Plenty of choices for fun on Maine’s Ski Slopes
By Carl Natale
Enjoy the balmy weather while it lasts. We’re going to be warmer Friday before the temperatures drop and a storm front moves into Maine. Maine’s mountains should see some light snow Saturday. Forecasters are still trying to guess how much.
Bikes, that’s right… bikes, on the ski slopes
Maine Public Radio had this feature about the Winterbike bike series at Lost Valley this week. Racers ride their mountain bikes down the snow covered mountain slope. Just how crazy is this? “Helmets are required, and body armor is prevalent.” Body armor. That’s all you need to know. But that shouldn’t stop you from reading this first-person account of racing mountain bikes on snow.
No body armor needed
The U.S. National Toboggan Championship return to the Camden Snow Bowl this weekend. Registration is closed but there is plenty of fun for everyone - mechanical bull rides, music, tubing, food, bonfires
Check out what else is happening on the Maine slopes:
- Tubing is back at Black Mountain. And you can ski for $10 before the Snowmobile Climb on Friday.
- Mt. Abram hosts the Maine State Telemark Festival on Saturday. You get free rentals and lessons with your lift ticket.
- The Fourth Annual Saddleback Mountain Challenge starts 2 p.m. Saturday. You could win season passes for next winter.
- The New England Blind and Visually Impaired Ski Festival starts Sunday at Sugarloaf and continues through Thursday.
- Sunday River is hosting White Out Weekend (WOW), an entire weekend dedicated to the gay and lesbian community.
One more note. Next weekend is the start of school vacation. Plan your ski trips now. And read your passes carefully to make sure they’re good during the holiday.
Trip Reports
I don’t know if people are getting out more on the slopes or just more skiers are writing about it:
- Marty Basch spends the night on a Shawnee Peak slope and gets first tracks after a groomer ride
- Kate Erickson explains why you don’t want to miss Saddleback
- Michael Salisbury has another great Saddleback trip
- “bigbog” does Sugarloaf midweek
- “Skimaine” enjoys Sugarloaf last weekend
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.
