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.
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 Week
December 26
December 30
Five Days
Holiday Torchlight Parade @ Saddleback
December 30
December 30
One Day
New Year’s Eve @ The Widowmaker
December 31
December 31
One Day
Vertical Challenge @ Saddleback
January 8
January 8
One Day
Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend
January 14
January 16
Three 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.
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.
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!
Photo: Saddleback’s Opening Day with a very familiar face holding the sign 😉
Snow On The Way:
It’s happening!!! The first big snowfall of the 2022-23 winter season is upon us. Some mountains are calling for over 1 foot of snow with a possibility of seeing up to 14 inches! Keep doing those snow dances, Mainely Skiers! I knew they would pay off eventually. Keep tabs on your mountain’s Snow Report page for snow totals.
Photo: Andy Gagne Photography
Mountain Report:
Saddleback: 6 / 68 Trails Open
Sugarloaf: 23 / 162 Trails Open
Sunday River: 26 / 139 Trails Open
Pleasant Mountain: 6 / 47 Trails Open
Trail of the Day: Green Weaver (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:
Jordan 8 Opening (*postponed)
TBA
TBA
Winterfest Weekend @ Sunday River
December 17
December 18
Two Days
Demo Day @ Sugarloaf
December 18
December 18
One Day
Christmas Vacation Week
December 26
December 30
Five Days
Pleasant Mountain Opening Day:
Pleasant Mountain opens today with 6 trails and 3 lifts. They are opening with Rabbit Run, Lil’ Pine, West Slope, Happiness Is, The Main, and Pine Slope. Those trails can be accessed by the Pine Quad, Rabbit Run Triple, and Li’l Pine Beginner Carpet. For more information, click the link below.
Due to snow conditions, Sunday River has made the difficult call to postpone the Grand Opening of the Jordan 8 lift to a later date. Sunday River’s Jordan 8 lift, as part of the Sunday River 2030 plan, had a tentative opening date of December 17 (we will post an update on Twitter and our Instagram story when the date gets announced). They are choosing to raffle tickets to ride this to benefit the River Fund, and Maine Adaptive. Tickets will be sold for $5 dollars and won’t be included in the cost of a normal lift ticket. This raffle is to choose the first 8 people, or first chair, to ride the lift. For all the special details, click here. To learn all about it along with purchasing a raffle ticket, click the link below.
As we gear up for an incredible ski season, consider sponsoring a Saddleback Ski Patroller! Did you know a volunteer ski patroller spends $87 on fees and registration plus gas and lodging for two days of training before even getting on the mountain? You can help offset that cost so our patrollers can keep doing what they do best! To donate, click the link below.
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.
Photo: Saddleback webcams base camera. Calm before the storm (Taken 12/15/22 @ 4:34pm)
Last Chair:
With this weekend going to be one heck of a pow day, you might want to get ready! We know you’ll want to be up in the mountains the whole weekend and if you haven’t already, book your lodging now! Click here for lodging information. 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!! They are working and we will be in for a treat this weekend. Make sure to check with your local mountain’s Snow Report page for snow totals and other helpful information. Saturday looks like we’ll be skiing in the snow so you might want to invest in some Gore-Tex if you haven’t already. Warm and dry is the name of the game.
Make sure to check out the Mountain Lift Status as more lifts are opening daily. Click the link below for more.
Welcome to the Mainely Skiing Weekly Email! This email will be sent straight to your inbox at the end of every week to highlight what’s happening with your Maine ski resort!
Opening Day at Saddleback:
It’s tomorrow! Saddleback Mountain opens on December 10! Crews are working around the clock to make sure we have a solid opening and a long season. Lift Maintenance strung the haul rope this week, and snowmakers have been blowing that beautiful white stuff we all love whenever temps allow. Plus, various updates around the resort:
Retail – Moved back to the original location (Open Friday – Sunday, 11:00am-4:00pm)
15% Off Early Season Lodging – Use code MtnHolly at checkout. *Participating properties only.
Rental Shop – Open for pre-season tune-ups and binding checks (Open Midweek 8:00am – 4:00pm and on the weekend from 9:00am – 4:00pm)
New Ski School Programs – FUNdamentals of Ski Racing
To view all the various improvements and updates, check out the latest Saddleback email.
Photo: Saddleback’s New Sandy Quad before getting the haul rope (taken 11/25/22)
Mountain Report:
Saddleback: 0 / 68 Trails Open
Sugarloaf: 19 / 162 Trails Open
Sunday River: 21 / 139 Trails Open
Pleasant Mountain: 0 / 47 Trails Open
Trail of the Day: Grey Ghost (Saddleback)
Upcoming Events:
Make sure to add these events to your calendar to keep yourself up to date with the local happenings. Of course, you can always visit our events page which is constantly getting updated so you can know about the event before anyone else! Click here
Event Name:
Start Date:
End Date:
Occurrence:
Saddleback Mountain Opening Day
December 10
December 10
One Day
Pleasant Mountain Opening Day
December 10
December 10
One Day
Sugarloaf Holiday Bazaar
December 10
December 11
Two Days
Holiday Tree Lighting @ Sugarloaf
December 10
December 10
One Day
Sunday River Santa Sunday
December 11
December 11
One Day
Jordan 8 Opening (*tentative)
December 17
December 17
One Day
Winterfest Weekend @ Sunday River
December 17
December 18
Two Days
Christmas Vacation Week
December 26
December 30
Five Days
Sugarloaf Holiday Gift Bazaar:
The Sugarloaf Holiday Bazaar will be taking place Saturday and Sunday around the Sugarloaf base area. Santa will be coming to town on Saturday, December 10. He’ll be accompanied by Amos & friends. We’ll spread the holiday cheer with warm treats, music on the beach, fireworks, and more! The events calendar is packed with activities and shopping endeavors for you – check it out by clicking the link below.
We’re just one week away from the Grand Opening of Jordan 8. Sunday River’s Jordan 8 lift, as part of the Sunday River 2030 plan, has a tentative opening date of December 17. They are choosing to raffle tickets to ride this to benefit the River Fund, and Maine Adaptive. Tickets will be sold for $5 dollars and won’t be included in the cost of a normal lift ticket. This raffle is to choose the first 8 people, or first chair, to ride the lift. For all the special details, click here. To learn all about it along with purchasing a raffle ticket, click the link below.
As we gear up for an incredible ski season, consider sponsoring a Saddleback Ski Patroller! Did you know a volunteer ski patroller spends $87 on fees and registration plus gas and lodging for two days of training before even getting on the mountain? You can help offset that cost so our patrollers can keep doing what they do best! To donate, click the link below.
Santa Sunday is this Sunday, December 11. Don’t miss the sea of Santa outfits out on the slopes of Broadway (green trail). After the parade down Broadway, Sunday River will validate your ticket to ski/ride for the rest of the day. Santas who participate in the 11AM photo shoot will also receive an additional lift ticket valid until Christmas Eve. What are you waiting for, click the link below.
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.
Photo: Saddleback webcams base camera. Haul rope is installed and crews making snow. (Taken 12/8/22 @ 10:44am)
Last Chair:
Saddleback opens in less than 24 hours! Will you be there for opening day? The base area was looking quite empty during the middle of the week, but with the guns cranking now, the base area will be full of snow in no time! If you’re ripping it up on the slopes this winter, make sure to tag us on Twitter (@mainelyskiing) and we’ll repost!
Weather:
With Mother Nature giving the mountains the worst type of precipitation this past week, snowmakers across the state are scrambling to bring their mountains back to life. With this wacky weather, you might want to check the mountain report pages on your resort’s website before hitting the snow, so you’re always in the loop with current conditions and weather events. This weekend is looking like prime snowmaking weather with the lows in the teens. Crews can really pump out that white gold with those temps.
Make sure to check out the Mountain Lift Status as more lifts are opening daily. Click the link below for more.
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!
Photo: South Branch (taken 11/25/22)
Opening Day at Saddleback:
Mark your calendars! Saddleback Mountain opens on December 10! Crews are working around the clock to make sure we have a solid opening and season. Lift Maintenance strung the haul rope this week, and snowmakers have been blowing that beautiful white stuff we all love whenever temps allow. Plus, various updates around the resort:
Retail – Moved back to the original location (Open Friday – Sunday, 11:00am-4:00pm)
15% Off Early Season Lodging – Use code MtnHolly at checkout. *Participating properties only.
Rental Shop – Open for pre-season tune-ups and binding checks (Open Midweek 8:00am – 4:00pm and on the weekend from 9:00am – 4:00pm)
New Ski School Programs – FUNdamentals of Ski Racing
To view all the various improvements and updates, check out the latest Saddleback email.
Photo: Saddleback’s New Sandy Quad before getting the haul rope (taken 11/25/22)
Mountain Report:
Saddleback: 0 / 68 Trails Open
Sugarloaf: 20 / 162 Trails Open
Sunday River: 19 / 139 Trails Open
Pleasant Mountain: 0 / 47 Trails Open
Trail of the Day: Candyside (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:
Saddleback Mountain Opening Day
December 10
December 10
One Day
Ski Patrol Christmas Dinner @ Saddleback
December 10
December 10
One Day
Pleasant Mountain Opening Day
December 10
December 10
One Day
Holiday Tree Lighting @ Sugarloaf
December 10
December 10
One Day
Sunday River Santa Sunday
December 11
December 11
One Day
Jordan 8 Opening (*tentative)
December 17
December 17
One Day
Winterfest Weekend @ Sunday River
December 17
December 18
Two Days
Christmas Vacation Week
December 26
December 30
Five Days
RLTC Joins Indy Pass:
The Rangeley Lakes Trails Center has officially been added to the Indy Pass roster. RLTC is on the Saddleback Access Road and is a perfect visit on those wind-hold days or if you’re looking for something else to do during the long vacation weeks. With roughly 30 miles of trails, they have what you’re looking for XC Trails, Fatbiking, Hiking, and more. For more information, click the link below! Congrats, RLTC – Welcome to the Indy Pass!
Get ready to ride Maine’s only High-Speed 8-Person Lift! Sunday River’s Jordan 8 lift, as part of the Sunday River 2030 plan, has a tentative opening date of December 17. They are choosing to raffle tickets to ride this to benefit the River Fund, and Maine Adaptive. Tickets will be sold for $5 dollars and won’t be included in the cost of a normal lift ticket. This raffle is choose the first 8 people, or first chair, to ride the lift. For all the special details, click here. To learn all about it along with purchasing a ticket, click the link below.
As we gear up for an incredible ski season, consider sponsoring a Saddleback Ski Patroller! Did you know a volunteer ski patroller spends $87 on fees and registration plus gas and lodging for two days of training before even getting on the mountain? You can help offset that cost so our patrollers can keep doing what they do best! To donate, click the link below.
Signups for Sunday River’s Santa Sunday are open now! You don’t want to miss this special holiday event. The more the merrier and they’re always accepting people. Sign up by clicking the link below.
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.
Photo: Saddleback Base Camera Webcam overlooking the Rangeley Express and new Sandy Quad Construction. (Photo Taken 12/2/22 @ 7:50am)
Last Chair:
With Saddleback’s opening day less than 10 days away, are you ready? The base area is looking very busy with lots of guns going, people working on the haul rope, and more! If you’re ripping it up on the slopes this winter, make sure to tag us on Twitter (@mainelyskiing) and we’ll repost!
Weather:
This past week was pretty wild. Temps fluctuated from favorable to non-favorable within a few hours. This wacky weather pattern made the jobs of snowmakers almost impossible. On one hand, the wind has died down which will allow snowmakers to make snow on the trails, rather than in the woods, however, we are forecasting some non-solid precipitation on Saturday. Make sure to check out the Mountain Lift Status as more lifts are opening daily. Click the link below for more.
Mainely Skiing 