What Boyne Resorts is and where to find it

Boyne Resorts operates four ski and snowboard mountains across the United States: Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands in Michigan, and Sunday River and Sugarloaf in Maine. Each resort runs its own lift ticket system, rental equipment, lessons, and lodging, though they share some pass options that let you ski multiple mountains on a single ticket.

If you're planning a trip to any of these four mountains, you'll deal directly with that resort for tickets and services. Boyne Resorts as a company owns them all, but each mountain has its own website, phone number, and ticket window. This matters because a ticket bought at Boyne Mountain won't work at Sunday River unless you specifically purchase a multi-resort pass.

Key Takeaways

  • Boyne Resorts owns four mountains: Boyne Mountain and Boyne Highlands in Michigan, and Sunday River and Sugarloaf in Maine, each with separate ticket systems.
  • Day lift tickets, multi-day passes, and season passes are sold at each resort's ticket window or online, with prices varying by mountain and time of year.
  • Some passes let you ski multiple Boyne mountains on the same ticket, but you must buy that specific pass type rather than a single-mountain ticket.
  • Equipment rental, lessons, and lodging are booked through each individual resort, not through a central Boyne Resorts office.
  • Ticket prices are usually lower when you buy online in advance than at the window on the day you arrive.

How to buy a lift ticket at a Boyne resort

Each Boyne mountain sells lift tickets at its own ticket window, which opens before the first run of the day. You can buy a ticket on the spot, but most resorts offer a discount if you purchase online before you arrive. The discount is typically $5 to $15 per ticket, depending on the mountain and the day of the week.

To buy online, visit the website for the specific mountain you plan to visit — Boyne Mountain, Boyne Highlands, Sunday River, or Sugarloaf. Look for the "Lift Tickets" or "Buy Tickets" link, select your date, and choose between a full day (usually 8 or 9 hours of skiing) or a half day (usually 4 or 5 hours, starting in the afternoon). You'll receive a confirmation email with a barcode or confirmation number that you scan or show at the ticket window when you arrive.

If you decide to buy at the window instead, bring cash or a credit card. The ticket window staff will ask what time you want to start skiing and whether you want a full day or half day, then print your ticket on the spot.

Multi-day and season passes

If you plan to ski more than one day, a multi-day pass is usually cheaper per day than buying single-day tickets. A typical 3-day pass costs less than three separate full-day tickets. These passes are valid for any three days within a set window — often 7 or 14 days — so you don't have to use them on consecutive days.

Season passes let you ski unlimited days at one mountain for the entire season, which typically runs from November or December through March or April. A season pass at one Boyne mountain costs several hundred dollars, but if you plan to visit 10 or more days, it usually pays for itself. Some season passes also include discounts on rentals, lessons, and food.

Boyne Resorts also sells passes that work at multiple mountains. A pass that covers all four Boyne mountains costs more than a single-mountain season pass but less than buying separate season passes at each resort. These multi-resort passes are sold online and at ticket windows, and the price depends on whether you want unlimited skiing or a set number of days across all four mountains.

Renting equipment and taking lessons

Each Boyne resort has a rental shop that rents skis, snowboards, boots, and helmets by the day or half day. Rental prices vary by mountain and by equipment type — a basic ski package (skis, boots, and poles) typically costs $30 to $50 per day, while a snowboard package costs $35 to $55. Helmets are usually included or cost a few dollars extra.

You can reserve rental equipment online before you arrive, which guarantees your size and type are available. Walk-in rentals are also available, but on busy weekends the shop may run short of popular sizes. Rental shops open before the ticket window and close after the last run of the day.

Lessons are taught by instructors employed by each resort. You can book a private lesson (one instructor, one or two students) or a group lesson (one instructor, up to six students). Group lessons are cheaper and are a good choice if you're learning the basics. Private lessons cost more but let you focus on your specific goals. Book lessons online or by calling the resort directly — group lessons often fill up on weekends, so booking ahead is wise.

Lodging and food at Boyne resorts

All four Boyne mountains have lodging options ranging from budget motels to upscale hotels and condos. Some are owned by Boyne Resorts, and some are independently owned but listed on the resort website. Prices vary widely by mountain, season, and how far the lodging is from the slopes — a room at the base of the mountain costs more than a room a few miles away.

Each resort also has food service on the mountain: a base lodge with a cafeteria or restaurant, and smaller food stands at the top of the mountain or mid-slope. Prices are higher than off-mountain restaurants, so many visitors bring their own lunch or eat in town. Most resorts allow you to bring your own food and drink onto the mountain.

What to bring and what to know before you go

Bring a valid photo ID and your ticket confirmation (printed or on your phone). If you're renting equipment, bring your shoe size and any preferences about ski type or snowboard style. If you're taking a lesson, wear layers because you'll warm up as you exercise, and bring sunscreen and sunglasses even on cloudy days — snow reflects UV rays.

Check the resort's website the night before for snow conditions, which runs are open, and any closures due to weather. Parking is usually free at all four Boyne mountains, but on busy weekends the lot may fill up early in the day. Arrive early if you want a spot close to the lodge.

Each resort has a ski patrol and first aid station. If you get injured, tell a ski patrol member or go to the lodge and ask for first aid. Most resorts require you to sign a waiver before you ski, which you can do online before you arrive or at the ticket window.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use a ticket from one Boyne mountain at a different Boyne mountain?

No, unless you buy a multi-resort pass. A single-day ticket or season pass for Boyne Mountain works only at Boyne Mountain. If you want to ski multiple Boyne mountains, you must buy a pass that specifically covers all four mountains or the mountains you plan to visit.

Do I need to bring my own skis or can I rent?

You can rent at each resort's rental shop. Rental equipment is maintained and checked daily, so it's safe and reliable. If you own skis or a snowboard, you can bring them, but you'll need to pay a small fee to check them at the lodge if you don't want to carry them around.

What's the difference between a full day and a half day ticket?

A full day ticket lets you ski from opening (usually 8 or 9 a.m.) until closing (usually 4 or 5 p.m.). A half day ticket usually starts at noon or 1 p.m. and runs until closing. Half day tickets cost about 40 to 50 percent less than full day tickets, so they're a good choice if you're arriving late or want to ski just one afternoon.

Are there discounts for children or seniors?

Yes. Each Boyne resort offers discounts for children (usually ages 6 to 12) and seniors (usually 65 and older). Children under 6 often ski free. Discounts are typically 20 to 40 percent off the adult price. Check the resort website or call to confirm the exact age ranges and discount amounts, as they vary by mountain.

What happens if it snows a lot or the weather is bad?

Resorts stay open in snow and cold weather — that's when skiing is best. If visibility is very poor or winds are dangerous, the resort may close certain runs or the entire mountain for safety. Check the resort website or call before you arrive if weather looks severe. Most resorts do not refund tickets for bad weather, but some offer a rain check or credit toward a future visit.