I really didn’t think I would get a chance to try out spring skiing in January, but that’s what I got when I visited Lost Valley this week. Temperatures were in the 40s when I got there on a Tuesday afternoon.

Showing up just after they open on at 2 p.m. during the week has advantages. Like very few people competing for attention at the ticket window and equipment rental. Gives the employees a chance to offer just a bit more personal service.

When picking up skis, the equipment guy had the time to ask me good questions about my skiing ability.

• How many times have I skied?
• How confident am I?
• Was I able to do more than snow plow when I skied?

In case you haven’t figured out, I’m a beginner. So I have no idea what I should be using. Trusting someone who has the time to understand that is key.

Plus it helps to ski at a time when the slopes aren’t full of people. That feels a bit safer to me and means less time waiting for a seat on the ski lift. But I got a bit more company when the school-age skiers arrived. There was the ski-team practice, after-school programs and kids looking to have fun. It was still comfortable. The lifts didn’t develop any lines worth noting.

Sharing the bottom of the mountain with more skiers did mean I had to be more watchful. Someone zipping down a slope and making a bee line for the lifts was a regular occurrence . So I was careful.

Night skiing on a warm day is a bit of a challenge itself. Sure you can skimp on layers in the afternoon. It doesn’t take much to build up heat. But when the sun starts going down, you can feel the temperature drop.

Although I wouldn’t describe the evening temps as frigid, I needed to zip my jacket back up, put on better gloves and switch to a wind-block hat. Just a few simple changes helped me stay comfortable.

All in all, it was a good trip. There was enough lighting to make me feel comfortable on all the trails I skied. The crowd didn’t intimidate me.

Lost Valley is easy to get to from the Lewiston/Auburn area, has a decent amount of snow and is reasonably priced. You don’t have to invest a lot of traveling to get a ski fix during the week.

About Lost Valley

• 15 Trails: 6 green; 4 blue; 5 black
• Vertical Drop: 240′
• Location: 200 Lost Valley Rd.; Auburn, ME, 04210
• Contact: (207) 784-1561; LostValleySki.com; Facebook Page
• Trailmap
• What Lost Valley lacks in elevation, it makes up for in programs for the whole family - including a weekly teen night. The snowmakers promise total coverage with snow.

@Schusster.

Follow me for everything you need to know to plan your next ski trip.

Win Ski Passes Here!

Visit Ski Maine!

I hear reports of some flakes falling in southern Maine already. By the time we head to work Friday morning, there can be anywhere from four to eight inches of new snow on Maine mountains. But it may turn into freezing rain or sleet by the time it’s done. The closer we get to the coast, the more wintry mix we can expect.

When it’s over, the temperatures could stay about the same through the weekend. But Saturday may be windy, and Sunday should live up to it’s name with clear skies.

Weather Alerts

Google offers a new service that displays public alerts on its mapping system. That includes severe weather alerts for storms like the one we have coming. It’s a quick graphical way to see where weather will strike, and you can read the full weather.gov alert.

Free Skiing

Lift tickets don’t have to be expensive. A few of Maine’s ski resorts are offering free skiing on certain nights:

• Black Mountain starts its free skiing on Thursday nights.
• Mt. Abram has “Free after Three” on Thursdays.
• Lost Valley offers free skiing each Friday night.
• Big Rock has Free Ski Night on Wednesdays.
• Saddleback offers free skiing to hospitality workers this Monday only. Bring a letter from your employer or your pay stub as proof of employment.

Women only

Shawnee Peak is conducting ski and boarding clinics Sunday for women by women. “The goal of each clinic is to provide a supportive and relaxed learning experience, while developing new skills, and confidence.”

Ski Reports

Here are a few trip reports from some skiing bloggers:

• Kate Erickson at Sugarloaf
• Carey Kish at Saddleback
• Michael Salisbury at Saddleback

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 onall 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.

Win Ski Passes Here!

Visit Ski Maine!

10:00 a.m.
Bangor Town Hall
Brick Church
126 Union Street
Bangor, Maine 04401
Directions are available HERE.

2:00 p.m.
Waterville Town Hall
Colby College
Diamond Building, Ostro Conference Center
4000 Mayflower Hill Drive
Waterville, Maine 04901
Directions are available HERE.

7:00 p.m.
Lewiston Town Hall
Ramada Inn
490 Pleasant Street
Lewiston, Maine 04240
Directions are available HERE.

Saturday, January 28, 2012

11:00 a.m.
Gorham Town Hall
University of Southern Maine at Gorham
Hastings Formal Lounge
37 College Avenue
Gorham, Maine 04038
Directions are available HERE.

1:30 p.m.
Freeport Town Hall
Freeport Town Square
95 Main Street
Freeport, Maine 04032
Directions are available HERE.

5:00 p.m.
Alfred Town Hall
Town Hall Building
16 Saco Road
Alfred, Maine 04002
Directions are available HERE.

By Carl Natale

That was fun last week. Let’s try it again. There’s a storm that’s expected to drop about four or five inches in Maine overnight Thursday. Maybe more in the higher elevations. It should be done falling by the time we head to work Friday morning.

Right behind that is another storm system. But that track looks strongest to the south of Maine. We will get something Saturday but it’s really tough to guess how much. Which is fine. That means lots of fresh stuff this weekend for Maine skiers.

Friday Fun

Sunday River has an interesting promotion. You can ski for $49 on Facebook Friday. You need to register on their Facebook calendar to qualify for the discount. It’s an interesting way to offer discounts. But a couple other ski areas have their own frugal fun on Friday:

• Lost Valley has free skiing 5-9 p.m. Friday.
• Black Mountain’s Triple Chair lift is open to the summit. And night skiing 6-9 p.m. Friday and Saturday for $10. Actually it’s $10 all day Friday.

Mt. Abram

The Greenwood ski mountain is hosting a snowmobile hill climb Saturday and Sunday afternoons. That doesn’t start until 3 p.m. if you’re looking to avoid the sound and smell of machinery. If you’re wondering if it’s worth the trip, Carey Kish explains why Mt. Abram is such cool mountain, and another skier has a slope review at AlpineZone.com. They make it sound like a fun day.

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.

Win Ski Passes Here!

Visit Ski Maine!

We’re still digging out from the snowstorm at Schusster HQ. About eight inches near Lewiston/Auburn with no sign of a wintry mix. Just snow. And it’s piling up on the mountains just as much.

Expect the ski areas to report some big numbers Friday morning. Then a wintry mix is forecast for Friday. Perhaps the higher elevations will have just snow.

And you get one more day to enjoy it thanks to Martin Luther King Jr. Day on Monday. If the massive amount of snow cover isn’t enough for you, here’s what else is happening this weekend:

Saddleback Mountain

Earlier this week, Saddleback Mountain organized a snow dance that seems to have inspired a couple inches that night.  And look at what’s happening now. It’s all in time for a long holiday weekend that includes:

• Friday Night Lights Rail Jam, 4-8 p.m. Friday
• Saddleback Family Fun Day, Saturday
• Maine Handicap Skiing Race Team, Sunday and Monday

And on other mountains….

Bigrock: In Mars Hill, they pulled out the big guns. No, I’m not talking about the big snow guns. Staff and skiers were seen Tebowing for snow this week. Note that they will be able to enjoy the benefits of their efforts 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday.

Black Mountain: Night skiing begins Saturday, and they will be open Monday

Camden Snow Bowl: They got so much snow today in coastal Maine that they had to cancel the middle school ski races. But it’s also enough to open their XC ski and snowshoe trails Saturday. They are open 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday.

Hermon Mountain: They have four and a half downhill trails open this weekend - which includes 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday.

Sunday River: Their weekend plans include fireworks show Saturday night

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.

Click Here to Win Ski Passes !

Visit Ski Maine Association

Be a WinterKid!

By Carl Natale

I swear it snowed in Westbrook today. For five minutes. Maybe. Any chance there’s more of that in the mountains?

And that’s about it for the weekend. A slight chance of snow Saturday though. Yeah, slight. Cheer up. Looks like there’s a good storm coming next week. But in the meantime, there are trails open thanks to Maine’s snow making wizards.

So here’s a sampling of the fun you can expect on the Maine mountains this weekend:

Camden Snow Bowl: Friday night is a big night because it marks the start of open mic night at the snow bowl lodge and Friday night racing series.

Hermon Mountain: They’re hoping to have 5 trails open this weekend.

Lost Valley: Free skiing 5-9 p.m. Friday.

Saddleback: Fifteen trails, a fireside chat (see below) and the Snow Dance. UPDATE: Saddleback reports two inches of snow from Thursday night and much of the state is seeing snow Friday morning. The National Weather Services (NWS) predicts it will amount to anywhere from a dusting to 1 inch. The Lewiston/Auburn area has it’s dusting already, and it’s still falling. NWS also forecasts this is the last we will see of the snow until next week.

Shawnee Peak: For $50 you can ride the groomer up the mountain and get in two runs before anyone else has a chance to mark up the slopes.

‘Down-Mountain and Cross-Country: 140 Years of Skiing in Maine’

If you’re in the Saddleback neighborhood Saturday afternoon, take a break from the slopes to see Ski Museum of Maine’s fireside chat. The 130-plus- photo show is scheduled for 2:30 p.m. in the Swig n’ Smelt Pub. Museum research director Scott Andrews will narrate the event.

The Art of the Trail Map

Jim Niehues is a Colorado artist who hand paints trail maps for ski mountains. He prides himself on capturing the character of the mountain on its best day. The Denver Post article is a nice look at a small slice of the ski business.

Trail Maps for Maine Ski Resorts

If you’re looking for some trail map art, you there is a site that aggregates all the ski trail maps in one location. It is a bit easier to go to TrailMapCompare.com and search for the map you want to see than to go to some ski area websites and figure out where they stashed it.

New name for Maine Handicapped Skiing

Now they’re known as Maine Adaptive Sports and Recreation - which reflects that they do more than skiing. And “adaptive” is much more positive and empowering than “handicapped.”

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.

Click Here to Win Ski Passes !

Visit Ski Maine Association

Be a WinterKid!

Click Photo for more info on Saddleback’s Snow Dance event this Saturday at 1:30——>

8^th Annual Pies on Parade Pie Tour features sweet and savory pies to help feed Midcoast Maine’s hungry families.

Rockland, ME – Rockland, dubbed “Pie Town USA” by the Food Network when Bobby Flay visited for a pie throwdown, is living up to its name as planning is underway for the 8^th annual pie-a-thon to celebrate National Pie Day (National Pie Day is celebrated each year on Jan 23^rd). The whole town of Rockland, ME will go pie-crazy on Sunday, January 22, 2012 from 1:00 – 5:00pm when the Historic Inns of Rockland are joined by Rockland, ME businesses and restaurants to welcome hungry pie eaters to the town for the 8^th Annual Pies on Parade Pie Tour. Sample more than 45 different pies at restaurants and inns throughout Rockland and enjoy tours of common areas and some guest rooms at the inns. Tickets for the Pies on Parade Inn-to-Inn Tour are $25 for adults and $10 for children ten and under. Tickets sell out quickly, are available from participating inns only (not additional participating Rockland businesses), and include some take-home recipes and plenty of pie to sample. Why not make a weekend of it? After all, friends don’t let friends drive under the influence of pie! Take advantage of exclusive pie add-ons like wine and pie pairings and special museum tours and tastings. Read on for a full description of the one or two-day Pie Tour packages. Pies on Parade 2012 to be the biggest pie event in New England.

Never attended a pie tour? This is not your average pie-in-the-sky event. Move aside Mom’s apple pie, Rockland’s inns and restaurants will serve up everything from Shepherds Pie and a number of gourmet Pizza Pies to sweet and savory Italian Galettes, seafood pies, Whoopie Pies and the signature Key LimeRock Pie at the LimeRock Inn. Of course, for those who still love the age-old favorites; look for Apple, Raspberry and Blueberry pie along with savory egg pies at the Berry Manor Inn and a newly developed Cranberry Apple Pie and a delicious crab quiche at theGranite Inn. Captain Lindsey House will serve their signature Cornish Meat Pasties too. Best of all, fear not the packing on of pie pounds; Rockland businesses have added healthy pies (yes, there can be such a thing!) to the list. Last year, Fiore Oil served up a beautiful pie with healthy olive oil, defying all preconceived notions about “pie-ling” on calories from pies! Each of the participating venues will serve both a savory and sweet pie, including a number of unusual galettes, tarts, pot pies, pizza pies, even a grilled pie and quiches too.

To date more than 20 Rockland venues, have signed on to participate in Pies on Parade and the list is growing. Not to be outdone by inns and restaurants, a number of additional Rockland, ME businesses have signed on for the “Pie-rade” including the Maine Lighthouse Museum, Maine Audubon Puffin Project, Fiore Oils and Sweets & Meats store.

Proceeds from this event benefit the Area Interfaith Outreach Food Pantry. Over the past seven years, nearly $40,000 has been donated from this event to help provide food for Midcoast families. With this year’s donation, Historic Inns of Rockland expect to make it to the $50,000 total donation mark.

While walking between venues helps to burn calories, All Aboard Trolley will provide trolley and limo service at designated stops, making it more efficient to hit as many pie stops as possible. Tour goers are encouraged to park at the Lincoln Street Center for the Arts, chosen for its central location, then walk or catch the trolley to restaurants or inns from there.

Why go home pie-eyed at the end of the event? The Historic Inns of Rockland suggest a number of different Pie Tour survival tips, including a warning to not drive home under the influence of pie! The Historic Inns of Rockland have created a Pie Tour package which requires no designated pie tour driver. Join us in “Pie Town” to celebrate National Pie Day for a two night package (Friday/Saturday or Saturday/Sunday) that includes two nights’ accommodations at any of the four Historic Inns of Rockland, daily breakfast and

• Two guaranteed tickets to the biggest pie event in New England
• Two personal pies baked just for you
• One 2012 commemorative Pies on Parade poster
• A $50 Midcoast Money voucher for dinner on Saturday at a choice of many area restaurants.
• Top Tips for Surviving the Pie-Fest from veteran Pie Paraders
• Two tickets and exclusive tour of Owls Head Transportation Museum on Saturday where pies will be paired with foreign autos by country of origin 12:15-2:15

· Exclusive tour of Audubon’s Project Puffin Center on Saturday 1/22/12 from

2:30 – 3:00 pm or 3-3:30 pm featuring “Sweet Cream Puff (in) Pastry Pies”

• Invitation to a “Wine and Pie” tasting at the Wine Seller Saturday, from 3:30-5:30 pm with exclusive tasting from 3-3:30 pm
• Complimentary access to Maine Lighthouse Museum opening on Sunday, at 10am and will feature “Lite Pies”

Book a 3rd night and get 25% discount on the 3^rd night. The Two-Night Packages range from $345 to $495* single or double occupancy plus tax.

* Specific policies for cancellations, advanced deposits, check in and check out times vary with individual inn. Package cannot be combined with any other discounts.

One night packages are also available for Sunday, Jan 22 only including one night accommodations, a post-pie tour breakfast, two tickets to the Pie Tour, 2012 commemorative poster, two personally baked pies and the Top Tips for Surviving the Pie-Fest from Veteran Pie Paraders, all for $185-$260 single or double occupancy.

Recognized among the top ten eco-friendly inns in the U.S. by BedandBreakfast.com, and continuing their commitment as Certified Maine Hospitality Environmental Leaders, Historic Inns of Rockland will take the green theme beyond the Key Limerock Pie. Tourgoers will enjoy pie served with totally natural and biodegradable, fully compostable plates made of all-natural sugar cane stalks and reuseable silverware. Waste from the event will be composted locally at participating inns. Each tour goer receives their own metal fork to take from venue to venue, which is then collected and washed for use the following year. Wherever possible, pies will be made from locally purchased products. All proceeds will remain in Rockland to provide food and heating assistance for Midcoast Maine families through the Area Interfaith Outreach Food Pantry.

About Historic Inns of Rockland, ME

Historic Inns of Rockland is comprised of four distinctive inns located in Rockland, Maine’s historic district. Each offering a unique experience and décor from modern urban chic to Victorian or European styled, the four Historic Inns of Rockland offer haute hospitality within easy strolling distance of Rockland’s thriving downtown restaurant, shopping and museum district and waterfront. From luxury to pet and kid-friendly, Historic Inns of Rockland are the ideal home base for exploring all that Midcoast Maine has to offer. Simply put, it’s the Rockland Way To Stay. For more information, visit www.HistoricInnsofRockland.com or call 1-877-ROC-INNS (877-762-4667) to order tickets in advance or consult each participating inn’s website for more specific pricing and details of this package: LimeRock Inn (www.LimeRockinn.com), Captain Lindsey House (www.lindseyhouse.com), Berry Manor Inn (www.BerryManorInn.com), or Granite Inn (www.oldgraniteinn.com ).

# # #

2012 Calendar Listing

Rockland, dubbed “Pie Town USA” by the Food Network when Bobby Flay visited for a pie throwdown, is living up to its name as planning is underway for the 8^th annual pie-a-thon to celebrate National Pie Day (National Pie Day is celebrated each year on Jan 23^rd). The whole town of Rockland, ME will go pie-crazy on Sunday, January 22, 2012 from 1:00 – 5:00pm when the Historic Inns of Rockland are joined by Rockland, ME businesses and restaurants to welcome hungry pie eaters to the town for the 8^th Annual Pies on Parade Pie Tour. Sample more than 45 different pies at restaurants and inns throughout Rockland and enjoy tours of common areas and some guest rooms at the inns. Tickets sell out quickly, are available from participating inns only and include some take-home recipes and plenty of pie to sample. Proceeds benefit the Area Interfaith Outreach Food Pantry and Fuel Assistance program so others can put food on the table, while the community eats pie! Why not make a weekend of it? After all, friends don’t let friends drive under the influence of pie! Take advantage of exclusive pie add-ons like wine and pie pairings and special museum tours and tastings when you book a Pies on Parade package at one of the four Historic Inns of Rockland. Info: www.HistoricinnsofRockland.com, 1-877-ROC-INNS.

]]> http://www.mainethingstodo.com/mttd/2012/01/8th-annual-pies-on-parade-pie-tour-rockland-me-sunday-january-22nd/feed/ http://www.mainethingstodo.com/mttd/2011/12/ring-in-the-new-year-on-maines-ski-slopes-maine-ski-report-via-schusster/ http://www.mainethingstodo.com/mttd/2011/12/ring-in-the-new-year-on-maines-ski-slopes-maine-ski-report-via-schusster/#comments Thu, 29 Dec 2011 22:50:29 +0000 admin http://www.mainethingstodo.com/mttd/?p=10618 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.

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.

Visit Ski Maine!

Click for Ski Maine Passes Here!

MaineThingsToDo.com launches iPhone app this weekend.

Freeport, Me - This weekend, MaineThingsToDo.com announces the availability of it’s iPhone app. Check out 101 Things To Do in Vacationland, as well as links, specials, updated events happening in Maine on your phone!

Download the app here -

http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/maine-things-to-do/id485733412?mt=8

Help us spread the word and tweet!!

Tweet

MaineThingsToDo.com lists 101 Things To Do in The Great State of Maine.  From activities, attractions, history, lodging, dining, shopping, and chances to “Win a Maine Thing To Do!”

Each “Maine Thing To Do” contains information as a guide, that a visitor (or resident) can use for to help them get there faster, or just learn more about Maine.

MaineThingsToDo.com was created in 2010 by Kevin Qualls of Freeport.

The app was designed by Pulp and Wire and developed by Mowbi.com

Visit mainethingstodo.com or MaineThingsToDo on Facebook, Twitter @MaineThingsToDo and now on your phone!

###

Media Contact:

Kevin Qualls

207-838-8198

info@mainethingstodo.com

www.mainethingstodo.com

Last week we had a cold snap that warmed the hearts of snowmakers all over Maine. But mild temperatures came and pushed back projected opening dates for many of Maine’s ski areas. Expect more seasonal, cooler temperatures this weekend. Which should make the snowmakers happy again.

And there’s talk of getting a couple storms between now and Christmas. Hopefully one will come before school break so ski areas can be ready for next week’s planned openings.

Opening Weekend… Maybe

This was shaping up to be a busy weekend for skiers. Here’s what we have scheduled for ski resort openings.

• Mt. Abram Ski Resort: Dec.22 (Originally scheduled this weekend.)
• Big Rock Ski Resort: Dec. 23 (Originally scheduled this weekend.)
• Black Mountain: Dec. 26
• Camden Snow Bowl: Dec. 22 (Originally scheduled this weekend.)
• Hermon Mountain: Dec. 21 (Was shooting for this weekend too.)
• Lonesome Pine: Dec. 17 (Actually only the Kiddie Tow will be open. They hope to have more trails Dec. 23.)
• Lost Valley: Dec. 21 (That was moved back almost a week.)
• Saddleback: Dec. 17 (They’re pretty sure they will have at least three trails open.)
• Shawnee Peak: Dec. 17 (They fully expect to be open Saturday.)

There you have it. Maine skiers have fewer options this weekend than thought. Some of these are delayed to the middle of next week (when school vacation starts). But before you head anywhere, maybe you should make a phone call to make sure they have trails open.

So let’s look at what’s happening at the few ski areas that are open.

Saddleback

They scheduled Sunday to be a $29 Maine Day but Saturday lift tickets will only cost $29 too. Despite only planning on three trails, all services and amenities will be available.

Sugarloaf

The new Skyline lift is opening at noon Saturday. The first 100 people on it will receive free, commemorative T-shirts.

Sunday River

First of all, the Chondola is running. Second, it’s Winterfest this weekend at Sunday River. That means special events and deals all 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 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.

Visit Ski Maine!

Click for Ski Maine Passes Here!

By Carl Natale

That last storm may not seem like much but it placed some snow on the mountains. Sunday River only reports an inch. Saddleback and Sugarloaf say they have seven fresh inches of snow. What’s really important is that the temperatures have dropped below freezing - giving snowmakers some help. More snow is possible in the mountains Friday night followed by cold days and nights.

Note that the temperatures are due to rise Monday to start a mild week. Hopefully this doesn’t delay the openings scheduled for next weekend:

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

Note that Big Rock originally was scheduled to open this weekend. They had to move it back a week. If you have skiing planned for one of these mountains, make sure they’re going to be able to open first.

Bless the Skis & Boards

As an example of how tentative skiing plans are at this time of year, Sugarloaf’s blessing is now this Sunday.

Maine Ski Day

Sugarloaf, Sunday River and The Bank of Maine will give Maine residents access to discounted tickets, rentals and ski or ride packages on Sunday. Proof of Maine residency at the ticket window and receive a $29 lift ticket and discounted rentals and/or lessons. Saddleback plans to offer the deal Dec. 18.

Google ‘Slope’ View

A while ago I wrote that Google Street View included alpine ski trails. At the time, it didn’t include any New England ski resorts. Now you can see what it’s like to ski Attitash and Wildcat in New Hampshire. No mention of Maine ski areas yet.

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.

Visit Ski Maine!

Click for Ski Maine Passes Here!

Buy a WinterKids Passport for your Maine 5th, 6th, or 7th grader Here!

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!