“I’d like to ski all Maine ski areas in a weekend. Do you think I can do it?” he asked.
Carey’s a guy with the ambition and drive to complete this crazy plan. I liked the idea and since I’ve always planned to visit all of the Ski Maine Association alpine areas in one winter I immediately told him, “not only do I like the idea; I’ll be going with you.”
Since a primary Ski Maine goal is to promote all of the ski and snowboard areas across the state, this idea became my top winter priority. We assembled a team of eight skiers/riders and a support group of four more. With a tight logistical plan in place, we were ready to visit 17 areas, spend three nights on the road, find time for meals and, most importantly, take our one run at each area.
Maine Jeep dealers provide the official Ski Maine vehicle, and they generously stepped forward to provide a second Jeep for the Maine Peak to Peak Challenge.
After mapping out our 900 mile trek, we obtained the necessary carbon credits from Community Energy, a Ski Maine energy partner.
The trip itself was a highlight of my ski career. At each stop we met a passionate group running the mountain. From Quoggy Jo, the smallest area, to Sunday River, Maine’s busiest, the same fervor and excitement greeted the team. The weather cooperated following a morning of mixed precipitation in the foothills, heavy rain along the coast and winter snow in the mountains.
The kickoff at Spruce Mountain in Jay began just as the storm cleared. The clouds evaporated and the new snow sparkled in the sunshine. The Spruce Mountain ski club members had alerted the media and the journey began amid the flash of cameras.
The challenge took three and a half days, from Jan. 18-21.
On Day One, we visited Spruce Mountain (Jay), Lost Valley (Auburn), Shawnee Peak (Bridgton) and Mt Abram (Greenwood). Day Two included Sunday River (Bethel), Black Mountain (Rumford), Titcomb Mountain (West Farmington), Saddleback (Rangeley) and Sugarloaf (Carrabassett Valley). Day Three was made up of Baker Mountain (Moscow), Eaton Mountain (Skowhegan), Mt. Hermon (Hermon), Mt. Jefferson (Lee), Big Rock (Mars Hill) and Quoggy Jo (Presque Isle).
We believe that on Day Four, we became the only group of skies and riders to ski both Lonesome Pine Trails in Fort Kent and the Camden Snow Bowl in Camden. Our final group photo was taken high on the mountain overlooking Penobscot Bay. Our mission to highlight each and every Ski Maine area was a success.
We continue to talk about our trip and encourage others to follow portions of our journey. Ski Maine has launched a season-long program, the Maine Peak to Peak Challenge, so that individuals can log their visits at any Maine area. Participants can submit their logs and qualify for prizes. Complete details and the Challenge Card are available at www.skimaine.com.
Joining Carey and I were: Heather Atwell, Annie O’Brien, Janet Thurston, Craig Hansen and Bruce and Joanne Mason. Our support crew and photographers were Dana Thurston, Skye Chalmers and Amelia and Andrew Knowles.
Although few will match this challenge, the team encourages everyone to get outside and enjoy a beautiful Maine winter day. The snowiest weeks of winter are still ahead of us!
Greg Sweetser is the executive director of the Ski Maine Association, a nonprofit 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.