Welcome to the Mainely Skiing Fall 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!
Maine Foliage Report:
The Maine Foliage Report brought to you by MaineFoliage.com
The fourth 2023 Fall Foliage Report from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) reports moderate to high color change (50-70 percent) throughout most of Maine. As of October 4, DACF Maine Forest Rangers in northern Maine report peak color conditions (70-100 percent) with moderate to low leaf drop (30-50 percent).
Northern Maine (zones six and seven) is on track to reach peak conditions this week. Fall colors in all other areas of the state will occur from north to south through mid-October. Coastal Maine typically reaches peak color during mid-to-late October.
This Week’s Foliage Outlook
“The conditions projected for this upcoming long holiday weekend set us up for one of the best weekends to plan your fall foliage outdoor activities with an abundance of events taking place statewide. The fall colors are emerging in the canopies across Maine, and the leaves are still intact, making it perfect timing for leaf-peeping enthusiasts,” said Gale Ross, Maine’s fall foliage spokesperson.
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: |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sugarloaf Homecoming | October 6 | October 8 | Three Days |
| Oktoberfest 2023 @ Saddleback | October 7 | October 7 | One Day |
| Oktoberfest 5K @ Saddleback | October 7 | October 7 | One Day |
| Pumpkin Decorating @ Sugarloaf | October 7 | October 7 | One Day |
| North American Wife Carrying Championship @ Sunday River | October 7 | October 7 | One Day |
| Balence Bike Race @ Sugarloaf | October 7 | October 7 | One Day |
| Sunday River Fall Festival | October 7 | October 8 | Two Days |
| New England Corn Hole Championship @ Sunday River | October 8 | October 8 | One Day |
| Uphill Climb @ Sugarloaf | October 8 | October 8 | One Day |
| Winterfest Weekend @ Sunday River | December 16 | December 17 | Two Days |
Big Projects For Big Squaw:
Big Moose Mountain in Greenville, formally named Big Squaw, needs your help. The mountain has been hard at work reclaiming the upper mountain trails by bringing them back to skiable terrain. This is only made possible due to the support on GoFundMe. The mountain has raised about 30% of their goal of $60,000. If you’ve skied here before the upper mountain closed in 2004, you know it was a special experience. You can help bring this back by donating to the mountain’s GoFundMe. Click the link below to see the money raised and donate. Click here: link
Crews are also working on replacing the existing lift’s communication line. This isn’t an easy task, especially with a small crew. Nevertheless, Big Moose Mountain pushes on.
If those jobs aren’t enough, the trusty ol’ tarp only lasts for so long before talks emerge about what to do. The lodge for the upper mountain, which sits near the top unload of the current lift has a pool, which has the roof needing to be replaced. Last Wednesday, the mountain posted to Facebook asking for ideas and within a few days, they had raised over $16,000 of roofing material thanks to generous donors. If you would like to support the mountain in its efforts to become a bigger and better ski area, click the link to support.
Scenic Lift Rides:
Scenic Lift Rides are now open at Sugarloaf and Sunday River! Take a ride up the Chondola at Sunday River or the SuperQuad at Sugarloaf. Click the respective links to learn more about catching the chair. Hurry – this is the last weekend available for scenic lift rides!
The Chondola is dog, kid, and grandparent-friendly, so you’ll want to pack up your whole family for this scenic adventure. Lift rides are available from 10AM-4PM on Saturdays and Sundays from early July to mid-October. You can buy tickets online in advance, but will need to pick up your tickets upon arrival. You can also purchase tickets on-site at the various lodges and base areas. Lift tickets will be issued until 3:30PM or until capacity is reached. If you plan to ride the lift back to the bottom, please load before 4PM. For more information, visit the links below.
Season Pass Sales:
Season passes have been on sale throughout the summer but to take advantage of the savings, you better purchase now! Check out the table to see all season passes:
| Mountain Name | Adult Price | Next Deadline |
|---|---|---|
| Saddleback Maine | $849 | 10/10 |
| Sugarloaf (New England Gold) | $1,449 | 10/11 |
| Sunday River (New England Gold) | $1,449 | 10/11 |
| Pleasant Mountain | $859 | 10/11 |
| Black Mountain of Maine | $475 | 11/30 |
| Big Rock | N / A | N / A |
| Camden Snow Bowl | $445 | 10/31 |
| Mt. Abram | $599 | N / A |
| Lost Valley | $645 | N / A |
| Hermon Mountain | $477 | 10/31 |
| Titcomb Mountain | $205 | 11/4 |
Saddleback Oktoberfest:
It’s that time again to start thinking about the fall. After waiting, for what seems like forever, we finally have warm weather. If you’re looking to cool down a little and think about the fall, Oktoberfest is right around the corner. Make sure to sign up so you won’t miss out on the festivities!
Schedule of Events
- 10-11 a.m. – Oktoberfest 5K
- 11 a.m. – Festival gates open. TJ Swan performs on the deck.
- 12 p.m. – Pie eating contest on the deck. $10 entry. The winner gets a pie and a gift card to The Pub.
- 1:30-3:30 – SKOSH performs on the deck.
- 3:30 – Stein Hoisting Championship! 10 men’s/women’s qualifiers will go head-to-head. This is always an Oktoberfest favorite – don’t miss it!
- 4-8 p.m. – Pub open
Happening All Day – 11 a.m. – 3 p.m.
- Keg Toss & Stein Hoisting – these events will run all day. Qualify for the Stein Hosting Championship until 3 p.m.
- Craft Beer Sampling – DASCH SELTZER, BAXTER BREWING, ORONO BREWING and NEW BELGIUM BREWING will be pouring samples of their best fall beverages.
- Costume Contest. Dust off the lederhosen! The person in best-dressed Oktoberfest attire will win a 3-night stay for 9 people in Rangeley thanks to our friends at Morton & Furbish Vacation Rentals. Stay is for a future date in Fall 2023 or Spring 2024.
- Biggest BRAT Contest. Pile on the sauerkraut – we’re going to have a contest to see who can load up (and EAT) the heaviest brat! Add your toppings and weigh in. What’s the prize? Brattgin’ rights!
- Fall CLEARANCE SALE! Get serious savings on skis, boards, and winter apparel.
- Vendor Village – visit vendor booths near the festival entrance for sweet treats like apple crisp and local goods.
For more information and to get tickets, click the link below.
Sunday River Early Season Update:
It might only be fall but the folks from Sunday River are already in the winter mindset. This week, the mountain announced a new early season operating guide. The plan is to start the season off with top-to-bottom skiing and riding off their Jordan 8 lift. They hope to have “multiple trail choices” serviced from the Jordan 8. For more information and to stay in the know, click the link below.
Fall Activities:
Check out the latest on the Summer Activities page on our website. This page gives access to all the incredible activities you can do in the mountains of Maine. From mountain biking, to hiking, swimming, and golfing, there is something for everyone. Check it out on the home page or by clicking the link below.
Sugarloaf Homecoming:
Welcome home, Sugarloafers
Don’t miss Sugarloaf’s Homecoming Weekend. Happening October 6-8, this three day event is packed with loads of events both on and off the mountain. Check out the full rundown below.
Friday, October 6
| Time | Event Name | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9am-3pm | Swig and Swing Golf Tournament | Sugarloaf Golf Course | Registration is full. |
Saturday, October 7
| Time | Event Name | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8am-2pm | Tailgate Ski Swap & Sale | The Rack | Sell or trade your used skis, snowboards, gear, and apparel. Or Donate gently used winter clothing and winter sport equipment to support local schools. Learn more. |
| 9am-12pm | Pumpkin Decorating | The Alfond Competition Center | For ages 12 & under. Online registration is now open. Sign up here. |
| 9am-2pm | Scenic Lift Rides | SuperQuad | Purchase tickets here. 23/24 Season passholders ride for free with their pass present. |
| 9am-4pm | Coat & Gear Drive | Narrow Gauge | Donate gently used winter clothing and winter sport equipment to support local schools. Learn More. |
| 9am-5pm | Upcountry Artists | King Pine Room | Art Show featuring some of Maine’s finest artists & craftsmen. |
| 9am-5pm | Sugarloaf Home Show | Narrow Gauge | Various vendors and info booths |
| 10am-5pm | Bar & Grill | The Beach | Serving food and beverages outside |
| 11am-2pm | Live music by Seagrass | The Beach | Free admission, all ages welcome |
| 1-4pm | Axe Throwing | The Landing | Splittin’ Wood is setting up an axe throwing station. Free to ages 10 & up; first come, first serve. |
| 2:30-5pm | Live music by Aldous Collins Band | The Beach | Free admission, all ages welcome |
| 2:30-3:30pm | Balance Bike Races | Main Street | Registration will open soon |
| 3-6pm | Après Music | Widowmaker | Music by Robin Cottle |
| 6-7pm | Film Viewing Party | Widowmaker | Join us for a night of action packed short films created by Maine film maker, Josh Lawless. Experience mountain biking, powder skiing, stunning sunset jumps, epic backcountry adventures, and more. Free admission, all ages welcome |
Sunday, October 8
| Time | Event Name | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9am | Sunday Indoor Service | Dick Bell Chapel | Learn more here. |
| 11am | Sunday Outdoor Service | Top of SuperQuad | Join the Sugarloaf Ministry for the last outdoor service of the season. Weather permitting. Learn more. |
| 9am-2pm | Scenic Lift Rides | SuperQuad | Purchase tickets here. 23/24 Season Passholders ride for free with their pass present |
| 9am-4pm | Upcountry Artists | King Pine Room | Art Show featuring some of Maine’s finest artists & craftsmen. |
| 9am-4pm | Sugarloaf Home Show | Narrow Gauge | Various vendors and info booths |
| 9am-4pm | Coat & Gear Drive | Narrow Gauge | Donate gently used winter clothing and winter sport equipment to support local schools. Learn More. |
| 10am-2pm | Uphill Climb Starts | SuperQuad | Registration for Maine’s toughest mountain run is now open. Sign up here. |
| 10am-4pm | Bar & Grill | The Beach | Serving food and beverages outside |
| 12-3pm | Live music by Sly Richard | The Beach | Live music on the beach, free admission, all ages welcome |
| 12-3pm | Axe Throwing | The Landing | Splittin’ Wood is setting up an axe throwing station. Free to ages 10 & up; first come, first serve. |
| 1-3pm | Piggy Bank Painting | Dick Bell Chapel | Free Piggy Bank Painting for all ages with Sugarloaf Christian Ministry |
For more information, click the link below!
Saddleback Bike Park Closing Weekend:
The Saddleback Bike Park is still open but not for long! The park will be closing for all downhill on Sunday, October 8.
They will be spinning their South Branch Quad this weekend through Sunday from 9:00 am to 3:47 pm. (We know it’s a weird time). This is to maximize your time outside and ride the newest summer project for yourself. During the winter months, when the mountain is spinning all six of their lifts, closing at 3:40 pm isn’t that big of a deal – there are other ways to ski until 4:00 pm. With this, however, the lift is moving slightly slower to allow the use of foot traffic.
The MTB crew is only getting started, and there are already plans to grow. In the meantime, check out their progress and purchase a pass to see for yourself by clicking the link below.
Sunday River Fall Festival:
Celebrate Fall in the mountains at Sunday River. With classic events like the North American Wife Carrying Championship, the annual Sunday River Sports Sale, scenic chairlift rides, and more, you won’t want to miss this event during peak foliage season. Rain or shine, the events are happening. See the full rundown below:
Saturday, October 7
| Time | Event Name | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9am-5pm | 39th Annual Blue Mountain Arts & Crafts Fair | South Ridge Lodge | Shop many local artisans for unique gifts. |
| 9am-4:30pm | Maine Beer Box | Slopeside at South Ridge | Sample Maine craft beer from the 78 taps on the Maine Beer Box. |
| 10am-4pm | Scenic Lift Rides | Slopeside at South Ridge | Take in views of the foliage from high above with a scenic chairlift ride on the resort’s Chondola. Don’t forget your season pass or RFID card. If you buy online and have your RFID card you can go direct to lift. Need a card? You can pick it up at a PUB in the Welcome Center to save time. We recommend riding early in the day to ensure access and avoid downloading delays. |
| 9am-5pm | Sunday River Sports Annual Sale | South Ridge Lodge | Stock up for ski season with great deals on gear, clothing, outerwear, logo items, and more from Sunday River Sports. |
| 9am-3pm | Bethel Regional Airport Fly-In | Bethel Regional Airport | Stop by the Bethel Airport to see planes and meet pilots at the Bethel Regional Airport Fly-In |
| 10am | 24th Annual North American Wife Carrying Championship | Slopeside at South Ridge | Nothing brings you closer together than carrying your partner through a 278-yard obstacle course. This signature Sunday River event presents the winners with the wife’s weight in beer and five times her weight in cash. Registration is open now. |
| 10:30am | The River Fund Maine .5k Dry Land Training | Slopeside at South Ridge | |
| 12pm & 3pm | Wine Tasting with Chef Harding Lee Smith | Slopeside at South Ridge | Savor a delectable wine-pairing sample menu crafted by renowned Chef Harding Lee Smith with seatings at 12PM and 3PM. |
| 12pm-3pm | Sunday River Kids: Fall Fun | Sunday River Real Estate | Swing by the Sunday River Real Estate offices to paint a pumpkin or join the fall scavenger hunt. Prizes will be awarded for completed scavenger hunts! *Limited number of pumpkins available – pumpkin painting is first come, first served and is limited to one pumpkin per child. |
| 11am-5:30pm | Live Music | Slopeside at South Ridge | Groove to the blues with local musicians River Bottom Funk, Cryin’ Out Loud, and Grammy Award-winning guitarist and songwriter Paul Nelson. |
Sunday, October 8
| Time | Event Name | Location | Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9am-3pm | 39th Annual Blue Mountain Arts & Crafts Fair | South Ridge Lodge | Shop many local artisans for unique gifts. |
| 9am-4pm | Maine Beer Box | Slopeside at South Ridge | Sample Maine craft beer from the 78 taps on the Maine Beer Box |
| 10am-4pm | Scenic Lift Rides | Slopeside at South Ridge | Take in views of the foliage from high above with a scenic chairlift ride on the resort’s Chondola. Don’t forget your season pass or RFID card. If you buy online and have your RFID card you can go direct to lift. Need a card? You can pick it up at a PUB in the Welcome Center to save time. We recommend riding early in the day to ensure access and avoid downloading delays. |
| 9am-4:30pm | Sunday River Sports Annual Sale | South Ridge Lodge | Stock up for ski season with great deals on gear, clothing, outerwear, logo items, and more from Sunday River Sports. |
| 10am | 9th Annual New England Cornhole Championship | Slopeside at South Ridge | Grab a partner and start practicing because serious cash and bragging rights are up for grabs. Registration is open now for just $34 per team. |
| 11-3:30pm | Live Music | Slopeside at South Ridge | Groove to the blues with local musicians River Bottom Funk and Cryin’ Out Loud. |
For more information, click the link below!
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: Bucksaw, Feller Buncher, Chipper, Hatchet, Whistle Punk, Beaver Tail, Knot Bumper, Gandy Dancer, Cutter, West Mtn. Crosscut, Twitcher, and Yarder. Although the difficulty ratings haven’t come out yet, I expect it to be around greens and blues with some blacks mixed in to keep things interesting.
Sugarloaf posted a video to Facebook showcasing the project and Sugarloaf’s continued investment to their mountain. They’re adding 246 high-efficiency HKD snow guns and over 88,000′ of new snowmaking pipe. Check out the full video below along with the 2030 plan.
New Hours At Rangeley Health And Wellness:
The Rangeley Health and Wellness in Rangeley, Maine – at the bottom of Dallas Hill Road, has announced their new fall hours. These hours are effective October 1.
| Monday | 5AM – 7PM |
| Tuesday | 5AM – 7PM |
| Wednesday | 5AM – 7PM |
| Thursday | 5AM – 7PM |
| Friday | 5AM – 7PM |
| Saturday | 8AM – 2PM |
| Sunday | 8AM – 2PM |
For more information on the Rangeley Health and Wellness, check out their website.
The Barker 6 Mix:
Sunday River is making quick work on their newest project, a new, high-speed, detachable 6 person lift – Barker 6. This new lift is manufactured by the world’s leading lift manufacturer, Doppelmayr and is set to be complete by the 2023-24 ski season. This lift will be pretty much identical to the Jordan 8 by featuring heated, ergonomic seats, individual head & foot rests, weather-proof Sunday River Red bubble covers, automatically lowering and locking restraining bar, 13 towers with 63 chairs, and a ride time of just under 5 minutes. This new lift will be a game changer for the Barker area and for Sunday River as a whole.
As well as the Barker 6, Sunday River is installing their second triple chair on Merrill Hill. The new triple chair will provide more opportunities for ski-in, ski-out homes on Merrill Hill. This lift is the second Doppelmayr lift getting installed at the River. While this lift wasn’t in the public eye as much as Barker 6 until this week, the two lifts should be complete when the snow flies. Check out the progress from a photo Sunday River posted this week over on Merrill Hill. See more by clicking the links below.
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!
Last Chair:
The trees are gaining color, the temps are coming back down to a normal level and that means fall is back! Check out the weather below for more!
Weather:
While. the temps are getting colder, the weather for this weekend is looking like another wet one. We have high chances of rain all weekend.
Time to bring back the rain coat!
– Keegan
Mainely Skiing 