Tag: Opening Day 2023

  • Mainely Skiing Weekly Email (October 17, 2025)

    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 fall activities in or around the mountains of Maine!

    Maine Foliage Report:

    The Maine Foliage Report brought to you by MaineFoliage.com

    (AUGUSTA, Maine) – The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) has released its final foliage report for the season, indicating peak and past-peak conditions throughout most of Maine. As the weekend approaches, central and coastal areas are nearing peak color, with leaf drop now ranging from 70-100 percent.

    This Week’s Foliage Outlook

    “This is ‘Maine’s weekend,” said Gale Ross, Maine’s fall foliage spokesperson. With the holiday traffic behind us, it’s the perfect time to take a leisurely scenic drive, hike, or bike ride and enjoy the colors with fewer crowds. Even past peak remains beautifully colorful and photo-worthy. As Vacationland prepares to put the trees to bed and we wrap up another fall foliage season, let’s thank all of the leaf lovers and everyone who celebrates Maine in the fall. There is still time to enjoy fall-inspired events and activities this upcoming weekend.

    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:
    Sugarloaf Bike Park Closing WeekendOctober 17October 19Three Days
    Fall Fanale @ Sugarloaf Golf CourseOctober 18October 19One Day
    Penobscot Valley Ski Club SaleOctober 18October 18One Day
    45th Annual Bethel Outing Club Ski & Snowboard SaleOctober 24October 25Two Days
    Lost Valley Fall FestivalOctober 26October 26One Day
    Volunteer Work Day @ TitcombOctober 26October 26One Day
    Volunteer Work Day @ BMOMOctober 26October 26One Day
    Job Fair @ Pleasant MountainNovember 1November 1One Day
    Ski Sale & Pancake Brunch @ TitcombNovember 1November 1One Day
    Brunswick Parks & Rec Ski & Skate SaleNovember 2November 2One Day
    River Valley Kids Ski Too Ski Give Away DayNovember 2November 2One Day
    Job Fair @ Pleasant MountainNovember 5November 5One Day
    Freeport Ski Swap & SaleNovember 8November 8One Day
    Auburn Ski Association Ski Swap at Lost ValleyNovember 9November 9One Day
    Bridal Show & Tasting @ SugarloafNovember 9November 9One Day
    Dinner, Silent & Live Auction @ BMOMNovember 15November 15One Day
    Opening Weekend at SugarloafNovember 21November 23Three Days
    Thanksgiving Dinner @ Sunday RiverNovember 27November 27One Day
    Downeast Ski Club Ski Sale & Winter ExpoNovember 29November 29One Day
    Holiday Auction @ TitcombDecember 5December 5One Day
    Tentative Opening Weekend at Pleasant MountainDecember 6December 7Two Days
    Demo Day @ SugarloafDecember 6December 6One Day
    Santa Sunday @ Sunday RiverDecember 7December 7One Day

    Hermon Mountain Could Close:

    On a post made to Facebook earlier this week, they announced that if they can’t find a buyer, this season will be their final season operating the mountain. This mountain, closest to Maine’s third largest city, Bangor, showed 14 month-old me what it’s like to ski. This would be a tremendous loss to the Maine ski industry as smaller mountains like Hermon get young people on the snow for the first time. The easier terrain and perfect location show thousands what its like to ski or snowboard, eventually trying their skills at the larger resorts across the state. Read the full post below.

    facebook.com

    Sugarloaf Bike Park Closing Weekend:

    Celebrate the end of an epic first season at the Sugarloaf Bike Park, October 17–19, with a fun-filled weekend of riding, followed by an end-of-season party on Sunday. Come and ride the trails one last time, enjoy a live DJ, and cap off the season with the opportunity to win a GoPro Hero 13 Black. Learn more using the link below.

    sugarloaf.com

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    Penobscot Valley Ski Club Sale:

    The Penobscot Valley Ski Club is doing their annual Ski Swap in Bangor, Maine on Saturday, October 18. The event will be taking place from 8am – 2pm in the Bangor Parks and Rec Building at 647 Main Street. New & used equipment: Alpine & Nordic skis, snowboards, boots, poles, gear, apparel & more! See more below.

    pvskiclub.org

    Fall Fanale at Sugarloaf Golf Course:

    Join the fellow Sugarloaf golfers as they tee off for the final time this season. The course closes this Sunday so make sure you get your rounds in before then! Learn more on the website:

    sugarloaf.com

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    Fall Lift Rides:

    Experience the smells, colors, and temperatures of our famous fall weather with a scenic lift ride at one of the many resorts offering it. Explore all of your options with our Scenic Lift Rides page, linked below.

    mainelyskiing.com/lift-rides

    45th Annual Bethel Outing Club Ski & Snowboard Sale:

    The 45th Annual Bethel Outing Club Ski & Snowboard Sale is taking place across two days, October 24 and 25 in the Gould Academy Field House. For more information, click the link below.

    bethelouting.org

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    Lost Valley Fall Festival:

    Lost Valley will be hosting their Annual Fall Festival on Sunday, October 26. With trunk or treats, scenic lift rides, summit hikes, live music, and more, you won’t want to miss it! Learn more using the link below.

    facebook.com

    Pleasant Mountain Job Fair:

    Pleasant Mountain is looking for great team members to join them for the 2025-26 winter season. If you have a passion for skiing, snowboarding, or the mountain lifestyle they’d love to meet you. Check it out on Saturday, November 1st in Blizzard’s Pub from 10:00am to 2:00pm. Learn more using the link below.

    pleasantmountain.com

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    WinterKids Passport Membership Sale:

    The WinterKids Passport 2025/26 Annual Membership goes on sale Saturday, November 1. If you want to continue being in the WinterKids Passport Family, make sure you renew your annual membership! Renew using the link below.

    winterkids.org

    Brunswick Parks & Rec Ski & Skate Sale:

    The Brunswick Parks & Rec Ski & Skate Sale is happening on Sunday, November 2 from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Check it out at the Brunswick Recreation Center at Brunswick Landing, 220 Neptune Drive, Brunswick. Learn more below.

    brunswickme.gov

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    Freeport Ski Swap & Sale:

    Join the Freeport/Brunswick Ski Boosters on Sunday, November 2nd, from 9:00 am – 1:00 pm at the Freeport High School Gym (30 Holbrook Street) and get your winter gear now while prices are low and choices are plentiful! Learn more below.

    freeportskiboosters.com

    Auburn Ski Association Ski Swap:

    Head over to Lost Valley on Sunday, November 9th from 9:00am – 2:00pm for the Auburn Ski Association Ski Swap. Find skis, snowboards, nordic skis, boots, and race gear. For more information about the Auburn Ski Association or the ski swap, click the link below.

    auburnskiassociation.com

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    Bridal Show & Tasting at Sugarloaf:

    Visit Sugarloaf’s most popular reception venue, the King Pine Room, come to life during their 3rd Annual Sugarloaf Bridal Show. On Sunday, November 9, experience Sugarloaf from 1:00pm to 4:00pm. Learn more below.

    sugarloaf.com

    Dinner, Silent & Live Auction at BMOM:

    Join Black Mountain of Maine as they gear up and fundraise for the upcoming ski season at their annual Dinner, Silent & Live Auction. On Saturday, November 15, the base lodge will be buzzing with lots of activities. More info on the auction coming later. Learn more below.

    skiblackmountain.org

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    Summer Activities:

    The days are starting to get cooler and we’re all looking towards ski season. While there’s still plenty of activities to keep you busy, it might be time to start getting back into your ski-shape!

    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!

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    Last Chair:

    This week was on the cooler side but still was warm enough to do things outside. Saddleback took advantage of the sunshine to re-splice their haul rope on the Rangeley Quad (video). Others got outside for some late-season leaf peeping. Whatever it is, there won’t be many days like this left before snow and colder weather sweep in.

    Weather:

    The rain is holding off and the sun will be shining, perfect time to be outside. Whether that’s making sure your home is ready for winter, dropping into the Sugarloaf Bike Park for the final time this season, if you’re having fun in the sun, that’s all that matters! Click over to our Events and Featured Events pages to experience the best events! Visit our Summer Activities page for all the activities you can do during the warmer months.

    Day:Friday:Saturday: Sunday:
    High:51°   56°   60°
    Low:36° 34° 42°
    Based out of Rangeley

    Not many weekends like this left!

    – Keegan

  • Mainely Skiing Weekly Email (November 17, 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%
    Sugarloaf8 / 1765%
    Sunday River5 / 1394%
    Pleasant Mountain0 / 470%

    Trail of the Day: Lollapalooza (Sunday River)

    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 Opening DayNovember 17November 17One Day
    Yarmouth Ski Club Ski SwapNovember 18November 18One Day
    Bridal Show & Tasting @ SugarloafNovember 19November 19One Day
    Lonesome Pines Trails Ski SwapNovember 19November 19One Day
    Volunteer Work Day & Brunch @ Big MooseNovember 19November 19One Day
    Thanksgiving Dinner @ Sunday RiverNovember 23November 23One Day
    Saddleback Pub OpensNovember 24November 24One Day
    Saddleback Opening DayDecember 2December 2One Day
    Live Auction at Black Mountain of MaineDecember 2December 2One Day
    Demo Day @ Sunday RiverDecember 9December 9One Day
    Sunday River Santa SundayDecember 10December 10One Day
    Sugarloaf Tree Lighting FestivalDecember 16December 16One Day
    Winterfest Weekend @ Sunday RiverDecember 16December 17Two Days
    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 28Januaray 28One Day
    IFSA Junior Freeride @ SaddlebackJanuary 28January 28One Day
    Fire on the Mountain @ SugarloafFebruary 2February 4Three Days
    February Fest @ SaddlebackFebruary 23February 23One Day

    Sunday River / Sugarloaf Is Open:

    On Tuesday, Sunday River sent the first chair of the 2023-24 ski season up the hill on their Jordan 8 lift, and this morning, Sugarloaf did the same with their SuperQuad lift. Welcome to the start of the ski season. We hope it’s a long and snowy one! Check out the current lift status by clicking the link below!

    mainelyskiing.com

    Saddleback Started Snowmaking:

    On Saturday night, Saddleback’s team of snowmakers took to the hill to show us the first signs of winter. Once there is enough snow to open the trails, they will. Keep doing those snow dances! Click the link to read their report.

    saddlebackmaine.com

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    Yarmouth Ski Club Ski Sale:

    Join the Yarmouth Ski Club for their annual Ski Sale happening this Saturday, November 18. Open from 9:00am – 12:00pm, come check out their extensive supply of skis, boots, poles, boards, and more at William H. Rowe School, 52 School St., Yarmouth. For more information, click the link below.

    yarmouthskiclub.org

    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
    Saddleback MountainDecember 2
    SugarloafNovember 17
    Pleasant MountainDecember 16
    Black Mountain of MaineDecember 26
    Big RockNot Announced
    Camden Snow BowlDecember 26
    Mt. AbramDecember 16
    Big Moose MountainDecember 26
    Lost ValleyDecember 15
    Hermon MountainDecember 30
    Titcomb MountainNot Announced

    Sunday Work Day & Brunch:

    Get those work gloves on. Big Moose Mountain is planning a volunteer work day and brunch this Sunday, November 19. Projects include:

    • Lower lodge cleaning
    • Ski Sale Set Up for 11/25
    • Trail Clearing
    • Tracking the passenger snowcat
    • Lift Maintenance

    To sign up, click the link below.

    facebook.com/friendsofthemountain

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    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

    Saddleback $49 Lift Tickets:

    Buy Now And Save!

    This week, Saddleback announced $49 lift tickets available for the full season. Act fast, as there are only so many tickets being sold at that price before going to the next pricing tier. Click the link to purchase now.

    saddlebackmaine.com

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    Sugarloaf $41 Lift Tickets:

    Buy Now And Save!

    This week, Sugarloaf announced $41 early season lift tickets. You need to purchase now as the prices go up after a set number of people purchase. For more information and to purchase your ticket, click the link below!

    sugarloaf.com

    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

    Sugarloaf Bridal Show & Tasting:

    If you’re looking to get married at Sugarloaf, you need to go to their Bridal Show & Tasting. The event occurs on Sunday, November 19, from 1-4pm in the King Pine Room. There will be many different vendors and flavorful dishes being served. For all the details, head over to the website below.

    sugarloaf.com/weddings

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    Thanksgiving Dinner At Sunday River:

    Join Sunday River around the table for a lovely Thanksgiving meal. The folks from Camp will be cooking a tasteful turkey with all the sides you could imagine. Happening from 1-8pm, you can’t miss this!

    sundayriver.com

    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 NameAdult PriceNext Deadline
    Saddleback Maine$94912/31
    Sugarloaf (New England Gold)$1,61911/30
    Sunday River (New England Gold)$1,61911/30
    Pleasant Mountain$95911/30
    Black Mountain of Maine$47511/30
    Big Rock$50011/27
    Camden Snow Bowl$550N / A
    Mt. Abram$599N / A
    Lost Valley$645N / A
    Hermon Mountain$530N / A
    Titcomb Mountain$265N / A
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    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.

    sundayriver.com

    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. 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.

    facebook.com/sugarloaf

    sugarloaf.com

    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 completed 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.

    sundayriver.com

    Facebook Video

    Photo: Merrill Hill II Construction
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    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:

    We saw the start to the 2023-24 ski season this week as Sunday River opened this Tuesday and Sugarloaf sent their first chair up the SuperQuad this morning at 8:30. Here we go! Think cold temps and snow.

    Weather:

    While we might be skiing, the temps suggest otherwise. On the bright side, the warm temps will allow the tired snowmakers to get some much needed rest, before returning to the hills next week.

    Day:Friday:Saturday: Sunday:
    High:53 40 35
    Low:36 25 20
    Based out of Rangeley

    Welcome to Ski Season!

    – Keegan