Tag: Chondola

  • Mainely Skiing Weekly Email (June 27, 2025)

    Welcome to the Mainely Skiing Summer Email! This email will be sent straight to your inbox whenever we release new emails. In this email, we will highlight all the summer activities in or around the Rangeley Area!

    Upcoming Events:

    Make sure to add these events to your calendar to keep yourself up to date with the local happenings. Of course, you can always visit our events page, which is constantly getting updated so you can know about the event before anyone else! Plus, check out our Featured Events page where we dive deeper into the events we don’t want you to miss!

    Event Name:Start Date:End Date:Occurrence:
    Community Work Day @ BigRockJune 29June 29One Day
    Arts & Crafts Show in RangeleyJuly 3July 3One Day
    Sunday River Summer Kick OffJuly 3July 5Three Days
    Scenic Lift Rides @ SaddlebackJuly 3August 31Every Thurs, Sat-Sun
    Scenic Lift Rides @ Sunday RiverJuly 3August 31Every Thurs-Sun
    Sugarloaf Mountain Bike Park Tentative Opening DayJuly 4July 4One Day
    Scenic Lift Rides @ SugarloafJuly 4August 31Every Fri-Sun
    Fireworks @ Sunday RiverJuly 5July 5One Day
    Summer Après Series @ SugarloafJuly 11July 11One Day
    44th. Annual Logging Festival in RangeleyJuly 11July 12Two Days
    Ruff Mountain @ Sunday RiverJuly 11July 12Two Days
    Pink Talking Fish @ Sunday RiverJuly 25July 26Two Days
    Tough Mountain Challenge @ Sunday RiverJuly 26July 27Two Days
    Mini Mountain Challenge @ Sunday RiverJuly 27July 27One Day
    Cheap Trick @ Rangeley Health and WellnessJuly 27July 27One Day
    Oquossoc Day 2025August 16August 16One Day
    Summer Après Series @ SugarloafAugust 22August 22One Day
    Summer Après Series @ SugarloafSeptember 26September 26One Day

    Community Work Day:

    Join fellow BigRock skiers and riders for a community-wide work day at the mountain. Starting at 9:00am, you could help paint lift shacks, pick up trails, and move firewood. For more information or to RSVP, follow the link below.

    facebook.com/bigrock

    Mt. Abram Shows New Website:

    Have you been to Mt. Abram’s website recently? Well if you did, you would notice their new look. Check out this new, modern looking site by clicking the below.

    mtabram.com

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    Big Moose Mountain Summit:

    There has been a lot of talk recently about the summit of Big Moose Mountain. The area, which hasn’t offered lift-serviced skiing since March of 2004, has been making waves in the ski community. Recently, the non-profit has completed servaying and testing of the area and have been rasing the funds to rebuild the summit ski patrol building. In a post to Facebook earlier this week, they teased something more than just a building but we’ll have to wait and see if they announce anything more on that subject. See the photos and read more below.

    facebook.com/friends-of-the-mountain

    Sugarloaf Bike Park Showcases New Map:

    If you aren’t already excited to check out ‘Maine’s Newest Bike Park’, seeing their brand new trail map might change things for you. Recently, the resort posted the trail map ahead of their July 4 opening. Check it out and learn more about their bike park below.

    sugarloaf.com

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    Saddleback Lift Service:

    Saddleback recently completed work on their South Branch Quad. This work was on the lift’s haul rope. A photo posted by one of their lift maintenance team members, Wilkins, showed the progress.

    Sunday River Summer Kick Off:

    Kick start summer at Sunday River with loads of events and fireworks on July 5. Join other skiers and riders from Sunday River for the unofficial start of the summer season at the resort. With live music, fireworks, scenic chairlift rides, and more! See the full schedule of events below.

    Thursday, July 3
    Event NameLocationTime
    Lawn GamesSouth Ridge10:00am-4:00pm
    Scenic Lift RidesChondola10:00am-4:00pm
    Sunday River OutfittersSouth Ridge10:30am-3:30pm
    Friday, July 4
    Event NameLocationTime
    Lawn GamesSouth Ridge10:00am-4:00pm
    Scenic Lift RidesChondola10:00am-4:00pm
    Kids Adventure Scavenger HuntSouth Ridge10:00am-4:00pm
    Sunday River OutfittersSouth Ridge10:30am-3:30pm
    Live Music – Northside RamblersSouth Ridge11:30am-2:30pm
    Saturday, July 5
    Event NameLocationTime
    Scenic Lift RidesChondola10:00am-4:00pm
    Lawn GamesSouth Ridge10:00am-9:00pm
    Kids Adventurre Scavenger HuntSouth Ridge10:00am-9:00pm
    Sunday River OutfittersSouth Ridge10:30am-3:30pm
    Live Music – Northside RamblersSouth Ridge2:30pm-5:30pm
    Live Music – The Middle Men BandSouth Ridge6:00pm-9:00pm
    FireworksSouth Ridge9:00pm

    sundayriver.com

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    Live Music at 45 North:

    45 North at Sugarloaf will be offering live music every Monday, all summer long. See the full schedule below.

    DateTimeArtist
    July 75:00-7:00pmRobin Cottle
    July 145:00-7:00pmDon Rogers
    July 215:00-7:00pmRobin Cottle
    July 285:00-7:00pmDon Rogers
    August 45:00-7:00pmRobin Cottle
    August 115:00-7:00pmDon Rogers
    August 185:00-7:00pmRobin Cottle
    August 255:00-7:00pmDon Rogers

    sugarloaf.com

    Get A Free Indy Pass:

    Last week, Indy Pass released a new program where you can get a free Indy Pass by sporting some version of “IndyPass”, “SkiIndy”, or whatever else you can come up with on your license plate. The company says that for every year the plate reads that combo, you will be sent a free Indy Pass. To read more, click the link below.

    indyskipass.com

    Sugarloaf Bike Park Opening July 4:

    ‘New England’s Newest Mountain Bike Park’ will be opening in the Whiffletree Area on July 4th weekend. Lift tickets are as low as $25 for the whole day. On Friday and Saturday, the lift will spin from 10:00am – 6:00pm and 10:00am – 4:00pm on Sundays. Learn more and purchase your ticket by clicking the link below.

    sugarloaf.com

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    Westside Beer Garden Music Schedule:

    The Westside Beer Garden at Mt. Abram recently shared their summer music schedule through October. See all of the dates and artists listed below.

    DateTimeArtist
    June 275:00-8:00pmBryon Glaus
    June 285:00-8:00pmThe Middlemen Band
    July 34:00-7:00pmMichael Krapovicky
    July 45:00-8:00pmJordan Kaulback
    July 55:00pm-8:00pmTreblemaker
    July 104:00-7:00pmSteve Moore
    July 115:00-8:00pmXander Nelson
    July 125:00-8:00pmHello Newman
    July 174:00-7:00pmJeff Kilton
    July 185:00-8:00pmJay Larkin
    July 244:00-7:00pmToby McAllister
    July 255:00-8:00pmLeah Hersom
    July 265:00-8:00pmLoose Threads
    July 314:00-7:00pmJim Tassee
    August 15:00-8:00pmBryon Glaus
    August 25:00-8:00pmThe Smith Collaboration
    August 74:00-7:00pmMichael Karbovicky
    August 85:00-8:00pmTom LeClerc
    August 95:00-8:00pmThe Cobblestones
    August 144:00-7:00pmJonah Bruce
    August 155:00-8:00pmRob Fowler
    August 165:00-8:00pmThe Lypht
    August 214:00-7:00pmJay Larkin
    August 235:00-8:00pmDirty McCurdy
    August 284:00-7:00pmJordan Kaulback
    August 295:00-8:00pmKitty & JT
    August 305:00-8:00pmCosmic Ramblers
    September 54:00-7:00pmPete Kilpatrick
    September 65:00-8:00pmNorthside Ramblers
    September 124:00-7:00pmSteve Moore
    September 134:00-7:00pmSierra Sounds
    September 194:00-7:00pmRob Fowler
    September 264:00-7:00pmXander Nelson
    October 34:00-7:00pmJordan Kaulback
    October 44:00-7:00pmThe Only Hope Band
    October 104:00-7:00pmToby McAllister
    October 124:00-7:00pmSkosh

    westsidebeergarden.com

    44th Annual Logging Festival:

    The 44th Annual Logging Festival will be taking place in Rangeley Maine on July 11th and 12th. This year’s parade theme is “Forests From Around The World”. The parade will be on Saturday, July 12 and everyone is welcome to enter a float. To learn more, contact the Maine Forestry Museum’s Parade Coordinator, Linda Sikes at (207) 491-6566. See their website below.

    maineforestrymuseum.org

    Photo: Kyle Haley
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    Ruff Mountain:

    Sunday River’s Annual Ruff Mountain, a weekend filled with dogs. Dock-jumping dogs, live music, great food, and plenty of fun for the whole family is waiting for you at Sunday River on July 11th and 12th. Learn more and see the full event rundown below.

    sundayriver.com

    Summer Après Series at Sugarloaf:

    Sugarloaf will once again be hosting the Summer Après Series on the Beach. The free concerts on the beach will be performed by the the following artists on the dates below.

    • Friday, June 20 – Cowboy Angels Today!
    • Friday, July 11 – Work Trucks
    • Friday August 22 – Seagrass
    • Friday, September 26 – Jordan Kaulback

    sugarloaf.com

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    Pink Talking Fish:

    Pink Talking Fish will be at Sunday River on both Friday, July 25 and Saturday July 26. Tickets are now avalable to be purhcased through Sunday River by clicking the link below.

    sundayriver.com

    Sunday River Tough Mountain Challenge:

    The Tough Mountain Challenge comes to South Ridge on Saturday, July 26 with the Mini Mountain Challenge for the kiddos on Sunday, July 27. See the course, learn more, and register by clicking the link below.

    mainelyskiing.com/tough-mountain-challenge

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    Summer Activities:

    As the days get warmer, we’re starting to think about summer activities. There’s a lot to do in the Western Maine mountains during the “off-season”, and we want to lay it all out for you. Click over to the Summer Activities page to see the rundown, linked below!

    mainelyskiing.com/summer-activities

    Decorate in Style:

    Bring the outside in with our various ski related prints. Complete your house or ski condo with photos of Maine Ski Mountains. We offer 20×16″ prints or framed options as well! Check out the print shop today!

    mainelyskiing.com/prints

    Photo: Casablanca Glades Print
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    Featured Events Page:

    Check out the latest page on the website: Featured Events. This is a page where we share the big events happening at Maine ski areas that you don’t want to miss! Check it out below:

    mainelyskiing.com/featured-events

    Webcams:

    Keep an eye on your favorite mountain with their webcams. With multiple cameras, you’re guaranteed to get the best view. Watching the sunset? You can go back in time if you missed the best part. Check them out. by clicking the link below!

    Advertisements

    Last Chair:

    Wow this past week was a hot one! As we dip back down to normal tempatures towards the weekend, we can’t help but notice the forecast below. When things warm back up again, make sure you know all the areas you can take a dip in the water. See all swimming areas here: Swimming

    Weather:

    Well it looks as if the heatwave has passed and we are once again back to cool weekend tempatures. If you liked the heat, don’t fear as it looks as if it could be returning as quick as Monday.

    Day:Friday:Saturday: Sunday:
    High:70°   59°   69°
    Low:43° 51° 57°
    Based out of Rangeley

    Get ready for another warm spell!

    – Keegan

  • Mainely Skiing Weekly Email (June 20, 2025)

    Welcome to the Mainely Skiing Summer Email! This email will be sent straight to your inbox whenever we release new emails. In this email, we will highlight all the summer activities in or around the Rangeley Area!

    Upcoming Events:

    Make sure to add these events to your calendar to keep yourself up to date with the local happenings. Of course, you can always visit our events page, which is constantly getting updated so you can know about the event before anyone else! Plus, check out our Featured Events page where we dive deeper into the events we don’t want you to miss!

    Event Name:Start Date:End Date:Occurrence:
    Summer Après Series @ SugarloafJune 20June 20One Day
    Elyte Performance Fitting @ Sugarloaf Golf CourseJune 21June 21One Day
    Rangeley Oquossoc Adventure RendezvousJune 21June 22Two Days
    Arts & Crafts Show in RangeleyJuly 3July 3One Day
    Sunday River Summer Kick OffJuly 3July 5Three Days
    Scenic Lift Rides @ SaddlebackJuly 3August 31Every Thurs, Sat-Sun
    Scenic Lift Rides @ Sunday RiverJuly 3August 31Every Thurs-Sun
    Sugarloaf Mountain Bike Park Tentative Opening DayJuly 4July 4One Day
    Scenic Lift Rides @ SugarloafJuly 4August 31Every Fri-Sun
    Fireworks @ Sunday RiverJuly 5July 5One Day
    Summer Après Series @ SugarloafJuly 11July 11One Day
    44th. Annual Logging Festival in RangeleyJuly 11July 12Two Days
    Ruff Mountain @ Sunday RiverJuly 11July 12Two Days
    Pink Talking Fish @ Sunday RiverJuly 25July 26Two Days
    Tough Mountain Challenge @ Sunday RiverJuly 26July 27Two Days
    Mini Mountain Challenge @ Sunday RiverJuly 27July 27One Day
    Cheap Trick @ Rangeley Health and WellnessJuly 27July 27One Day
    Oquossoc Day 2025August 16August 16One Day
    Summer Après Series @ SugarloafAugust 22August 22One Day
    Summer Après Series @ SugarloafSeptember 26September 26One Day

    Get A Free Indy Pass:

    This week, Indy Pass released a new program where you can get a free Indy Pass by sporting some version of “IndyPass”, “SkiIndy”, or whatever else you can come up with on your license plate. The company says that for every year the plate reads that combo, you will be sent a free Indy Pass. To read more, click the link below.

    indyskipass.com

    Elyte Performance Fitting:

    Head over to Sugarloaf Golf Course on Saturday, June 21 for their Elyte Performance Fitting presented by Callaway. Join us the folks from Callaway as they share the game-changing innovations in this incredible new lineup of drivers. Learn more below.

    sugarloaf.com

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    Rangeley Oquossoc Adventure Rendezvous:

    This two-day, 40-mile paddling event is part of the Maine High Peaks PaddleFest and goes from June 21 to June 22. For more information and to register, click the link below.

    northernforestcanoetrail.org

    Sunday River Summer Kick Off:

    Kick start summer at Sunday River with loads of events and fireworks on July 5. Join other skiers and riders from Sunday River for the unofficial start of the summer season at the resort. With live music, fireworks, scenic chairlift rides, and more! See the full schedule of events below.

    Thursday, July 3
    Event NameLocationTime
    Lawn GamesSouth Ridge10:00am-4:00pm
    Scenic Lift RidesChondola10:00am-4:00pm
    Sunday River OutfittersSouth Ridge10:30am-3:30pm
    Friday, July 4
    Event NameLocationTime
    Lawn GamesSouth Ridge10:00am-4:00pm
    Scenic Lift RidesChondola10:00am-4:00pm
    Kids Adventure Scavenger HuntSouth Ridge10:00am-4:00pm
    Sunday River OutfittersSouth Ridge10:30am-3:30pm
    Live Music – Northside RamblersSouth Ridge11:30am-2:30pm
    Saturday, July 5
    Event NameLocationTime
    Scenic Lift RidesChondola10:00am-4:00pm
    Lawn GamesSouth Ridge10:00am-9:00pm
    Kids Adventurre Scavenger HuntSouth Ridge10:00am-9:00pm
    Sunday River OutfittersSouth Ridge10:30am-3:30pm
    Live Music – Northside RamblersSouth Ridge2:30pm-5:30pm
    Live Music – The Middle Men BandSouth Ridge6:00pm-9:00pm
    FireworksSouth Ridge9:00pm

    sundayriver.com

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    Live Music at 45 North:

    45 North at Sugarloaf will be offering live music every Monday, all summer long. See the full schedule below.

    DateTimeArtist
    June 235:00-7:00pmDon Rogers
    July 75:00-7:00pmRobin Cottle
    July 145:00-7:00pmDon Rogers
    July 215:00-7:00pmRobin Cottle
    July 285:00-7:00pmDon Rogers
    August 45:00-7:00pmRobin Cottle
    August 115:00-7:00pmDon Rogers
    August 185:00-7:00pmRobin Cottle
    August 255:00-7:00pmDon Rogers

    sugarloaf.com

    Sugarloaf Bike Park Opening July 4:

    ‘New England’s Newest Mountain Bike Park’ will be opening in the Whiffletree Area on July 4th weekend. Lift tickets are as low as $25 for the whole day. On Friday and Saturday, the lift will spin from 10:00am – 6:00pm and 10:00am – 4:00pm on Sundays. Learn more and purchase your ticket by clicking the link below.

    sugarloaf.com

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    Westside Beer Garden Music Schedule:

    The Westside Beer Garden at Mt. Abram recently shared their summer music schedule through June. See all of the dates and artists listed below.

    DateTimeArtist
    June 204:00-7:00pmJed Allen
    June 264:00-7:00pmJonah Bruce
    June 275:00-8:00pmBryon Glaus
    June 285:00-8:00pmThe Middlemen Band

    westsidebeergarden.com

    44th Annual Logging Festival:

    The 44th Annual Logging Festival will be taking place in Rangeley Maine on July 11th and 12th. This year’s parade theme is “Forests From Around The World”. The parade will be on Saturday, July 12 and everyone is welcome to enter a float. To learn more, contact the Maine Forestry Museum’s Parade Coordinator, Linda Sikes at (207) 491-6566. See their website below.

    maineforestrymuseum.org

    Photo: Kyle Haley
    Advertisements

    Ruff Mountain:

    Sunday River’s Annual Ruff Mountain, a weekend filled with dogs. Dock-jumping dogs, live music, great food, and plenty of fun for the whole family is waiting for you at Sunday River on July 11th and 12th. Learn more and see the full event rundown below.

    sundayriver.com

    Summer Après Series at Sugarloaf:

    Sugarloaf will once again be hosting the Summer Après Series on the Beach. The free concerts on the beach will be performed by the the following artists on the dates below.

    • Friday, June 20 – Cowboy Angels Today!
    • Friday, July 11 – Work Trucks
    • Friday August 22 – Seagrass
    • Friday, September 26 – Jordan Kaulback

    sugarloaf.com

    Advertisements

    Pink Talking Fish:

    Pink Talking Fish will be at Sunday River on both Friday, July 25 and Saturday July 26. Tickets are now avalable to be purhcased through Sunday River by clicking the link below.

    sundayriver.com

    Sunday River Tough Mountain Challenge:

    The Tough Mountain Challenge comes to South Ridge on Saturday, July 26 with the Mini Mountain Challenge for the kiddos on Sunday, July 27. See the course, learn more, and register by clicking the link below.

    mainelyskiing.com/tough-mountain-challenge

    Advertisements

    Summer Activities:

    As the days get warmer, we’re starting to think about summer activities. There’s a lot to do in the Western Maine mountains during the “off-season”, and we want to lay it all out for you. Click over to the Summer Activities page to see the rundown, linked below!

    mainelyskiing.com/summer-activities

    Decorate in Style:

    Bring the outside in with our various ski related prints. Complete your house or ski condo with photos of Maine Ski Mountains. We offer 20×16″ prints or framed options as well! Check out the print shop today!

    mainelyskiing.com/prints

    Photo: Casablanca Glades Print
    Advertisements

    Featured Events Page:

    Check out the latest page on the website: Featured Events. This is a page where we share the big events happening at Maine ski areas that you don’t want to miss! Check it out below:

    mainelyskiing.com/featured-events

    Webcams:

    Keep an eye on your favorite mountain with their webcams. With multiple cameras, you’re guaranteed to get the best view. Watching the sunset? You can go back in time if you missed the best part. Check them out. by clicking the link below!

    Advertisements

    Last Chair:

    Gosh! Last weekend was amazing: no rain, warm temps, and endless sunshine. While today looks a little rough, the luminous glow of sunshine on Saturday will make it all worth it!

    Weather:

    The temps are rising throughout the weekend as we start to get ready to enter the heat wave. As of writing this email, we”re forecasting temps in the high 80’s early next week. That would be a great day to call in sick and enjoy all of the Summer Activities that the Maine mountains have to offer.

    Day:Friday:Saturday: Sunday:
    High:67°   71°   75°  
    Low:54° 49° 58°
    Based out of Rangeley

    Have a nice weekend!

    – Keegan

  • Mainely Skiing Weekly Email (December 22, 2023)

    Welcome to the Mainely Skiing Weekly Email! This email will be sent straight to your inbox at the end of every week to highlight what’s happening with your Maine ski resort!

    Mountain Report:

    Mountain NameTrails OpenPercent Open
    Saddleback0 / 680%
    Sugarloaf20 / 17612%
    Sunday River0 / 1390%
    Pleasant Mountain11 / 4725%

    Trail of the Day: Tote Road (Sugarloaf)

    Upcoming Events:

    Make sure to add these events to your calendar to keep yourself up to date with the local happenings. Of course, you can always visit our events page, which is constantly getting updated so you can know about the event before anyone else! Click here

    Event Name:Start Date:End Date:Occurrence:
    Santa Visits @ SaddlebackDecember 23December 23One Day
    Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides in Downtown RangeleyDecember 23December 23One Day
    Christmas Eve Service @ Sugarloaf’s Dick Bell ChapelDecember 24December 24One Day
    Christmas Vacation WeekDecember 25December 29Five Days
    Indie Demo Day @ Sunday RiverJanuary 6January 6One Day
    2nd Annual Vertical Challenge @ SaddlebackJanuary 7January 7One Day
    Rangeley Fat Bike Loppet @ RLTCJanuary 28January 28One Day
    IFSA Junior Freeride @ SaddlebackJanuary 28January 28One Day
    Fire on the Mountain @ SugarloafFebruary 2February 4Three Days
    February Fest @ SaddlebackFebruary 23February 23One Day

    2023 Mountains Update:

    So… On Monday, December 18, a day that will go down in 2023 skier history, Maine saw over 5 inches of rainfall. Plus, the warm temps melted a lot of snow, making for loads of runoff. River capacity was maxed out, towns flooded, and, roads were washed out, and resorts saw crazy infrastructure damage. This forced the resorts in the state to close down to assess the damage. Make sure to check your local mountain’s report page before planning a return to the mountains.

    Christmas Break:

    Get ready for the always busy Christmas Vacation Week. This week, it looks like it will be packed with family-friendly events happening all week. For the most up-to-date information, make sure to bookmark the events page or click the link below!

    mainelyskiing.com

    Vertical Challenge @ Big Rock:

    The Vertical Challenge is set to take on BigRock on January 6, 2024. The Vertical Challenge is a series of free casual ski & snowboard races held at ski resorts throughout the northeast. In addition to the races, attendees enjoy a festival, featuring snowy activities for all ages throughout a fun day on the mountain.

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    Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides:

    The Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides are back in Downtown Rangeley. See the full schedule below!

    Saturday, December 23rd
    • Wednesday, December 27th
    • Saturday, December 30th
    • Saturday, January 6th
    • Saturday, January 13th
    • Saturday, January 20th
    • Saturday, January 27th
    • Saturday, February 3rd
    • Saturday, February 10th
    • Saturday, February 17th
    • Sunday, February 18th 11:30-1:30pm (Winterpaloozah)
    • Tuesday, February 20th
    • Thursday, February 22nd
    • Saturday, February 24th
    • Saturday, March 2nd
    • Saturday, March 9th
    • Saturday, March 16th

    Opening Days:

    That first chair is always one of the most exciting moments in the early season. It’s time to start waxing those skis, dusting off gear and making sure your pass is ready. mainelyskiing.com/season-passes 😉 you’ll thank me later. Below is a table of the opening days as we know right now. Plus, for a more frequently updated list, click the link below.

    mainelyskiing.com

    Mountain NameOpening Date
    Black Mountain of MaineDecember 26
    Big RockDecember 27
    Camden Snow BowlDecember 26
    Mt. AbramDecember 24
    Hermon MountainDecember 30
    Titcomb MountainNot Announced

    Vertical Challenge @ Black Mountain of Maine:

    Happening at Black Mountain of Maine on Saturday, January 20, the Vertical Challenge is a series of free casual ski & snowboard races held at ski resorts throughout the northeast. In addition to the races, attendees enjoy a festival, featuring snowy activities for all ages throughout a fun day on the mountain. Learn more below.

    skiblackmountain.org

    Santa Visits @ Saddleback:

    Santa Claus is comin’ to town on Saturday, December 23 at Saddleback. He’ll make a stop in Rangeley before heading back to the North Pole to get ready for a busy Christmas Eve! Click the link to read more!

    saddlebackmaine.com

    Mainely Skiing Gear Guide:

    It’s been a long time in the making, but I’m extremely excited to share our gear guide page with you. Complete with beginner, intermediate, and expert pages filled with the appropriate gear for each level. Check it out by clicking the link below.

    mainelysking.com/gear-guide

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    Sugarloaf Marathon Registration Open:

    The Sugarloaf Marathon and 15K registration is now open. Thankfully, you have time to prepare for the race, as the deadline to sign up is April 15. For more information on the races, click the link below.

    sugarloaf.com

    Photo: Maine Drone Imaging

    Resort Status Page:

    Our Resort Status page is now live. Complete with the various ski areas we cover, you’ll have all the important information relevant to us skiers. Check out the page below.

    mainelyskiing.com

    Vertical Challenge @ Saddleback:

    Saddleback will host the Vertical Challenge on Sunday, January 7. The event is a series of free casual ski and snowboard races open to all ages and abilities. Skiers and snowboarders are divided by gender and age to compete for gold, silver, and bronze medals in each category. Check it out by clicking the link below.

    saddlebackmaine.com

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    Sugarloaf Making Progress:

    The newest major lift progress at Sugarloaf since the SuperQuad all the way back in 1994, the new Bucksaw Express will take skiers and riders to the top of West Mountain by the on-mountain Bullwinkles Grill. The lift will stretch 6,574 feet long and feature a 1,433-foot vertical rise. It will also be the future home to over 200 new homes including 52 single-family house lots.

    The expansion will shorten the existing West Mountain Double Chair to the mid-station to relieve congestion at the top unload area. Set to debut in late December – early January with 12 trails:

    Difficulty Trail NameDifficulty Trail Name
     HatchetBucksaw
    Feller-BuncherCutter
    ChipperWhistle Punk
    Upper Beaver TailLower Beaver Tail
    Knot BumperYarder
    TwitcherWest Mountain Crosscut

    Sugarloaf posted a video to Facebook showcasing the project and Sugarloaf’s continued investment to their mountain. Check out the full video below along with the 2030 plan.

    facebook.com/sugarloaf

    sugarloaf.com

    Saddleback Webcams:

    Have you visited the Saddleback Webcams? With three cameras scattered across the mountain, you’re guaranteed to get the best sunset. You could go back in time if you missed the best part. Click the link below to see last night’s sunset!

    saddlebackmaine.com

    Last Chair:

    Sadly, after Monday’s storm, the resort’s trail counts have been reduced back down to snowmaking trails and very limited lifts. The good thing is that there isn’t a big worry of hitting rocks, stumps, grass, or other early season conditions… It’s just snow!

    Weather:

    We’re forecasting some better snowmaking weather for the weekend before Christmas Break. Start your vacation off right in the mountains! Click the link below to see current lift status.

    mainelyskiing.com

    Day:Friday:Saturday: Sunday:
    High:28 34 39
    Low:14 24 27
    Based out of Rangeley

    Great to be back on snow!

    – Keegan

  • Mainely Skiing Weekly Email (December 9, 2022)

    Welcome to the Mainely Skiing Weekly Email! This email will be sent straight to your inbox at the end of every week to highlight what’s happening with your Maine ski resort!

    Opening Day at Saddleback:

    It’s tomorrow! Saddleback Mountain opens on December 10! Crews are working around the clock to make sure we have a solid opening and a long season. Lift Maintenance strung the haul rope this week, and snowmakers have been blowing that beautiful white stuff we all love whenever temps allow. Plus, various updates around the resort:

    • Retail – Moved back to the original location (Open Friday – Sunday, 11:00am-4:00pm)
    • 15% Off Early Season Lodging – Use code MtnHolly at checkout. *Participating properties only.
    • Rental Shop – Open for pre-season tune-ups and binding checks (Open Midweek 8:00am – 4:00pm and on the weekend from 9:00am – 4:00pm)
    • The PUB is open with a new menu! Check it out at saddlebackmaine.com/dining
    • New Ski School Programs – FUNdamentals of Ski Racing

    To view all the various improvements and updates, check out the latest Saddleback email.

    Photo: Saddleback’s New Sandy Quad before getting the haul rope (taken 11/25/22)

    Mountain Report:

    Saddleback: 0 / 68 Trails Open

    Sugarloaf: 19 / 162 Trails Open

    Sunday River: 21 / 139 Trails Open

    Pleasant Mountain: 0 / 47 Trails Open

    Trail of the Day: Grey Ghost (Saddleback)

    Upcoming Events:

    Make sure to add these events to your calendar to keep yourself up to date with the local happenings. Of course, you can always visit our events page which is constantly getting updated so you can know about the event before anyone else! Click here

    Event Name:Start Date:End Date:Occurrence:
    Saddleback Mountain Opening DayDecember 10December 10One Day
    Pleasant Mountain Opening DayDecember 10December 10One Day
    Sugarloaf Holiday BazaarDecember 10December 11Two Days
    Holiday Tree Lighting @ SugarloafDecember 10December 10One Day
    Sunday River Santa SundayDecember 11December 11One Day
    Jordan 8 Opening (*tentative)December 17December 17One Day
    Winterfest Weekend @ Sunday RiverDecember 17December 18Two Days
    Christmas Vacation WeekDecember 26December 30Five Days

    Sugarloaf Holiday Gift Bazaar:

    The Sugarloaf Holiday Bazaar will be taking place Saturday and Sunday around the Sugarloaf base area. Santa will be coming to town on Saturday, December 10. He’ll be accompanied by Amos & friends. We’ll spread the holiday cheer with warm treats, music on the beach, fireworks, and more! The events calendar is packed with activities and shopping endeavors for you – check it out by clicking the link below.

    sugarloaf.com

    Photo: Rangeley Lakes Trails Center

    Jordan 8 Opening:

    We’re just one week away from the Grand Opening of Jordan 8. Sunday River’s Jordan 8 lift, as part of the Sunday River 2030 plan, has a tentative opening date of December 17. They are choosing to raffle tickets to ride this to benefit the River Fund, and Maine Adaptive. Tickets will be sold for $5 dollars and won’t be included in the cost of a normal lift ticket. This raffle is to choose the first 8 people, or first chair, to ride the lift. For all the special details, click here. To learn all about it along with purchasing a raffle ticket, click the link below.

    sundayriver.com

    Photo: Sun Journal

    Saddleback Ski Patrol:

    As we gear up for an incredible ski season, consider sponsoring a Saddleback Ski Patroller! Did you know a volunteer ski patroller spends $87 on fees and registration plus gas and lodging for two days of training before even getting on the mountain? You can help offset that cost so our patrollers can keep doing what they do best! To donate, click the link below.

    saddlebackmaine.com

    Photo: Andy Gagne Photography

    Registration for Santa Sunday Is Now Open:

    Santa Sunday is this Sunday, December 11. Don’t miss the sea of Santa outfits out on the slopes of Broadway (green trail). After the parade down Broadway, Sunday River will validate your ticket to ski/ride for the rest of the day. Santas who participate in the 11AM photo shoot will also receive an additional lift ticket valid until Christmas Eve. What are you waiting for, click the link below.

    sundayriver.com

    Photo: Sunday River – Santa Sunday

    Saddleback Webcams:

    Have you visited the Saddleback Webcams? With three cameras scattered across the mountain, you’re guaranteed to get the best sunset. You could go back in time if you missed the best part. While you can catch some pretty amazing sunsets, you also are able to watch crews working. This past week, they strung the haul rope and the aXess gates are installed. Click the link below to watch them build the new Sandy Quad.

    saddlebackmaine.com

    Photo: Saddleback webcams base camera. Haul rope is installed and crews making snow. (Taken 12/8/22 @ 10:44am)

    Last Chair:

    Saddleback opens in less than 24 hours! Will you be there for opening day? The base area was looking quite empty during the middle of the week, but with the guns cranking now, the base area will be full of snow in no time! If you’re ripping it up on the slopes this winter, make sure to tag us on Twitter (@mainelyskiing) and we’ll repost!

    Weather:

    With Mother Nature giving the mountains the worst type of precipitation this past week, snowmakers across the state are scrambling to bring their mountains back to life. With this wacky weather, you might want to check the mountain report pages on your resort’s website before hitting the snow, so you’re always in the loop with current conditions and weather events. This weekend is looking like prime snowmaking weather with the lows in the teens. Crews can really pump out that white gold with those temps.

    Make sure to check out the Mountain Lift Status as more lifts are opening daily. Click the link below for more.

    mainelyskiing.com

    Day:Friday:Saturday:Sunday:
    High:34 28 26
    Low:10 6 11
    Based out of Rangeley

    Thanks for colder weather!

    – Keegan