That’s right — from November through April, the Maine mountains are open for skiing and snowboarding.
In fact, Sunday River in Bethel, opened on Halloween as a treat for those early snow seekers! By Nov. 9, both Sugarloaf in Carrabassett Valley and Sunday River had made enough snow to officially open for the season. In early December, most Maine ski and snowboard areas will be making snow, preparing for the winter school vacation.
Are you are looking forward to this wonderful season of cold, crisp air and snow-covered fields? Let’s look at a few ways to get outside and put “fun” into winter.
• My personal favorite is spending the day downhill skiing. The new shaped skis turn so easily that learning to ski has become more fun and less work than ever. I have friends who are just as passionate about riding the Maine mountains on their snowboards. I know by the smiles on their faces that they have found their sport. The design of snowboards has evolved to enhance the first time experience so that learning to ride in a morning’s worth of time is a realistic goal.
• The Maine ski and snowboard industry understands that learn to ski & ride programs are vital to our future. You can expect a quality experience whether you visit a local community area or travel to a full service resort. Many Mainers can name several of the larger resorts, but are you familiar with places like Titcomb, Spruce, Baker, Eaton, Hermon and Quoggy Jo? These smaller community hills are great fun to explore.
• Another way to enjoy the snow is on a pair of cross county or Nordic skis. Technology has brought innovation to Nordic with lightweight skating and touring skis. There’s no better winter workout in my book than to spend 30 minutes on a pair of skate skis. I’m just getting the hang of skating, so I still use more energy than necessary during my time on the trails. I watch in wonder as the skilled skiers streak by with a fluid rhythm that I just can’t seem to find yet.
• For a more relaxing ski that may last a couple of hours, I love to get out on the new waxless touring skis. There is a wide variety of skiing choices with the expansion of Nordic trails at local farms and orchards. These Nordic centers groom their trails for both casual touring and serious skating. Their cozy warming huts typically offer hot drinks, snacks, a small shop and plenty of conversation. A growing trend reported by Nordic centers is that skiers are coming out after dark with their headlamps to work on their skating technique.
• The renewed focus on fitness has spurred many Mainers to exercise more than ever. The Governor’s initiative, “Take It Outside” has highlighted the need to exercise and Gov. Baldacci has been very visible this summer, hiking Katahdin and canoeing the Allagash with his son, Jack. Baldacci plans to continue this active role throughout the winter. We expect to see him on his snowshoes with WinterKids, touring at a Nordic center and enjoying a mountain top view on his alpine skis.
I look forward to seeing you outside soon, too.
Greg Sweetser is the executive director of the Ski Maine Association, the non-profit trade association representing the ski & snowboard industry in Maine. Greg is a lifelong skier who also enjoys snowboarding and Nordic tours, and he serves on the boards of WinterKids and the Ski Museum of Maine.