With NYC’s real-feel temperatures dipping into the single digits lately, it sometimes feels like the entire city has been transformed into an igloo. Your coffee run is a mini expedition, subway turnstiles become frost traps, and by the time you reach work, you might resemble a snowman who’s survived rush hour. If that icy reality has you dreaming of embracing the cold rather than just surviving it, there’s a nearby adventure that lets you do just that: step inside an actual ice igloo.
Just a six-hour drive from the city, Sunday River in Maine offers one of the East Coast’s most unique winter experiences: an ice bar perched at nearly 1,340 feet up, where every wall, table, and even the drink glasses are carved from solid ice. Guests can sip cocktails while wrapped in thermal blankets, surrounded by sparkling ice sculptures and soft colored lights that make the space both magical and cozy.
Beyond the immersive ice bar, Sunday River offers a full winter playground. Eight interconnected peaks provide trails for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, snowshoeing paths wind through quiet forests, and tubing lanes offer family-friendly thrills. Nearby towns add another layer to the escape, with cozy cafés, hearty local dining, and small shops perfect for warming up between outdoor adventures. For New Yorkers who feel like they live in an igloo already, this getaway is a chance to experience one in style—where the cold is the main attraction. Be sure to pack your mittens!
☃️ What to expect
Visitors to Sunday River can expect a full winter resort experience, designed for both adventure and relaxation. The resort spans eight interconnected peaks, offering a variety of activities for all skill levels.
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, there are snowshoeing and cross-country trails, family-friendly snow play areas, and snow tubing lanes. The resort also features multiple dining options, from casual cafés to full-service restaurants, as well as après-ski options including hot beverages, cocktails, and seasonal treats. Facilities such as equipment rentals, lessons for beginners, and warming lodges make it convenient for visitors of any experience level.
❄️ Inside the iconic Ice Bar
The Ice Bar at Sunday River is a unique feature designed entirely from ice, offering a one-of-a-kind drinking experience. The structure includes ice walls, seating, and bar surfaces, all maintained at freezing temperatures to preserve the sculpted designs. Guests are provided with thermal blankets to stay warm while enjoying specialty cocktails and non-alcoholic options served in ice glasses.
Lighting is carefully designed to highlight the icy architecture, creating a visually striking atmosphere. The bar accommodates groups of varying sizes and offers a mix of casual seating and standing areas, making it accessible for both short visits and longer stays. Staff are on hand to explain the drink menu and ensure a comfortable, safe experience inside the cold environment.
One of the best parts of a Sunday River visit is the après-ski experience, and the ice bar makes it extra special. After a day on the slopes, skiers and snowboarders can follow a short, clearly marked trail that leads directly to the igloo, winding through snow-covered trees and peaceful mountain scenery.
Arriving this way feels like a reward for a day of adventure: you step off your skis or board and into a glowing, frozen sanctuary, where cocktails are served in ice glasses and thermal blankets keep you warm. It’s a seamless blend of active fun and cozy indulgence, perfect for New Yorkers ready to trade the city chill for a true winter escape.
🏔️ Elevation
Sunday River stands out as one of the highest-elevation resorts on the East Coast, which translates into both impressive views and reliably good snow. The summit reaches 3,140 feet, while the base sits at 1,340 feet, giving the resort a vertical drop of 1,820 feet—plenty of terrain for skiers and snowboarders of all levels.
Higher elevations mean colder temperatures and more consistent snow coverage throughout the winter season, which benefits both the slopes and special attractions like the ice bar. Even if you’re just there for the views, the panoramic vistas of snow-covered peaks and forests make the trip feel like a proper mountain escape, all within a manageable drive from NYC.
⛸️ Other features of Sunday River
Beyond the igloo and the slopes, Sunday River is packed with activities for every type of winter adventurer.
- Snowshoeing and Nordic skiing trails
- On-site dining with hearty seasonal menus
- Family-friendly snow play areas
- Spa and wellness facilities to warm up after a day in the cold
- Special winter events and festivals
🎿 Skiing, Snowboarding and Snow Tubing
For those craving action, Sunday River offers world-class winter sports. Whether you’re an expert or a first-timer, there’s terrain and guidance to make the most of your visit.
- 135 trails across eight interconnected peaks
- Terrain parks for snowboarders and freestyle skiers
- Night skiing on select trails
- Dedicated tubing lanes for family fun
- Lessons and rentals available for all skill levels
🚗 How to get there from NYC
Sunday River is an easily reachable winter escape for New Yorkers looking to trade city streets for snowy slopes. By car, the drive takes roughly six hours via I-95 N and I-295 N, with the route offering straightforward highway travel and plenty of pit stops along the way.
For those who prefer not to drive, seasonal bus and shuttle services run from NYC to nearby Portland, Maine, where you can rent a car or use local transport for the final stretch. The nearest major airport is Portland International Jetport, about 1.5 hours from the resort, making flights from NYC quick and convenient.
To learn more about Sunday River and plan a trip for yourself, visit their official website.