required.

    *These times are approximate; Totality will last approximately 3 1/2 minutes starting around 3:30pm

Spectator Info

The total eclipse on Monday, April 8 will be visible from anywhere on the mountain. While admission is free, there will be a security check at the Beach and Bullwinkles, and a lift ticket is required for anyone planning to ski/ride the mountain that day.

Safety is the number one priority when viewing a total solar eclipse. Pleast note Uphill travel is not permitted. This includes skinning, snowshoeing walking, and hiking above the base area. Sugarloaf branded solar eclipse glasses will be available to purchase at all retail outlets on mountain. Be sure you're familiar with when you need to wear specialized eye protection designed for solar viewing by reviewing these safety guidelines.

Spectating Locations

  • The Beach: Located at the base of the mountain, the beach grill will be open with DJ music.  No tickets or hiking are required and all ages are welcome. 
  • The Outdoor Center will also be open for spectators. No tickets or hiking are required and all ages are welcome. Located south of Sugarloaf along the shuttle route. Limited parking available.
  • Bullwinkle's: Located mid-mountain accessible by skiing or snowboarding only. A lift ticket or season pass is required. In April, spring skiing conditions are expected, so please respect all trail closures. Also note: All lifts will be on their normal operating schedule with no closures during the eclipse. Super Quad will stay open until 4:20pm.   
  • The Summit is a great option for those planning to ski/ride. A lift ticket or season pass is required. 

Important to note

  • Absolutely no walking/hiking uphill.  Uphill route will be closed Monday, April 8th. Anyone planning to be on the mountain above the base area must have a lift ticket or season pass to ride the lift,  and must have proper equipment to ski or ride down. 
  • Parking is limited and intended for those staying with us and those who will be skiing, riding and participating in our SkiClipse event.  Sugarloaf access road and Outdoor Center parking lots will be closed once capacity has been met.  No busses or tow behinds of any kind will be allowed up the access road.  Please make other arrangements for parking if you are not here to participate in our activities.

  • We anticipate an influx of traffic. Please use the Access Road to get to the mountain. To respect surrounding neighborhoods, do not use Brackett Brook or Town Line Road via Elderberry or Boynton if you are traveling from RT 27. 

Download Spectator Map

Frequently Asked Questions 

  • Yes, the Sugarloaf Explorer is provided free of charge with hours of 8am - 4:30pm. Click here to view their schedule and details.

  • Yes, parking is free and no reservations are required. We anticipate more traffic than usual and parking to fill up quickly so please plan accordingly. 

  • Yes. Overnight parking in permitted in lot E. See camping policy here. 

  • Yes. The eclipse will be visible from almost everywhere near and on the mountain, however the most accessible viewing areas will be the Beach near the base area, or the Outdoor Center. No foot traffic is permitted on the mountain.

  • Uphill travel is not permitted. This includes skinning, snowshoeing, walking, and hiking above the base area. Learn more at https://www.sugarloaf.com/uphill-access

  • No. Uphill travel is not permitted. This includes skinning, snowshoeing, walking, and hiking above the base area. 

  • Yes, but only if you are planning to ski or ride down. The eclipse will be visible from anywhere up on the mountain and  lift ticket or season pass is required to get ride the lifts. Lift acces is only open to skiers and snowboarders. No foot traffic or hiking will be permitted off the lifts. 

  • Yes. Sugarloaf will have a limited number of custom branded eclipse viewing glasses for sale. 

  • No. Lifts access is only for skiers and snowboarders with a lift ticket or season pass. 

  • Lifts will run regular operating hours 8:30am to 3:5opm with the exception of SuperQuad running utnil 4:20pm. There will be no scheduled temporary lift closure during the eclipse. Follow mountain report for most updated lift status. 

  • A lift ticket can be purchased in person at the ticket windows outside the base lodge front entrance. Lift access is only open to skiers and snowboarders. No foot traffic or hiking will be permitted off the lifts. 

  • This will be a two-hour event with 2.5 minutes of total solar eclipse. The following times are approximate: 

    • Partial Eclipse Begins 2:18 p.m.
    • Totality Begins 3:29 p.m.
    • Totality 3:31 p.m.
    • Totality Ends 3:32 p.m.
    • Partial Eclipse Ends 4:39 p.m.

  • Although Mother Nature can be moody this time of year, the event is rain, cloudy or shine. 

  • No pets allowed Monday, April 8.