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Resort Comparison

Sunday River vs Waterville Valley Resort

Waterville Valley Resort excels for families prioritizing beginner terrain and walkability, while Sunday River offers more terrain for diverse skill levels.

The Verdict

Waterville Valley Resort leads with 5 wins
Best for Families
Waterville Valley Resort

Ski school from age 3

Best Snowfall
Waterville Valley Resort

87.9" average season

Best Terrain
Sunday River

Impressive mountain

Best Value
Waterville Valley Resort

Moderate pricing

Easiest Access
Waterville Valley Resort

Easy mountain roads

Best Village Vibe
Waterville Valley Resort

Charming, walkable village

Sunday River
Maine, United States
$$Ikon
Waterville Valley Resort
New Hampshire, USA
$$Ikon

Family

Ski School Age
3+
3+
Full-Day Program
Beginner Terrain
8.5
8.0
Walkability
7.0
8.0
Village Vibe
7.5
8.5

Mountain

Vertical
2,340'
2,020'
Skiable Area
870 ac
255 ac
Green Runs
30%
20%
Trails
135
50
Lifts
18
11

Getting There

Airport
PWM
MHT
Drive Time
1.5h
1.3h
Road Ease
7.0
8.0

Cost

Passes
Ikon
Ikon
Day Pass
$139
$109
Cost Tier
Moderate
Moderate

Village

Dining
Good
Moderate
Grocery
Spa
Pool
Add a third resort to compare

Snowfall Comparison

Live conditions

Sunday River

84.7"

avg season

2024-25 season

69.4" total

82%

Waterville Valley Resort

87.9"

avg season

2024-25 season

79.6" total

91%

Season Accumulation (10-Year Average)

OctNovDecJanFebMarApr
88"44"0"
Sunday River
Waterville Valley Resort

Key Insights

Waterville Valley Resort excels for families prioritizing beginner terrain and walkability, while Sunday River offers more terrain for diverse skill levels.

Key Differences

  • Waterville Valley Resort's walkability score (8.0) exceeds Sunday River's (7.0), making it better for families prioritizing walkability
  • Waterville Valley Resort's family village atmosphere score (8.5) exceeds Sunday River's (7.5), making it better for families prioritizing family village experience
  • Sunday River offers more terrain variety (870 acres vs 255 acres)

Best For

Sunday River

  • Advanced skiers seeking terrain variety (870 acres)
  • Parents with young children (ski school from age 3)
  • Budget-conscious families

Waterville Valley Resort

  • Parents with young children (ski school from age 3)
  • Budget-conscious families
  • Parents wanting full-day ski school programs

More Comparisons

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Explore More

Regions

Colorado
Utah
British Columbia

Best For

Best for Beginners
Most Walkable
Best for Toddlers

Guides

First Family Ski Trip Guide
Best Time to Go Skiing