By Carl Natale

Strong winds forced a lot of lifts to shut down Wednesday and delayed starts Thursday morning. Those winds should die down but the mountains will stay cold - giving snow makers more time on the trails. There is a possibility of snow showers Friday night before temperatures get a bit warmer for the weekend. We might see some more snow Sunday night in the mountains.

Before we get to what’s happening this weekend on the slopes, let’s take another look at the wind. Specifically, look at Michael Salisbury’s excellent post on how to determine wind conditions at your favorite ski area before you get in line at a closed lift. It can save you a long trip.

Ullr Fest Reboot

The high winds this week forced Shawnee Peak to delay Ullr Fest until Friday. The torchlight parade starts at 7 p.m., and fireworks will follow at  7:30 p.m.

State of Maine Skiing

Some ski areas have apres ski establishments (bars/pubs) thus will host New Year’s Eve parties. Note that doesn’t mean there will be night skiing. But some will have fireworks, as noted below. Here’s what’s up at the state’s ski areas (Unless otherwise noted, these resorts are open now through Jan. 2):

Big Rock: Reporting 1 inch of fresh snow on a 6- to 30-inch base. They have 2 lifts for five trails.

Black Mountain: They have three trails and one lift open on a 8 to 10 inch base. Fireworks on Saturday.

Camden Snow Bowl: Reports no natural snow but their “machine-made snow held up fine.” Night skiing to start Wednesday, and tubing starts Jan. 7.

Hermon Mountain: Doesn’t have anything fresh on a 12 to 24 inch base for one lift and two trails.

Lost Valley: They report a 5 to 10 inch base with 1 lift and three trails - which are open for night skiing.

Lonesome Pine Trails: They report “adequate” snow for two trails Friday. They expect to open a third for the weekend.

Mt. Abram: There is a 6 to 24 inch base for five trails (three lifts). Fireworks on Saturday.

Saddleback: They’re working with 12 to 24 inch base under their seven trails. But they’re hoping to have 10 open this weekend. Fireworks on Saturday.

Shawnee Peak: They’re boasting 19 trails on top of a 6 to 24 inch base.

Sugarloaf: They have 28 trails open and fireworks planned for Saturday. ‘Nuff said.

Sunday River: Reporting an average 28-inch base for its 51 open trails. Fireworks on Saturday.

Have a good New Year and be safe.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 calendarand 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.