The Spread:
At 4,237 feet, Sugarloaf is Maine's second highest peak and one of New England's favorite family resorts. Tucked into the Carrabassett Valley of western Maine, a two-plus hour drive from Portland, Sugarloaf takes advantage of its proximity to wilderness, wildlife, and whitewater, spreading over 5,000 acres. The resort's golf course has been rated number one in the state for 20 years.

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At Sugarloaf, families can mix their mulligans with moose viewing and have the adventure of a lifetime. The Grand Summit Resort Hotel, a good fit for families, is a classic mountain lodge with 119 rooms and suites (many with microwaves and refrigerators). Sugarloaf also features about 200 condo units; among the top family properties is The Commons, with one- to five-bedroom units.

Why Families Love It:
Sugarloaf's Guided Adventure program offers a way for families to experience wilderness activities from canoeing to moose watching. Families can also hike to mountain waterfalls, bike trails and roadways, raft Maine's wild whitewater (and tamer stretches, too), or hone golfing skills at the women's or junior golf schools.

In Outdoor Adventure Camp, kids ages four to 13 participate in many similar activities (weekdays, 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., participation by the day or week, $30 to $130, one to five days; weekly overnight trip extra). Typical activities are swimming, tennis, golf, trampoline, wall climbing, archery, fly-fishing, and field trips. Weekly themes range from ecology and local heritage to nature and weather. Sugarloaf's Sports & Fitness Center has indoor and outdoor hot tubs, a steam room, sauna, pool, yoga classes, and racquetball.

Special Activities & Events:
Rise early on Wednesday mornings for the Sunrise Canoe Trip on a wilderness lake known for its loons, moose, and bald eagles. With Family Days golf, take advantage of discounted green fees.