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Tag: Saddleback Mountain Resort

  • 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 (October 20, 2023)

    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

    (AUGUSTA, Maine) – The Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry’s (DACF) final Foliage reportfor October 18 indicates peak and past peak conditions throughout most of the state. Peak conditions are approaching the coast in zone one with high leaf drop (more than 70 percent).

    This Week’s Foliage Outlook

    “This foliage season was a tricky one to forecast. While we had color because trees do what they need to do to prepare for their long winter nap, the colors were muted in some areas and breathtaking in others. Our rainy, wind-swept weather played a significant role,” said Gale Ross, fall foliage spokesperson.

    While the weather might not be conducive to long road trips and leaf peeping this upcoming weekend, there are dozens of fun-filled activities taking place statewide. For those who are adventurous and still want to catch a glimpse of the fall colors, a hike in and around the blueberry barrens in DownEast Maine is a must-see. Barrens ablaze with the fall colors never disappoint! As we close the books on another fall foliage season, let’s give a hearty shout-out and thank you to all our leaf lovers and everyone who shared their memorable fall foliage photos with us, added Ross.

    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 Pub Closed Until WinterOctober 21October 21One Day
    Daylight Savings Ends (Fall Back)November 5November 5One Day
    Sugarloaf Opening DayNovember 17November 17One Day
    Bridal Show & Tasting @ SugarloafNovember 19November 19One Day
    Thanksgiving Dinner @ Sunday RiverNovember 23November 23One Day
    Saddleback Pub OpensNovember 24November 24One 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
    Fire on the Mountain @ SugarloafFebruary 2February 4Three Days
    February Fest @ SaddlebackFebruary 23February 23One Day

    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.

    Mountain NameOpening Date
    Saddleback MountainDecember 2
    SugarloafNovember 17
    Sunday RiverNot Announced
    Pleasant MountainNot Announced
    Black Mountain of MaineNot Announced
    Big RockNot Announced
    Camden Snow BowlNot Announced
    Mt. AbramNot Announced
    Big Moose MountainNot Announced
    Lost ValleyNot Announced
    Hermon MountainNot Announced
    Titcomb MountainNot Announced

    Mountain Lift Status is Back:

    Mainely Skiing’s Mountain Lift Status Page is officially back and ready to go for winter. Now, we just need lifts to start spinning. The page was temporarily offline due to it not looking right/working for some users. Thanks to the work of our website development team, we have been able to fix the problem and it will be good to go for winter. Think snow!

    mainelysking.com/mountain-lift-status

    Big Projects For Big Moose:

    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.

    gofundme.com

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    Snowmaking Tests:

    Various resorts got out early to test the snowmaking equipment. Sunday River’s tough team of snowmakers took to the hill early on Tuesday morning to fire up their system over on Jordan. Saddleback did the same on Wednesday afternoon.

    Photo: Saddleback Maine

    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 RockN / AN / A
    Camden Snow Bowl$44510/31
    Mt. Abram$599N / A
    Lost Valley$645N / A
    Hermon Mountain$47710/31
    Titcomb Mountain$20511/4

    Sugarloaf Debuts New Trail Map:

    Sugarloaf recently updated their trail map to show the new Bucksaw area. The map has a few changes compared to the previous one, which was their map for over two years. See for yourself here: sugarloaf.com Also, if you want to be in the know, head over to the Sugarloaf Mountain Guide – linked below.

    mainelyskiing.com

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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 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.

    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:

    Now that things are closed for the season, the countdown is on for snowfall. Whether it’s by Mother Nature or some powerful snowmakers, either way, we’ll be happy. Bring on Winter!

    Weather:

    While the forecast is calling for another wet weekend, those lows are looking promising. Low temps have been on a steady decline for a few weeks now and Sunday’s low gives us skiers hope that winter will come once again!

    Day:Friday:Saturday:Sunday:
    High:55 56 51
    Low:50 48 38
    Based out of Rangeley

    I think it’s time for snowdances!

    – Keegan

  • Mainely Skiing Weekly Email (October 13, 2023)

    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

    This week’s Fall Foliage Report from the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) reports moderate to peak conditions (50-100 percent) throughout most of Maine.

    As of October 11, 2023*, Maine Forest Service (MFS) staff reported peak and past peak color conditions with moderate to high leaf drop in zones five, six, and seven. Color changes in zones one through four are rapidly approaching peak. Coastal Maine, zones one and two, typically are last to reach peak during mid-to-late October.

    This Week’s Foliage Outlook

    “Despite the wind-swept rain we’ve received in the past two weeks, Maine is still showing plenty of color, blended in with the green of the oaks along the immediate coast,” said Gale Ross, fall foliage spokesperson.

    “I spoke with Brandon Alfonso, park ranger in Acadia National Park, about conditions in the park. He observes that the park is 50-66 percent toward peak. He also noted that while the wind and rain in the DownEast region knocked down quite a few leaves, there is still color in the birches contrasting with the greens in the oaks,” Ross added.

    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:
    Penobscot Valley Ski Club Ski SwapOctober 14October 14One Day
    Sugarloaf Golf Course Closing DayOctober 15October 15One Day
    Sunday River Golf Course Closing DayOctober 15October 15One Day
    Saddleback Pub Closed Until WinterOctober 21October 21One Day
    Daylight Savings Ends (Fall Back)November 5November 5One Day
    Bridal Show & Tasting @ SugarloafNovember 19November 19One 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
    Fire on the Mountain @ SugarloafFebruary 2February 4Three Days
    February Fest @ SaddlebackFebruary 23February 23One Day

    Mountain Lift Status is Back:

    That’s right, Mainely Skiing’s Mountain Lift Status Page is officially back and ready to go for winter. Now, we just need lifts to start spinning. The page was temporarily offline due to it not looking right/working for some users. Thanks to the work of our website development team, we have been able to fix the problem and it will be good to go for winter. Think snow!

    mainelysking.com/mountain-lift-status

    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.

    gofundme.com

    Snowmaking Tests:

    Various resorts got out early to test the snowmaking equipment. Sunday River’s tough team of snowmakers took to the hill early on Tuesday morning to fire up their system over on Jordan. Saddleback did the same on Wednesday afternoon.

    Photo: Saddleback Maine

    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$85910/13
    Black Mountain of Maine$47511/30
    Big RockN / AN / A
    Camden Snow Bowl$44510/31
    Mt. Abram$599N / A
    Lost Valley$645N / A
    Hermon Mountain$47710/31
    Titcomb Mountain$20511/4

    Sugarloaf Debuts New Trail Map:

    Sugarloaf recently updated their trail map to show the new Bucksaw area. The map has a few changes compared to the previous one that was their map for over two years. See for yourself here: sugarloaf.com Also, if you want to be in the know, head over to the Sugarloaf Mountain Guide – linked below.

    mainelyskiing.com

    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

    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.

    mainelyskiing.com

    PVSC Ski Swap:

    The Penobscot Valley Ski Club is doing their annual Ski Swap in Bangor, Maine on Saturday, October 14. The event will be taking place from 8am – 2pm in the Bangor Parks and Rec Building at 647 Main Street. New & used equipment: Aline & Nordic skis, snowboards, boots, poles, gear, apparel & more!!! Plus, Saddleback will be there. Don’t miss it!

    pvskiclub.org

    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
     Hatchet Bucksaw
    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

    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.

    Monday5AM – 7PM
    Tuesday5AM – 7PM
    Wednesday5AM – 7PM
    Thursday5AM – 7PM
    Friday5AM – 7PM
    Saturday8AM – 2PM
    Sunday8AM – 2PM

    For more information on the Rangeley Health and Wellness, check out their website.

    https://rrhwp.org/

    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.

    sundayriver.com

    Facebook Video

    Photo: Merrill Hill II Construction

    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:

    The trees are becoming peak foliage. Head up to the mountains and check it out for yourself. Bonus points if you get a round of golf in on one of the closing golf courses this weekend.

    Weather:

    The temps are certainly going down with this weekend’s high expected to barely reach the 60-degree mark. Right now, we’re forecasting a very cloudy weekend but that won’t stop us from having fun.

    Day:Friday:Saturday:Sunday:
    High:49 59 49
    Low:41 53 49
    Based out of Rangeley

    Think sun – then snow!

    – Keegan

  • Mainely Skiing Weekly Email (September 15, 2023)

    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!

    Maine Foliage Report:

    The Maine Foliage Report brought to you by MaineFoliage.com

    The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry (DACF) fall foliage spokesperson Gale Ross has announced the start of foliage season throughout the state. The first 2023 Maine Fall Foliage Report, issued each Wednesday throughout the foliage season, reports very little color change throughout the state.

    “I like to remind folks that the color change depends on the weather as we advance into fall. We rely on the cooler temperatures and shorter days to enhance the progression of color”

    This Week’s Foliage Outlook

    “This summer, Maine received a considerable amount of rainfall which will enhance the fall colors, unlike the past two seasons when the state’s forests were impacted by summer drought. Minimal defoliation in certain tree species may impact color in some areas due to the wetter than normal summer, but it should not have a significant impact on our foliage season,” 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:
    Brunch In The PubJuly 9September 24Every Sunday
    Northwoods Gravel Grind AfterpartySeptember 9September 9One Day
    Xterra Trail Run World Championships @ SugarloafOctober 1October 1One Day
    Sugarloaf HomecomingOctober 6October 8Three Days
    Oktoberfest 2023 @ SaddlebackOctober 7October 7One Day
    Sunday River Fall FestivalOctober 7October 8Two Days

    XTERRA Trail Run:

    Join Sugarloaf on Sep 30 – Oct 1 for the XTERRA Trail Run World Series. Sugarloaf Mountain has been chosen as the pinnacle event for the  XTERRA Trail Run World Series.  A weekend-long trail running festival that will see top elite and amateur runners compete for $10,000 in prize money and XTERRA championship crowns in both full and half marathon distances.  Live music, great food, and family entertainment will keep the energy high throughout the weekend, with 5K and 10K trail runs, and races for kids to ensure everybody can get involved. For more information and to sign up, click the link below.

    sugarloaf.com

    Big Squaw Mountain Still Needs Your Help:

    Big Squaw Mountain, now called Big Moose Mountain in Greenville, Maine needs your help. The mountain has been working hard to reclaim the upper mountain trails and bring them back to skiable trails. This is only made possible due to their 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.

    gofundme.com

    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.

    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.

    sundayriver.com
    sugarloaf.com

    Oktoberfest 5k Signups:

    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, the Saddleback 5k signups are now open.

    Registration & Timeline:
    • Registration Location: The registration area is located in front of the MAIN BASE LODGE. There is plenty of free parking.
    • Bib/T-shirt Packet pick-up will be on race day beginning at 8:30 am
    • The race begins at 10:00 AM.
    • Registration Fee $40
    • The requested T-shirt size cannot be guaranteed after September 20
    • The top 3 male/female finishers will receive prizes.
    • No dogs allowed
    • The lift will not spin for rides to the top during the 5k.  

    For more information and to sign up for the race, click the link below.

    saddlebackmaine.com

    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.

    mainelyskiing.com

    Saddleback Bike Park Open:

    The Saddleback Bike Park is back open! Let’s all do a little dance to stop the rain… I mean, it’s a suggestion. Anyway, the sun has come out once again, which allowed for the trails to dry up a bit and the crews to get back out and touch them up. The riding will be a little muddy still, but never-the-less fun!

    They will be spinning their South Branch Quad Thursday 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.

    saddlebackmaine.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: 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.

    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 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.

    sundayriver.com

    Facebook Video

    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:

    With all the rain we’ve gotten recently, please make sure to drive carefully when coming up to the Rangeley area. Some roads are flooded or washed out entirely in parts of Rangeley, Oquossoc, Bryan, Farmington, Farmington Falls, Jay, Wilton, and more. Drive safe, Mainely Skiers!

    Weather:

    Tropical Storm Warning! Most of Eastern, Central, and Southern Maine are in the Tropical Storm Warning. Remember to take the necessary precautions to prepare and plan for the storm.

    Other than Saturday being the day of the storm, the other days look good for some time outside. It’s time to get out because Life is Better Outside!

    Day:Friday:Saturday:Sunday:
    High:64 57 70
    Low:53 49 51
    Based out of Rangeley

    Stay safe, everyone!

    – Keegan

  • Mainely Skiing Weekly Email (August 18, 2023)

    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!

    Barker Express Chair Sale:

    As Sunday River is right in the thick of the new Barker 6 construction, the old chairs had to get out of the way to make way for new Doppelmayr 6 person chairs. One heck of an upgrade if you ask me! Sunday River sold the 120 chairs and the process went to charity – three in fact. They announced they raised $112,767 total. That means Sunday River proudly presented $17,589 to Maine Adaptive, The River Fund Maine, and the MSAD 44 Daycare Initiative. Click the link below to read the full press release.

    sundayriver.com

    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:
    Brunch In The PubJuly 9September 24Every Sunday
    Northwoods Gravel Grind AfterpartySeptember 9September 9One Day
    Xterra Trail Run World Championships @ SugarloafOctober 1October 1One Day
    Sugarloaf HomecomingOctober 6October 8Three Days
    Oktoberfest 2023 @ SaddlebackOctober 7October 7One Day
    Sunday River Fall FestivalOctober 7October 8Two Days

    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.

    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.

    sundayriver.com
    sugarloaf.com

    Oktoberfest 5k Signups:

    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, the Saddleback 5k signups are now open.

    Registration & Timeline:
    • Registration Location: The registration area is located in front of the MAIN BASE LODGE. There is plenty of free parking.
    • Bib/T-shirt Packet pick-up will be on race day beginning at 8:30 am
    • The race begins at 10:00 AM.
    • Registration Fee $40
    • The requested T-shirt size cannot be guaranteed after September 20
    • The top 3 male/female finishers will receive prizes.
    • No dogs allowed
    • The lift will not spin for rides to the top during the 5k.  

    For more information and to sign up for the race, click the link below.

    saddlebackmaine.com

    Sunday River Updates Snowmaking Projects:

    On a facebook post made today by Sunday River, they explain the progress on the Broadway trail as it undergoes a major snowmaking upgrade. They shared a photo along with a link to their blog where they go into more detail about the automated snowmaking plan as well as other updates happening around the 8 peaks. Check it out in the link below.

    sundayriver.com

    Summer 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.

    mainelyskiing.com

    Saddleback Bike Park Closed For Rain:

    This week, Saddleback posted to their various social media accounts explaining how they need to close the downhill mountain biking as of rain. If you’ve been following along with these weekly updates and watching the weather, you know it’s been a wet one this summer. They claim they need time for the trails to dry out, and for crews to work to repair sections of trails that got hit the hardest with rain. Not to fear though – they did give a date on when the bike park will be open. It’s Thursday, August 24.

    They will be spinning their South Branch Quad Thursday 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.

    saddlebackmaine.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: 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.

    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 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.

    sundayriver.com

    Facebook Video

    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:

    With all the rain we’ve gotten recently, please make sure to drive carefully when coming up to the Rangeley area. Some roads are flooded or washed out entirely in parts of Rangeley, Oquossoc, Bryan, Farmington, Farmington Falls, Jay, Wilton, and more. Drive safe, Mainely Skiers!

    Weather:

    This weekend looks a little shakey to be outside. Thankfully, if we can avoid. therain, it shoud make way for some partly sunny skies with warm temps. It’s time to get out because Life is Better Outside!

    Day:Friday:Saturday:Sunday:
    High:72 65 75
    Low:54 54 61
    Based out of Rangeley

    Have a great weekend!

    – Keegan

  • Mainely Skiing Weekly Email (August 11, 2023)

    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!

    Oquossoc Day:

    It’s that time again for Oquossoc Day! Head over to Oquossoc next Saturday, August 12, for a day of family fun. See he full event schedule below. *Please note events could get added or removed without notice

    • 10:00am – 4:00pm Art & Antique Show and Sale at Outdoor Heritage Museum
    • 10:00am – 12:00pm Cornhole Tournament at Oquossoc Cove
    • 10:00am – 1:00pm Tom Ball Band Live in the Village
    • 10:00am – 2:00pm Car Show at Oquossoc Marine
    • 11:00am Dog Show at Oquossoc Grocery
    • 1:00pm Boat Parade at Oquossoc Cove Marina
    • 2:00pm The Maine Attraction Water Ski Show Team at Oquossoc Cove
    • 3:30pm – 5:00pm Happy Hour & Raffle Drawing at Portage Tap House

    See ya on Saturday!

    Know Be”fore” You Go:

    Time to tee off, Mainely Skiers! All golf courses are open and looking good. Your location tells you a lot about where you’re next round will be played, but I can assure you that where ever you go, you’ll have a great time out on the course. When outside, remember to bring sunscreen, bug spray, water, and tick repellent. It’s also a good idea to wear pants to protect yourself against ticks. Do tick checks often and always.

    mainelyskiing.com/golfing

    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:
    Brunch In The PubJuly 9September 24Every Sunday
    Oquossoc DayAugust 12August 12One Day
    BiKaRu Race in RangeleyAugust 13August 13One Day
    Northwoods Gravel Grind AfterpartySeptember 9September 9One Day
    Xterra Trail Run World Championships @ SugarloafOctober 1October 1One Day
    Sugarloaf HomecomingOctober 6October 8Three Days
    Oktoberfest 2023 @ SaddlebackOctober 7October 7One Day
    Sunday River Fall FestivalOctober 7October 8Two Days

    Recent Trip To Saddleback:

    If you follow us on Facebook and Instagram, (Shamless plug, we know) you might have seen some photos from Saddleback taken last weekend. While Saddleback wasn’t the only stop, I sent the drone up to do a little checking around – without disturbing the wedding party that was there too of course. Take a look at some of the recent pictures. The good news is, the lifts will be there for us in the winter. Head over to the Mountain Lifts Page to see the live countdown.

    mainelyskiing.com

    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.

    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.

    sundayriver.com
    sugarloaf.com

    Oktoberfest 5k Signups:

    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, the Saddleback 5k signups are now open.

    Registration & Timeline:
    • Registration Location: The registration area is located in front of the MAIN BASE LODGE. There is plenty of free parking.
    • Bib/T-shirt Packet pick-up will be on race day beginning at 8:30 am
    • The race begins at 10:00 AM.
    • Registration Fee $40
    • The requested T-shirt size cannot be guaranteed after September 20
    • The top 3 male/female finishers will receive prizes.
    • No dogs allowed
    • The lift will not spin for rides to the top during the 5k.  

    For more information and to sign up for the race, click the link below.

    saddlebackmaine.com

    Summer 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.

    mainelyskiing.com

    Saddleback Bike Park Now Open:

    The Saddleback Bike Park is now open! Featuring their lift-serviced downhill.

    They will be spinning their South Branch Quad Thursday 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.

    saddlebackmaine.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 January – early February 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.

    WSKI TV posted a video to YouTube showcasing the project and Sugarloaf’s continued investment to snowmaking. 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.

    youtube.com/wskitv

    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 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.

    sundayriver.com

    Facebook Video

    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:

    With all the rain we’ve gotten recently, please make sure to drive carefully when coming up to the Rangeley area. Some roads are flooded or washed out entirely in parts of Rangeley, Oquossoc, Bryan, Farmington, Farmington Falls, Jay, Wilton, and more. Drive safe, Mainely Skiers!

    Weather:

    Well, it’s looking like this weekend is perfect to be hanging out under the sun. Sadly, with the way things have been going, you need to cram all summer into these two days. It’s time to get out because Life is Better Outside!

    Day:Friday:Saturday:Sunday:
    High:69 75 73
    Low:51 58 57
    Based out of Rangeley

    See ya outside!

    – Keegan

  • Mainely Skiing Weekly Email (July 14, 2023)

    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!

    Saddleback Bike Park Now Open:

    The Saddleback Bike Park has been open for around a month now, but last week, they announced the grand opening of their lift-serviced downhill.

    They will be spinning their South Branch Quad Thursday 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.

    saddlebackmaine.com

    Know Be”fore” You Go:

    Time to tee off, Mainely Skiers! All golf courses are open and looking good. Your location tells you a lot about where you’re next round will be played, but I can assure you that where ever you go, you’ll have a great time out on the course. When outside, remember to bring sunscreen, bug spray, water, and tick repellent. It’s also a good idea to wear pants to protect yourself against ticks. Do tick checks often and always.

    mainelyskiing.com/golfing

    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:
    Brunch In The PubJuly 9September 24Every Sunday
    BiKaRu Race in RangeleyAugust 13August 13One Day
    Northwoods Gravel Grind AfterpartySeptember 9September 9One Day
    Xterra Trail Run World Championships @ SugarloafOctober 1October 1One Day
    Sugarloaf HomecomingOctober 6October 8Three Days
    Oktoberfest 2023 @ SaddlebackOctober 7October 7One Day
    Sunday River Fall FestivalOctober 7October 8Two Days

    Oktoberfest 5k Signups:

    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, the Saddleback 5k signups are now open.

    Registration & Timeline:
    • Registration Location: The registration area is located in front of the MAIN BASE LODGE. There is plenty of free parking.
    • Bib/T-shirt Packet pick-up will be on race day beginning at 8:30 am
    • The race begins at 10:00 AM.
    • Registration Fee $40
    • The requested T-shirt size cannot be guaranteed after September 20
    • The top 3 male/female finishers will receive prizes.
    • No dogs allowed
    • The lift will not spin for rides to the top during the 5k.  

    For more information and to sign up for the race, click the link below.

    saddlebackmaine.com

    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.

    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.

    sundayriver.com
    sugarloaf.com

    Summer 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.

    mainelyskiing.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 January – early February 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.

    In a Facebook post by Bruce Bicknell to the Unofficial Sugarloaf Facebook Group, you can see the progress already taking place over on West Mountain. To learn more, click the link below.

    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 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 isn’t in the public eye as much as Barker 6, the two lifts should be complete when the snow flies. See more by clicking the links below.

    sundayriver.com

    Facebook Video

    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:

    With all the rain we’ve gotten recently, please make sure to drive carefully when coming up to the Rangeley area. Some roads are flooded or washed out entirely in parts of Farmington, Farmington Falls, Jay, Wilton, and more. Drive safe, Mainely Skiers!

    Weather:

    It’s looking like another electrified weekend – and sadly, I don’t mean that being exciting. We’re looking another weekend of rain and possible T-Storms happening all weekend. Here’s to hoping we get a few hours each day to get things done and get outside.

    Day:Friday:Saturday:Sunday:
    High:77 81 74
    Low:62 64 65
    Based out of Rangeley

    Have a happy and safe weekend!

    – Keegan

  • Mainely Skiing Weekly Email (July 7, 2023)

    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!

    Saddleback Bike Park Now Open:

    The Saddleback Bike Park has been open for a few weeks now, but yesterday, they announced the grand opening of their lift-serviced downhill.

    They will be spinning their South Branch Quad Thursday 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.

    saddlebackmaine.com

    Know Be”fore” You Go:

    Time to tee off, Mainely Skiers! All golf courses are open and looking good. Your location tells you a lot about where you’re next round will be played, but I can assure you that where ever you go, you’ll have a great time out on the course. When outside, remember to bring sunscreen, bug spray, water, and tick repellent. It’s also a good idea to wear pants to protect yourself against ticks. Do tick checks often and always.

    mainelyskiing.com/golfing

    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:
    Brunch In The PubJuly 9September 24Every Sunday
    BiKaRu Race in RangeleyAugust 13August 13One Day
    Northwoods Gravel Grind AfterpartySeptember 9September 9One Day
    Xterra Trail Run World Championships @ SugarloafOctober 1October 1One Day
    Sugarloaf HomecomingOctober 6October 8Three Days
    Oktoberfest 2023 @ SaddlebackOctober 7October 7One Day
    Sunday River Fall FestivalOctober 7October 8Two Days

    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.

    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.

    sundayriver.com
    sugarloaf.com

    Summer 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.

    mainelyskiing.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 January – early February with 12 trails, those being 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.

    On a facebook post they made yesterday, you can see the progress already taking place over on West Mountain. To learn more, click the link below.

    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 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 isn’t in the public eye as much as Barker 6, the two lifts should be complete when the snow flies. See more by clicking the links below.

    sundayriver.com

    Facebook Video

    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:

    With the crazy rain we got last week and continued into this week, please make sure to drive carefully when coming up to the Rangeley area. Some roads are flooded or washed out entirely in parts of Farmington, Jay, and more. Drive safe, Mainely Skiers!

    Weather:

    It’s looking like another electrified weekend – and sadly, I don’t mean that being exciting. We’re looking another weekend of rain and possible T-Storms happening all weekend. Here’s to hoping we get a few hours each day to get things done and get outside.

    Day:Friday:Saturday:Sunday:
    High:85 78 76
    Low:64 64 63
    Based out of Rangeley

    Watch for lightning, listen or thunder.

    – Keegan

  • Mainely Skiing Weekly Email (March 3, 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
    Saddleback67 / 6899%
    Sugarloaf141 / 16287%
    Sunday River138 / 13999%
    Pleasant Mountain35 / 4774%

    Trail of the Day: Any Natural Trails (Any Mountain)

    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:
    Lollipop Races @ SaddlebackJanuary 1April 2Every Sunday
    WinterKids Family Day @ SaddlebackMarch 5March 5One Day
    Cardboard Box Race @ Pleasant MountainMarch 11March 11One Day
    DST Operations Shift @ SaddlebackMarch 12March 12One Day
    Mattress Race @ Pleasant MountainMarch 18March 18One Day
    Back To The Banks Banked Slalom @ SaddlebackMarch 18March 18One Day
    Paror Ski Demo Day @ SaddlebackMarch 18March 18One Day
    Spring Fling @ Pleasant MountainMarch 25March 25One Day
    Spring Fest Weekend @ Sunday RiverMarch 31April 23 Days
    Sugarloaf Reggae FestApril 6April 94 Days
    The Great Tailgate @ Sunday RiverApril 15April 15One Day
    King Of The Mountain: Hill Climb @ SaddlebackApril 21April 222 Days

    BIG News From Sunday River:

    Just announced – Two new lifts will be taking skiers and riders up the mountains of Sunday River. A new Merrill Hill Triple will access the back side of the mountain and add to the Real Estate options and ski-in, and ski-out house lots. Also, the most highly anticipated announcement, a brand new, Doppelmayr High-Speed, 6-Person Bubble chair will replace the Barker Mountain Express. Both lift upgrades are expected to open for the 2023-2024 ski season. For the latest on the Sunday River 2030 project, click the link below.

    sundayriver.com

    WinterKids Family Day:

    The WinterKids Family Day at Saddleback is happening this Sunday, March 5. For more information or to get tickets, head over to saddlebackmaine.com

    Après Music Series:

    Don’t Miss Saddleback’s Après Music Series up in The Pub. After a great day of skiing, come inside to some great music and bites. See full schedule:

    Date:Music Artist:
    March 3Jordan Kaulback
    March 4Invite The Wild
    March 10TJ Swan
    March 11Toby McAllister
    March 17Jordan Kaulback
    March 18The Mallett Brothers
    March 24Austin & Green Duo
    March 25Kitty And TJ

    King Of The Mountain Hill Climb:

    Registration for the loudest party in the east opened recently. This event runs from Friday, April 21, to Saturday, April 22. This two-day event is presented by Hight Family of Dealerships, BOSS Power Equipment, and WIN Waste Innovations. Hurry – as this event will be capped for numbers and they are sold out of most events. Register now to secure your spot!

    Click HERE to add yourself to the race!

    Lollipop Race:

    Calling all kids 12 and under, Every Sunday at Saddleback, the Rangeley Alpine Ski Club will be co-hosting this event with the Saddleback Ski School. From 1-2, the gates will be open for racing followed by awards on the deck. contact the Ski School desk to sign up. The race takes place on skiers right of Royal Tiger, just below the Rangeley Chair. For more information, see the link below.

    saddlebackmaine.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:

    The skiing is great! With over a foot and a half of new snow just in the month of March, head to the natural trails for the best skiing. Make sure to check out the runs off-piste for some surprising conditions.

    If you’re ripping it up on the slopes this winter, make sure to tag us on Twitter (@mainelyskiing) and we’ll repost!

    Weather:

    Keep doing those snow dances! More snow is on the way! Saturday is the day for those who love skiing in the snow. Get out and enjoy.

    Make sure to check out the Mountain Lift Status, as lifts and trails will be changing throughout the day and onto the weekend. Click the link below for more.

    mainelyskiing.com

    Day:Friday:Saturday:Sunday:
    High:33 27 36
    Low:20 18 21
    Based out of Rangeley

    Enjoy the fresh snow!

    – Keegan

  • Mainely Skiing Weekly Email (February 3, 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
    Saddleback67 / 6899%
    Sugarloaf116 / 16272%
    Sunday River126 / 13991%
    Pleasant Mountain28 / 4760%

    Trail of the Day: White Heat (Sunday River) – Donny Pelletier

    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:
    Lollipop Races @ SaddlebackJanuary 1April 2Every Sunday
    Fire On The MountainFebruary 3February 5Three Days
    Homeschool Day @ Titcomb MountainFebruary 16February 16One Day
    President’s Week @ Sunday RiverFebruary 17February 2610 Days
    8th. Annual WinterpalozaFebruary 19February 19One Day
    2nd. Annual February Fest @ SaddlebackFebruary 24February 24One Day

    Fire On The Mountain:

    Join Sugarloaf in celebrating all things Grateful Dead February 3-5, 2023 at the fourth annual Fire on the Mountain Festival, featuring Rose Alley and John Kadlecik! There will be music of Jerry Garcia and the Grateful Dead as performed by some of New England’s most talented bands; each with their own take on arguably the most enduring catalog of American rock and roll music. 

    sugarloaf.com

    February Fest:

    On February 24, Saddleback Presents: The 2nd Annual February Festival at Saddleback Mountain Presented by Skowhegan Savings Bank Plus, the Torchlight Parade & Live Music! Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to spend time with the Saddleback Family on that Friday of February Break. For more information, click the link below.

    saddlebackmaine.com

    Carrabassett Fat Tire Race:

    Take part in the Carrabassett Fat Tire Race happening in the town of Carrabassett on Sunday, February 12. Click the link below to sign up. Hurry – as event registration closes on Friday, February 10.

    sugarloaf.com

    Après Music Series:

    Don’t Miss Saddleback’s Après Music Series up in The Pub. After a great day of skiing, come inside to some great music and bites. See full schedule:

    Date:Music Artist:
    February 3Denny Breau
    February 4Denny Breau
    February 10Barney Martin
    February 11Toby McAllister
    February 17Jordan Kaulback
    February 18Humble Strings
    February 21Ryan McCalmon
    February 25Austin & Green Duo
    March 3Jordan Kaulback
    March 4Invite The Wild
    March 10TJ Swan
    March 11Toby McAllister
    March 17Jordan Kaulback
    March 18The Mallett Brothers
    March 24Austin & Green Duo
    March 25Kitty And TJ

    King Of The Mountain Hill Climb:

    Registration for the loudest party in the east opened recently. This event runs from Friday, April 21, to Saturday, April 22. This two-day event is presented by Hight Family of Dealerships, BOSS Power Equipment, and WIN Waste Innovations. Hurry – as this event will be capped for numbers. Register now to secure your spot!

    Click HERE to add yourself to the race!

    Lollipop Race:

    Calling all kids 12 and under, Every Sunday at Saddleback, the Rangeley Alpine Ski Club will be co-hosting this event with the Saddleback Ski School. From 1-2, the gates will be open for racing followed by awards on the deck. contact the Ski School desk to sign up. The race takes place on skiers right of Royal Tiger, just below the Rangeley Chair. For more information, see the link below.

    saddlebackmaine.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:

    What a week! The first part was nice temperature-wise, followed by a cold front moving through the country which forced a cool-down felt all throughout New England.

    If you’re ripping it up on the slopes this winter, make sure to tag us on Twitter (@mainelyskiing) and we’ll repost!

    Weather:

    There’s no sugarcoating it – we have some frigid temps on the horizon. Both today and tomorrow are on track for some wicked cold temps. Stay Safe and Warm! Make sure to check your local resort’s mountain report and local weather updates before you go. With the temps forecasted, you’ll get frostbite in under 5 minutes.

    Make sure to check out the Mountain Lift Status, as lifts will be affected due to wind and temps. Click the link below for more.

    mainelyskiing.com

    Day:Friday:Saturday:Sunday:
    High:-6 -4 28
    Low:-26 -10 24
    Based out of Rangeley

    Stay Warm, Mainely Skiers!

    – Keegan