By Carl Natale

Dec 1st 2011

The warm temps are coming down and the mountains should get some snow Friday. But that should clear up by Saturday. Expect sunny skies this weekend before a cold front moves in Monday. We don’t know what kind of precipitation that will bring yet.

Those warm temperatures haven’t been great for making snow. That’s why Sugarloaf closed its trails Wednesday. They’re shooting to reopen Saturday. Check with them to make sure that’s going to work.

The warm temperatures have forced Mt. Abram to move its opening day back a week. Here’s what we have so far for projected opening dates:

• Big Rock Ski Resort: Dec. 10
• Lost Valley: Dec. 16
• Camden Snow Bowl: Dec. 17
• Mt. Abram Ski Resort: Dec. 17
• Saddleback Ski Area: Dec. 17
• Black Mountain: Dec. 26

Blessed are the Sugarloafers

If you’re praying for fresh snow and cold temperatures so you can ski at Sugarloaf this weekend, then you should appreciate The Blessing of the Skis & Boards on Sunday morning. It’s an annual tradition that gets the ski season started right. There will be prizes given for many categories (ugliest equipment anyone?). By the way, Sugarloaf is replaying Locals Week next week so you residents of Carrabassett Valley,Farmington, Freeman, Kingfield, New Portland, New Vineyard, Phillips, Rangeley, Stratton, Eustis and Strong have another chance to get free lift tickets and rentals.

And Sugarloaf has a smartphone app for sharing your runs. The Sugarloaf Replay lets skiers track their runs and share them. Why? To make your buddies jealous probably. It also might help ski patrol find you if you get lost or hurt on the mountain. It works on iPhone and Android. Let me know if you try it.

Mt. Abram

Like I said, Mt. Abram is pushing back opening day to Dec. 17. And the Boston Globe did a nice write up about their temporary warming hut made of steel and vinyl. It replaces the wooden lodge destroyed after two lightning strikes in the summer. “The interim structure contains a cafe, restrooms, kitchen, lockers, general seating and Loose Boots Lounge.” They’re still working on plan for a permanent base lodge.

Mt. Abram also says there’s an app for its skiers. “Now you can have mountain updates, trail report, and events sent straight to your mobile device. ” It’s actually a mobile-optimized website for devices. But if you’re looking for all of Mt. Abram’s info on your phone, the “app” makes it easy to find.

Santa Claus is Coming to Ski

About 250 skiers in Santa suits are expected to hit Sunday River slopes Sunday. Registration for the annual event opened and closed in eight minutes Monday. All the registered Santas will gather for a photo shoot at 11 a.m. Then they’re headed up the mountain for the highly-photographed run. It never gets old. Pictures of Santas in sitting ski lifts and schussing down the slope.

Did I miss anything? Well let me know by sending an e-mail to schusster@carlnatale.com. You can see more events as Maine’s ski season takes shape on our ski calendar and get up to speed on all the ski area deals. I’m also going to be sharing events, news and snow reports on Twitter as @Schusster. Follow me for everything you need to know to plan your next ski trip.

Ski Maine!