Tag: Snow

  • Mainely Skiing Weekly Email (February 16, 2024)

    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
    Saddleback54 / 6879%
    Sugarloaf97 / 17656%
    Sunday River98 / 13971%
    Pleasant Mountain29 / 4762%

    Trail of the Day: Red Devil (Saddleback)

    Upcoming Events:

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

    Event Name:Start Date:End Date:Occurrence:
    Free Ski Night @ Black Mountain of MaineJanuary 10March 20Every Wednesday
    February Vacation WeekFebruary 19February 23Five Days
    February Fireworks @ SugarloafFebruary 20February 20One Day
    February Fest @ SaddlebackFebruary 23February 23One Day
    WinterKids Downhill 24 @ SugarloafFebruary 29March 1Two Days

    February Break Fun:

    Remember, as February Break approaches we want to give you the best all-in-one events calendar for every mountain throughout vacation. While this is sent in the email every week, you can always see the most current info by going to our events page. Click here for more: mainelyskiing.com/events

    Sat, Feb. 17:
    • Slopeside Fire Dancing at Sunday River
    • Horse Drawn Wagon Rides in Downtown Rangeley
    • Chris Goodenough @ Black Mountain
    Sun, Feb. 18:
    • 9th Annual Winterpalooza in Rangeley
    • Après Music Series: Ryan McCalmon at Saddleback
    • Horse Drawn Wagon Rides in Downtown Rangeley
    • Noel & Don @ Black Mountain
    • Bea Wee Lollipop Race at Saddleback
    Mon, Feb 19:
    • President’s Day
    • February Fireworks at Sugarloaf
    Tues, Feb 20:
    • West Mountain Celebration at Sugarloaf
    • Horse Drawn Wagon Rides in Downtown Rangeley
    • Sparks Art Critter Encounter at Sunday River
    • WinterKids Family Day at Black Mountain
    • Winterstick Snowboard Demo Day at Saddleback
    Wed, Feb 21:
    • Eddy & Betty Dinner at Sunday River
    • Racing With The Moon at Pleasant Mountain
    • WinterKids Family Day at Mt. Abram
    Thurs, Feb 22:
    • Climb For Community at Sugarloaf
    • Horse Drawn Wagon Rides in Downtown Rangeley
    Fri, Feb 23:
    • February Fest at Saddleback
    • GeeWhiz Grom Slopestyle Open at Saddleback
    • Friday Night Live Music at Pleasant Mountain
    • Storybook Snowshoe at Sugarloaf
    Sat, Feb 24:
    • CVA Scholarship Bash @ Sugarloaf
    • Après Music Series: Unknown Legend at Saddleback
    • Adam Brenton at Black Mountain
    • Slopeside Fire Dancing at Sunday River
    • Eddy & Betty Dinner at Sunday River
    • Horse Drawn Wagon Rides in Downtown Rangeley
    Sun, Feb 25:
    • Bea Wee Lollipop Race at Saddleback
    • Free Sleigh Rides at Black Mountain
    • WinterKids Family Day at Titcomb Mountain
    • Byron Glaus at Black Mountain

    3rd Annual Hill Climb:

    The 3rd. Annual Hill Climb at Saddleback has recently opened for registration, so be as quick as a ski bunny and register! The Hill Climb is on Friday & Saturday, April 19-20, 2024. This event grows every year and brings in smiling faces from all over New England. It is definitely something you do not want to miss! Learn more below!

    saddlebackmaine.com

    WinterKids Downhill 24:

    Help raise money for families in need by participating in Sugarloaf and WinetKids Downhill 24. Happening from February 29, to March 1. To register and learn more about this special opportunity to ski around the clock, click the link below!

    winterkids.org

    Advertisements

    Bucksaw Express:

    Sugarloaf’s newest lift and biggest expansion since the SuperQuad, Bucksaw Express opened today. Get to the west side for all the new trails. Learn more below.

    sugarloaf.com

    Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides:

    If you’re still in the Christmas spirit or you’re looking for a fun, family-friendly adventure, there are a number of various dates for horse-drawn carriage rides in downtown Rangeley. Don’t miss out on making those memories before the season ends! For more info and dates, see the full schedule below!


    • Saturday, February 17th
    • Sunday, February 18th 11:30-1:30pm (Winterpaloozah)
    • Tuesday, February 20th (February Break)
    • Thursday, February 22nd (February Break)
    • Saturday, February 24th (February Break)
    • Saturday, March 2nd
    • Saturday, March 9th
    • Saturday, March 16th

    Skier Services:

    Check out the Skier Services page on our website. This page is filled to the brim with things skiers will find helpful. With pages like a resort status page, mountain guides to Saddleback, Sugarloaf, Sunday River, Pleasant Mountain, Black Mountain of Maine, and Lost Valley (With more to come, stay tuned), and more. Find it all on the Skier Services page from the website or by clicking the link below.

    mainelyskiing.com

    Advertisements

    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

    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

    Advertisements

    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 opening of Bucksaw Express, we’re looking good rolling into the weekend. Sadly, we watched some rain cause some problems early in the week, but the cold temps allowed groomers to get out and till up the ice, turning it into perfect corduroy.

    Weather:

    The temps are looking more like winter as we kick off February vacation. Don’t let the cloudy skies wreck your fun, bring the low-light goggles and some layers for warmth. We’re also eyeing some snow in the long-range forecast, so keep doing those snow dances, Mainely Skiers! For the current lift status, click the link below.

    mainelyskiing.com

    Day:Friday:Saturday: Sunday:
    High:20  23   23  
    Low:13   4     13  
    Based out of Rangeley

    Pack your low-light goggles.

    – Keegan

  • Mainely Skiing Weekly Email (January 12, 2024)

    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
    Saddleback47 / 6869%
    Sugarloaf56 / 17633%
    Sunday River61 / 13944%
    Pleasant Mountain23 / 4752%

    Trail of the Day: The Horn (Pleasant 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:
    Free Ski Night @ Black Mountain of MaineJanuary 10March 20Every Wednesday
    Slopeside Fire Dancing @ Sunday RiverJanuary 13January 13One Day
    Winter Festival @ Pleasant MountainJanuary 14January 14One Day
    WinterKids Family Day @ Mt. AbramJanuary 20January 20One Day
    Vertical Challenge @ Black Mountain of MaineJanuary 20January 20One Day
    Fire In The Hole @ Black Mountain of MaineJanuary 20January 20One Day
    Snodeo Weekend In RangeleyJanuary 25January 28Four Days
    Sugarloaf Charity SummitJanuary 27January 27One Day
    Rangeley Fat Bike Loppet @ RLTCJanuary 28January 28One Day
    IFSA Junior Freeride @ SaddlebackJanuary 28January 28One Day
    USASA Rail Jam @ SaddlebackJanuary 28January 28One Day
    Fire on the Mountain @ SugarloafFebruary 2February 4Three Days
    WinterKids Family Day @ BigRockFebruary 4February 4One Day
    Fat Bike Race @ Sugarloaf Outdoor CenterFebruary 11February 11One Day
    February Fest @ SaddlebackFebruary 23February 23One Day

    Winter Festival:

    Pleasant Mountain’s Winter Festival is this Sunday, January 14. This rescheduled event is set to take place at the base lodge. With fireworks, a torchlight parade, and more, you won’t want to miss it! Click the link below to learn more!

    pleasantmountain.com

    Advertisements

    Horse-Drawn Wagon Rides:

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


    • 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

    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

    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

    Advertisements

    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

    Skier Services:

    Check out the Skier Services page on our website. This page is filled to the brim with things skiers will find helpful. With pages like a resort status page, mountain guides to Saddleback, Sugarloaf, Sunday River, Pleasant Mountain, Black Mountain of Maine, and Lost Valley (With more to come, stay tuned), and more. Find it all on the Skier Services page from the website or by clicking the link below.

    mainelyskiing.com

    Advertisements

    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 weird storm. While most of Maine saw snow, which quickly turned to rain and melted away, the ski mountains saw mostly snow. Those snow totals were upwards of 12+”. With another storm on the way, we could be gearing up for a great January!

    Weather:

    We’re keeping a watchful eye on Saturday’s storm and praying that it stays snow. Those totals are insane, and we hope it works out! Keep doing those snow dances, Mainely Skiers! For current lift status, click the link below.

    mainelyskiing.com

    Day:Friday:Saturday: Sunday:
    High:24  39   25  
    Low:11  21    12  
    Based out of Rangeley

    Keep those snow dances going!

    – Keegan

  • Mainely Skiing Weekly Email (October 27, 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!

    Photo: King Pine at Sugarloaf. Taken by Hunter Ballard

    Maine Foliage Report:

    The Maine Foliage Report brought to you by MaineFoliage.com

    Time to say goodbye to another fall foliage season in Maine. Thank you for loving all things foliage….see you next year!

    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:
    Wilderness First Aid Course @ RLTCOctober 28October 29Two Days
    Daylight Savings Ends (Fall Back)November 5November 5One Day
    Sugarloaf Opening DayNovember 17November 17One Day
    Live Auction @ Big Moose MountainNovember 18November 18One Day
    Bridal Show & Tasting @ SugarloafNovember 19November 19One Day
    Thanksgiving Dinner @ Sunday RiverNovember 23November 23One Day
    Saddleback Pub OpensNovember 24November 24One 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
    Fire on the Mountain @ SugarloafFebruary 2February 4Three Days
    February Fest @ SaddlebackFebruary 23February 23One Day

    Black Mountain Guide:

    Check out the newest page on the website, Black Mountain Guide. With all the relivent information needed for a great day at Black Mountain, it’s worth the time to check it out!

    mainelyskiing.com

    Advertisements

    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 RiverNovember 16
    Pleasant MountainDecember 16
    Black Mountain of MaineDecember 26
    Big RockNot Announced
    Camden Snow BowlDecember 26
    Mt. AbramNot Announced
    Big Moose MountainDecember 26
    Lost ValleyDecember 18
    Hermon MountainDecember 30
    Titcomb MountainNot Announced

    Wilderness First Aid Course:

    Rangeley Lakes Trails Center will be open this weekend, October 28-29, to offer a Wilderness First Aid Course. From 9am-5pm both days, this sixteen-hour course focuses on basic skills necessary for responding to emergencies in the backcountry. They’ll cover response and assessment, survival skills, musculoskeletal and soft tissue injuries, environmental emergencies, and medical emergencies. Make sure to sign up, as space is limited. Your knowledge today could save your life tomorrow.

    rangeleymaine.com

    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

    The Friends of the Mountain, the non-profit group that owns Big Moose, is under an agreement to bring a Mombardier 13 Passenger Snow Cat from Colorado to Maine. Currently, they are offering partnership and pre-buy options for your trip to the summit. You can purchase below.

    skibigsquaw.com

    Advertisements

    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

    New History Page:

    We just released a page outlining our history as a company. We wouldn’t be here without you. Please check it out!

    mainelyskiing.com/history

    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 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

    Advertisements

    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
    Advertisements

    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:

    With Saturday’s low temps looking very promising, looking ahead into next week is even better. We’re forecasting temps in the 30’s all week next week so it’s as better time than ever to start doing those snow dances. We’re only a few weeks away now!

    Day:Friday:Saturday:Sunday:
    High:66 64 43
    Low:56 32 35
    Based out of Rangeley

    Think cold temps!

    – Keegan

  • Mainely Skiing Weekly Email (December 30, 2022)

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

    Holiday Torchlight Parade & Santa Visit:

    Join the Saddleback family on Friday, December 30 for a night of fun! While they were planning on this being today, the weather made it so Santa couldn’t come down from the north pole. Thankfully, he is able to be there the following Friday, December 30, and will be accompanied by the employee torchlight parade down Grey Ghost. This is free and open to anyone! For more information, click the link below.

    saddlebackmaine.com

    Mountain Report:

    Saddleback: 54 / 68 Trails Open

    Sugarloaf: 60 / 162 Trails Open

    Sunday River: 55 / 139 Trails Open

    Pleasant Mountain: 15 / 47 Trails Open

    Trail of the Day: Royal Tiger (Saddleback)

    Upcoming Events:

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

    Event Name:Start Date:End Date:Occurrence:
    Christmas Vacation WeekDecember 26December 30Five Days
    Holiday Torchlight Parade @ SaddlebackDecember 30December 30One Day
    New Year’s Eve @ The WidowmakerDecember 31December 31One Day
    Vertical Challenge @ SaddlebackJanuary 8January 8One Day
    Martin Luther King Jr. WeekendJanuary 14January 16Three Days

    Saddleback Webcams:

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

    saddlebackmaine.com

    Photo: Saddleback webcams base camera. Calm before the storm (Taken 12/15/22 @ 4:34pm)

    Last Chair:

    Yesterday was a treat if you were lucky enough to be out on the slopes. Think snow everyone – we need it! If you’re ripping it up on the slopes this winter, make sure to tag us on Twitter (@mainelyskiing) and we’ll repost!

    Weather:

    If you’re planning on going out for tomorrow or Sunday, you might want to invest in some Gore-Tex if you haven’t already. Warm and dry is the name of the game. It’s shaping up to be a wet weekend and with the warm temps, snowpack gets affected. Don’t worry though, as man-made snow holds up better to rain and thaw events than natural snow.

    Make sure to check out the Mountain Lift Status as the weather for this extended weekend might be interesting. Click the link below for more.

    mainelyskiing.com

    Day:Friday:Saturday:Sunday:
    High:45 44 40
    Low:39 38 25
    Based out of Rangeley

    Stay dry, Mainely Skiers!

    – Keegan