Portland ME: The Nordic Centers in Maine experienced a jump start to their season with several early snowstorms and enthusiastic skiers. Maine Nordic Centers offer a comfortable setting for a skiing on well maintained trails. These centers, like many community recreation trail systems, offer groomed conditions, but more importantly, these businesses have additional services including a central lodge or warming hut, food service, and restrooms. Early season skiing typically attracts the serious skier and racers looking for a winter workout. This year, the deep early snow has attracted many more recreational skiers. With the current weather outlook forecasting frequent winter storms, Nordic Center operators are looking forward to a busy season.
Harris Farm, one of the most Southern Nordic Centers in Maine opened with plenty of skiers. Dixie Harris was enthusiastic in saying that "we have already sold more season passes than last year. It is so wonderful to have powder to ski on, so early in December." A little further north at Pineland Farms, they are grooming 19km of trails. "For early December, the trail conditions are terrific! We have been fortunate to host many skiers to date and are looking forward to a busy snowy season ahead." according to Scott Bevins.
The foothills received a bit more snow than the coast in the last storm adding 4" of valuable cover at Carter's Oxford center. At Five Fields Farm in Bridgton, Tom Gyger reports that "we have as much snow on the ground today, as we had last winter!" In Bethel, at Carter's second center, "It's been snowing almost every day keeping the surface in great condition" according to owner, David Carter. Skiers traveling to Bethel enjoy a choice of three Ski Maine member centers. The Bethel Inn has groomed and tracked trails throughout the resort and reports a spike in calls from skiers. "It looks good – we have snow on the ground giving us a very positive start" was the outlook of Mike Cooper. The Sunday River Inn is off and running with groomed ski trails and 15K of snowshoe trails. Most notable, according to Susan Isham was that "opening day brought out new skiers taking lessons because the conditions are so good."
Maine's highest elevation Nordic Centers, Rangeley Lakes Trails Center and the Sugarloaf Outdoor Center are enjoying deep snow and midwinter conditions. Skiers will find 40K at each center with more trails opening following each snowstorm. The Outdoor Center at Sugarloaf is nearing completion of renovations and will offer expanded services and seating.
Aroostook County Centers are reporting some of the deepest snowpack in Maine with up to two feet of snow in the woods. The Nordic Heritage and the 10th Mountain Centers are completely open and each Center has groomed all of their trails. These world class facilities have become the home base for elite Nordic skiers and site of international competitions.
All Maine Nordic Centers expect to be open following the next snowstorm. Black Mountain and Titcomb Nordic centers are currently scheduled to open on December 22.
Ski Maine Association is a non-profit trade association representing nineteen Alpine areas and twenty Nordic Centers. Nordic Center information, weather and snow conditions are available at skimaine.com.