Sunday River's reputation precedes its $14m 'chondola'

Bethel, Maine

The Bethel Inn is far from common. (Pam Berry for the Boston Globe)

Three hours north of Boston, Bethel features such an ideal atmosphere that Ski magazine called it "the greatest ski town in the universe."

SKI AREAS: With 128 trails and 18 lifts spread across eight mountains, Sunday River (Skiway Road, Newry, 207-824-3000, www.sundayriver.com) has varied terrain and quality snowmaking. Also nearby: Mount Abram Resort (308 Howe Hill Road, Greenwood, 207-875-5000, www.mtabram.com), and Black Mountain of Maine (39 Glover Road, Rumford, 207-364-8977, www.skiblackmountain.org).

OTHER SPORTS: Snow tubing, snowshoeing, ice-skating, sleigh rides, dog sledding, snowmobiling.

DINING: It's tough to miss the Sunday River Brewing Co. (at Route 2 and Sunday River Road, 207-824-4253, www.stonecoast.com, entrees $7.95-$15.95). For casual family dining, Liam's Restaurant (96 Sunday River Road, 207-824-6755, www.liamsandjackspub.com, entrees $9.95-$24.95) offers a variety of seafood dishes, sandwiches, and pizza.

LODGING: From traditional inn rooms to luxury townhouses, the Bethel Inn Resort (On the Common, 207-824-2175, www.bethelinn.com, $80-$360) offers a classic New England getaway in the heart of Bethel. The Sudbury Inn (151 Main St., 207-824-2174, www.sudbury inn.com, $99-$219) is an 1873 country dwelling that offers lodging, fine dining, and its own popular pub. Pets welcome.

NIGHT LIFE: "Hoot Night" Thursdays at The Suds Pub (151 Main St., 207-824-2174, www.sudburyinn.com) features local musicians. Dance the night away at the Funky Red Barn (19 Summer St., 207-824-3003, www.funkyredbarn.com).

WHAT'S NEW: The "chondola," a hybrid chairlift-gondola, makes its debut at Sunday River this season. The first of its kind in the Northeast, the chondola will carry six-person chairs and eight-person gondola cars from South Ridge base area to the Peak Lodge on North Peak.