Maine Outdoor Journal

Maine downhill skiers and riders take note: The good folks at the Ski Maine Association have published their annual laundry list of what's new at Maine's ski areas for the 2009 - 2010 winter season.

Here the scoop in a nutshell... Read on and rejoice. Ski season is fast approaching (of course, for some it has already begun. That's if you've made it up to Sunday River, which opened a couple weeks ago).

Mt. Abram

The mountain has expanded its boundary to boundary skiing with three new black diamond glades. Night skiing returns... January 9th, February 6th and March 6th. Stuff your face with good eats at the Ski Country Buffet every Saturday night in Loose Boots Lounge (I think they may have beer there as well...). The Mountain Explorer bus service will operate new service between the mountain and downtown Bethel every Saturday.

Saddleback

Family Secret is a new trail cut under last year's new Kennebago Chair on the upper mountain. Given the name I'm figuring it's an intermediate level ski. Casablanca is a new 44-acre glade somewhere up that way as well. The mountain has invested in 3 new groomers and increased snowmaking on Warden's Worry and Tightline (which will always be Bronco Buster to this skier). The Saddleback PEAK Program offers a $49 season pass for any Maine youngster in grades K thru 12 who make the honor roll. Cool.

Shawnee Peak

Sunsert Boulevard is a new 2,000-foot novice trail from summit to base. The peak has purchased a new groomer, added WiFi in the base lodge and opened a wine bar in the East Lodge.

Sugarloaf

The Loaf has worked hard over the summer to reduce wind hold time by adding wind fencing along Double Runner and the #3 T-bar, and modified sheave trains on the Super Quad and Whiffletree chairs. 8,000 feet of new snowmaking lines means more snow where we skiers want it, including Gondy Line Extension up near the summit (woo-hoo!!!). The Sugarloaf Hotel has made big bucks improvements, including the exclusive Boyne Bed in every room. What's a Boyne Bed?? Hmmm.

Sunday River

The River celebrates 50 years in business this season. Congrats!! Count on good fun all season long at Sunday River. New this year are drives for the White Cap and Spruce chairs, lift houses, and loading ramp for White Cap.

Camden Snow Bowl

A new run was cut between Clipper and Mussel Ridge Trails, and existing glades were also expanded at this sweet little mountain. The Bowl has partnered with Hermon Mountain, Black Mountain, Titcomb Mountain, Lost Valley and Mt. Abram for 2 for 1 lift ticket discounts for season pass holders of each area.

Eaton Mountain

This great little mountain in Skowhegan has added a new groomer, upgraded the base lodge and added new lights for the tubing park.

For up to date information on Maine ski areas, deals, events and whatnot, stay tuned to the Ski Maine Association throughout the ski season.

Cheers folks! We be a skiing' real soon me thinks!!