Nestled among the pines, The Escape at Thunder Snow offers an idyllic retreat in the heart of Maine's Western Foothills. With a well-stocked game room, cozy gas fireplace, and picture windows framing the national forest view, you can unwind with family and friends amidst nature's splendor.
Reviews
9.69.6 out of 10
Exceptional
Entire home
4 bedrooms4 bathroomsSleeps 8212 sq m
Popular amenities
Kitchen
Washing machine
Dryer
Pet-friendly
Air-conditioning
Outdoor space
Add dates for prices
About this property
Entire place
You'll have the entire home to yourself and will only share it with other guests in your party.
The Escape at ThunderSnow Sunday River lodge with Stunning Views to Wake Up to
The Escape at ThunderSnow
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Enjoy stunning tree-lined views of the Western Foothills of Maine in this classically built wood chalet. This home features a beautiful deck, well-stocked game room, and fantastic access to nearby ski slopes, hiking trails, and the White Mountain National Forest.
This home sits among the pines southwest of downtown Bethel, where its two-and-a-half acres overlook the Sunday River Valley. Find yourself at the entrance to White Mountain National Forest within minutes, pick up groceries or dine out at one of the excellent restaurants in Bethel seven miles northeast, and spend the winter skiing and snowboarding at Sunday River Resort 12 miles north.
Built in the winter of 2017, this all-seasons chalet is ideal for hikers, river rafters, leaf-peepers, and winter sports enthusiasts. Kick off your shoes and make yourself at home in the two-story great room, where you can curl up by the gas fireplace on soft leather furnishings, watch movies on the 55-inch Smart TV, and soak in the sunset view through picture windows that frame the national forest.
Gather around the kitchen island to chat with your family's designated chef, or make the great outdoors your kitchen, spending summer evenings on the deck grilling, dining, or sipping wine. You can also pull up a bench and watch the stars at the fire pit below (kindling supplied, and logs are freely available at most local farms). Retreat indoors for a night of foosball, hoop-shooting, and movies in the game room. Free WiFi, Amazon Prime and Hulu streaming, and a Bose or Amazon Echo bluetooth speaker are also provided for your enjoyment!
When you're not taking autumn rides on the Conway Scenic Railroad, photographing covered bridges, or cross-country skiing in some of New England's loveliest landscapes, you'll find plenty of craft shops, dining spots, and seasonal live music in town. Back at the house, you'll have your choice of two master suites, a kids room with bunk beds, an additional guest room and a pull-out futon, for blissful nights of restful sleep.
Treat yourself to a one-of-a-kind stay in the mountains of Maine - book today!
Guests are politely reminded that ThunderSnow Road is part of a private, residential area. Usage of roads (including down to the fire pond, as well as Gentle Ben Road) is strictly prohibited unless for turning/access. In addition, trespassing on any adjoining land (as well as both hunting and fireworks) are specifically banned under local bylaws. Guests will be asked to vacate the property if these areas are infringed upon.
If you are bringing a dog on your trip, the pet fee is already included in your quote when selecting ‘Yes’ to pets. If you would like to add more dogs, please contact us.
Parking notes: There is free parking available for 4 vehicles.
Security camera details: Cameras face front steps and driveway
Please note: this home resides in a noise-sensitive area and the owners participate in our Good Neighbor protection program. Our smart home technology will alert our team if excessive decibel or occupancy levels are detected, allowing us to reach out directly with a reminder of maximum occupancy and quiet hours. This technology is privacy compliant, and only monitors the presence of decibels and devices-not any personal conversation or information. Thank you for supporting our efforts to be good neighbors!
Damage waiver: The total cost of your reservation for this Property includes a nightly damage waiver fee, plus tax if applicable (the “Damage Waiver”). (A discount may be applied for stays of 28 nights or longer, if permitted.) The Damage Waiver covers you for up to $3,000 of accidental damage to the Property or its contents (such as furniture, fixtures, and appliances) as long as you report the incident to the host prior to checking out. The Damage Waiver fee eliminates the need for a traditional security deposit. More information can be downloaded from the "Rental Agreement" on the checkout page.
Due to local laws or HOA requirements, guests must be at least 25 years of age to book. Guests under 25 must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian for the duration of the reservation.
Property amenities
Ski
Cross-country skiing nearby
Snowboarding nearby
Internet
Available in the house: Internet access
Parking and transport
Car required
Parking on site
Kitchen
Coffee/tea maker
Cookware, dishware, and utensils
Dishwasher
Hob
Ice maker
Microwave
Oven
Refrigerator
Spices
Toaster
Bedrooms
4 bedrooms
Bedsheets provided
Sofa bed
Bathroom
3.5 bathrooms
Hair dryer
Towels provided
Living spaces
Fireplace
Living room
Entertainment
Books
Games
TV
Outdoor areas
Barbecue grill
Firepit
Patio
Laundry
Laundry facilities
Washing machine
Comfort
Air conditioning
Heating
Pets
Pet friendly
Suitability/Accessibility
Smoke-free property
Note from host: Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the premises.
Services and conveniences
Iron/ironing board
Location highlights
In a rural location
In a village
In the mountains
Near an outlet shopping centre
Things to do
Arcade/game room
Foosball table
Birdwatching nearby
Casino nearby
Ecotours nearby
Fishing nearby
Hiking/biking trails nearby
Horseback riding nearby
Hunting nearby
Ice skating nearby
Jet skiing nearby
Kayaking nearby
Mountain biking nearby
Mountain climbing nearby
Rock climbing nearby
Sledding nearby
Snowmobiling nearby
Spelunking nearby
Swimming nearby
Water skiing nearby
Water tubing nearby
Wildlife walks nearby
Safety features
Carbon monoxide detector (host has indicated there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property)
Smoke detector (host has indicated there is a smoke detector on the property)
You will receive an email from the host with check-in and check-out instructions
Information provided by the property may be translated using automated translation tools
Rules
For information about quiet hours, please refer to the listing description.
Pets
Pets are allowed
Service animals are welcome, and are exempt from fees
Note from host: Dogs only. Max of 2.
Children and extra beds
Children are welcome
Events
No events allowed
Smoking
Smoking is not permitted
Smoking is not permitted anywhere on the premises.
Important information
You need to know
Extra-person charges may apply and vary depending on property policy
Government-issued photo identification and a credit card, debit card or cash deposit may be required at check-in for incidental charges
Special requests are subject to availability upon check-in and may incur additional charges; special requests cannot be guaranteed
On-site parties or group events are strictly prohibited
Host has indicated that there is a carbon monoxide detector on the property
Host has indicated that there is a smoke detector on the property
Safety features at this property include a fire extinguisher, a first aid kit and a deadlock
This property is managed through our partner, Vrbo. You will receive an email from Vrbo with a link to a Vrbo account, where you can change or cancel your reservation
We should mention
A car is required for transport to and from this property
About the area
Located in Bethel, this holiday home is in a rural area and in the mountains. Bethel Historical Society and Dr. Moses Mason House are local landmarks, and some of the area's activities can be experienced at Sunday River and White Cap Ski Lift. Enjoy the area's slopes with cross-country skiing and snowboarding, and don't miss out on the sledging and snowmobiling. Visit our Bethel travel guide
Is The Escape at ThunderSnow Sunday River lodge with Stunning Views to Wake Up to pet-friendly?
Yes, pets are allowed at this property.
How much is parking at The Escape at ThunderSnow Sunday River lodge with Stunning Views to Wake Up to?
On-site parking is available at the property.
What time is check-in at The Escape at ThunderSnow Sunday River lodge with Stunning Views to Wake Up to?
Check-in begins at 4:00 PM.
What time is check-out at The Escape at ThunderSnow Sunday River lodge with Stunning Views to Wake Up to?
Checkout is at 10:00 AM.
Where is The Escape at ThunderSnow Sunday River lodge with Stunning Views to Wake Up to located?
This family-friendly Bethel holiday home is located in the mountains, 1 mi (1.6 km) from White Mountain National Forest, and within 9 mi (15 km) of Mount Will Walking Trail and Bethel Pathway. Bethel Hill Common and Angevine Park are also within 9 miles (15 km).
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The Escape at ThunderSnow Sunday River lodge with Stunning Views to Wake Up to Reviews
Reviews
Exceptional
All reviews shown are from real guest experiences. Only travellers who have booked a stay with us can submit a review. We verify reviews according to our guidelines and publish all reviews, positive or negative.
We had a wonderful stay at The Escape at ThunderSnow. The property is new, clean, and incredibly well-stocked. We found the bedroom and bathroom configuration just right for our group of 6 family and friends. We were there during an unprecedented few days of high winds and the internet and power both went out for about 8 hours one day; the property manager was extremely responsive and communicative during this time. Would highly recommend, and we can’t wait to come back. Thank you!
Meg T.
Stayed 3 nights in Mar 2025
Verified
10/10 Excellent
Barb
6 July 2022
Liked: Cleanliness, amenities, property conditions & facilities, communication
The well ran dry! No water for 4 of 7 days at
propertty. Spoiled our family ski vacation.
On ground management company not responding to pleas for assistance. VRBO and
Vacasa passing the buck. Second such incident
in last 2 rentals. All done with both companies.
I also will end my contrct with VRBO for my Nantucket home.
Overall, we did enjoy our stay and would return! A few notes:
There seemed to be a small bug problem. I'm not sure if the house hadn't been in use in a while. There were a few dead flies when we arrived, and several I noticed in the lamp next to the bed, as well as in the door to the porch. There were a ton of ladybugs and a few ants (I think I saw 4 or 5 different ones in the bathroom on the first floor by the bedroom).
I wish we had known the heat was down so far. Unfortunately, we were traveling a bit of a distance and didn't arrive until after 9pm and it took so long to warm up the house that we all had trouble sleeping that first night.
It would be great to get some kleenex for the house and I'm not sure if the ice maker was broken or we just couldn't figure out how to make it dispense ice. The water pressure was disappointing. Oh, the mattress on the top floor (the king) was really uncomfortable so that was also a bummer.
There was a slightly musty smell but I am very sensitive to odors and I'm not sure it would bother most people.
As I mentioned above, we did enjoy our stay and would return! The house was well appointed (more big coffee mugs would be great though!), cozy, and well-decorated. Good games, lots of cute touches. My son loved the basketball game.
This was our first time staying in a rental home and I am hooked! Everything was easy, from making the reservation, to checking in and checking out. Home was immaculately clean and well-cared for and the house was stocked with everything you could possibly want (my adult son who loves to cook noted “they have a meat-infuser!) Lots of room and a wonderful view. Definitely 5 stars.
Barb H.
Stayed 3 nights in Jun 2022
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Jesse C.
15 Feb 2022
Just what was needed
The house was perfect for our groups ski trip. It felt new and well put together. The only complaint was that the lower bunk bed was rickety and not very comfortable. Would stay at again.
This cabin had everything we needed for a winter getaway. Plenty of towels, room to spread out, loaded kitchen, and cozy fireplace. We enjoyed walking in the woods and were close to town, Sunday River Resort and so much more. We had some issues where the house ran out of propane but the owner was fantastic and got someone to come out that day to fill us back up! Thank you for an amazing stay, we are already discussing our return!
Dominique L.
Stayed 5 nights in Jan 2022
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Megan M.
25 Dec 2021
Amazing house
We enjoyed everything about the house. Perfect for our family of 5 plus grandma. Lovely welcome book, lots of good space, we would definitely come back!
Inside was spacious and in good shape. Outside had lots of overgrown weeds. We very much enjoyed our canoe trip down the Androscoggin river and hikes in the area.
Matt C.
Stayed 5 nights in Aug 2021
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Joseph S.
23 Aug 2021
Great stay!
The home was perfect for 3 couples and we highly enjoyed our time. We each were able to have our own separate private space (with our own bathrooms!) The cloudy weather made for less of a view - but we still enjoyed what we could. Would definitely recommend trimming some landscape. As some of the trees are since overgrown compared to photos - but still a beautiful scenery. The Firepit was used multiple evenings - and you are completely surrounded by woods - loved it!
Some Minor things - needs an iron, and the washing machine didn’t seem to pull any water or work - but other than that - all was well. Thankfully we had other options for clothing and bathing suits.
Would definitely return - and don’t think twice about the escape at thunder snow!!
Joseph S.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Anthony L.
4 Aug 2021
Great place!
Excellent space, beautiful views. No issues except a broken lock box.
Anthony L.
Stayed 2 nights in Jul 2021
Verified
6/10 Okay
Sean M.
7 June 2021
Liked: Cleanliness, check-in, location
Disliked: Communication
Beautiful home but saying the house was air conditioned was a stretch.
We arrived at the home and we loved it, it was beautiful, clean and exactly how it was described. The description states the home is air conditioned. It had a small unit in the kitchen and one in the upstairs bedroom. The house was 87 degrees when we arrived, we put the ac on in the kitchen and it barely cooled it down. The unit was much too small to keep up for that size room. The couple downstairs was miserable both nights because of the heat. The couple on the main floor had a fan so that helped somewhat. The house was 87-85 degrees all weekend and that was with windows open. The ac unit in the kitchen froze and was shooting ice out and then we had to shut it off. We called the rental company to let them know what happened Saturday morning. We told them that something needed to be done, perhaps swap out the ac unit for one that worked. She assured us someone would get back to us via text or email. We never heard from anyone. I’m sorry but as beautiful as we found the home, saying that the house is “air conditioned” is woefully inadequate especially during the summer months. Then to add insult to injury no one got back to us after we had a discussion with someone on Saturday morning when the house was a whopping 86 degrees at 9:30a.
Unfortunately, due to poor communication on behalf of the management company and how hot it was all weekend we will not be renting this home again.
Perfect place for our family’s spring break ski week. House feels brand new - nicely furnished and equipped too. Very clean. Quiet spot with a great view and close to skiing. We hope to visit again!
I rented this house for a ski vacation with my family. The house has a beautiful view and is immaculate. We loved the open floor plan and the gas fireplace. Having 3 1/2 baths was wonderful and it had everything that you would need in the kitchen. It was about 20 minutes to Sunday River. We loved it and would rent it again next year. Unfortunately we had to leave a day early because of a wind storm and a loss of power and water.
Susan J.
Stayed 4 nights in Feb 2021
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Erica K.
5 Mar 2021
Perfect winter getaway!
Beautiful home for a ski weekend away! Spotless! Very cozy with the fireplace! Amazing mountain range views ! Everything you need to cook in the kitchen. Close to Sunday River. Would definitely rent again!
This home is extremely well appointed and beautifully decorated. It is the perfect spot for a quiet getaway to recharge. We thoroughly enjoyed our time here and will be sure to return!
William and Gabrielle P.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Michael G.
25 July 2020
Great place!
This house is great. Incredibly well equipped kitchen, beautiful view off the deck. I really have no negatives, will likely book it again.
Michael G.
From a partner site
10/10 Excellent
Ed F.
24 Feb 2020
Mini Vacation in West Bethel
Our family loved the place and as we own land in Bethel will be reaching out to the owners to discuss who their builder was..
Get off the beaten path location, great views and close proximity to all they Bethel has to offer..House was well appointed and Brand New!
We will be back
Ed and the Foley Clan