PORTLAND (AP) – Maine ski industry officials are already predicting this winter may be a sterling season.

Skiers are already hitting the slopes in Newry. And cut-price deals are spurring sales of season passes and packages.

Maine ski industry officials say economic indicators and weather predictions show that the state could be in for a sterling season.

“Ski sales have been quite good. I think it’s because of the amazing deals that some of the mountains are offering on season passes,” said Ben Davidson, ski department manager of the Joe Jones Ski and Sport in Scarborough.

Greg Sweetser, executive director of the Ski Maine Association in Portland, a nonprofit trade association, spent this weekend promoting Maine ski areas to Boston skiers.

Sweetser said Boston area skiers are already booking vacations. The Boston Ski Show, held at the Bayside Expo Center, marks the start of the winter ski season in New England.

Sunday River opened a half dozen trails on Nov. 10 – several days earlier than expected. The average base depth was two to five feet.

Sugarloaf U-S-A in Carrabassett Valley opens on Friday. The Eaton Mountain in Skowhegan and Squaw Mountain in Greenville plan to open Thanksgiving weekend. And Shawnee Peak in Bridgetown opens in early December.

Sweetser said Sunday River and Sugarloaf are reporting an increase in the number of season pass sales. Reservations are also running ahead of schedule.

Ed Rock, general manager of Shawnee Peak in Bridgton, said preseason ticket sales have been favorable.

“There seems to be a lot of interest in ski shows, both in state and in Boston,” Rock said.

Sunday River reduced its season pass rates. An individual season pass ordinarily would cost more than $1,200, but right now skiers can purchase a pass for $349 – not including blackout and holiday dates – or a $699 pass with no restrictions on what days you can ski.

AP-ES-11-16-03 1459EST