This winter is going by much too quickly. Here we are at the end of February and the list of things to do is getting longer instead of shorter. Reaching my minimum goal of 30 days on the slopes should be no problem and 40 is still a possibility, but a heavy travel schedule has kept me out of the loop on some happenings near home. We managed visits to Sugarloaf, Sunday River, Shawnee Peak, Mt. Abram and Saddleback and found all in good shape.

Snowfall has been low, but the cold temperatures helped snowmakers produce plenty of light dry snow. We had almost 100 percent operation for February vacation. That means we have a good base for March, which is one of the best months to ski. The sun is high and the days are warm so we can get out and enjoy the skiing without the need of heavy skiwear.

March is also a month loaded with special events.

The U.S. Team competes in the World Cup Finals in Sestriere, Italy, March 10-14, then return home to Alyeska, Alaska, for the U.S. Nationals on March 16-23. Following knee and wrist surgery, Kirsten Clark is unavailable to defend her downhill title. Bode Miller is challenging for an overall World Cup title.

Here in Maine, Fort Kent will host a World Cup biathlon starting Wednesday. The ski center was built for this competition with trails and targets. Even buildings were designed to accommodate the athletes. Combining target shooting with cross country skiing makes biathlon a unique event for spectators as well as skiers.

The complete list of competition is far too long to list, but a check of the various Web sites will locate them for those interested. Of course, some competitions are better for spectators and others are for skiers to participate.

Lost Valley has a big weekend coming up with the Magno Race next Saturday and the Destroy Jim Jam Snowboard competition Sunday. The ski area is scheduled to close March 14. Even if the season ended today, Lost Valley would have plenty to crow about.

Sunday River will host the Eastern Freestyle Championships Riderfest this week. One of the more interesting events is the Ski Patrol Toboggan Challenge on White Heat on March 18. Teams from patrols around New England will bring loaded rescue toboggans down a marked course that forces them to negotiate the moguls with the clock running. It’s a great event to watch and for the lesser skiers, you don’t have to ski White Heat to see the spills. Simply take chair 11 out of the White Cap base area and traverse right from the top of the lift to the lower part of White Heat where you can see most of the run.

Saturday, Mar. 20, is the 19th annual Ski-A-Thon for Maine Handicapped skiing.

Sugarloaf has the On-Snow program next weekend for women to hone their skills. Kids Ski Free Week number two is set for Mar. 22-26. All kids under 18 ski free and there are other deals.

Deals are the big attraction at Shawnee Peak with Monday Carload Days. Fill the car (no vans, RVs or buses), arrive between 8:30-11 a.m., and everyone skis for $50. Also $10 buys a ticket from 7-10 Saturday nights for the rest of the season.

Next weekend, Mount Abram hosts Retro Weekend with races on traditional long skis and a fashion show.

Saddleback has a full schedule right up until the projected closing April 11. Next weekend is Master’s Gala and March 13 is family fun day with special events for the family and especially the young folks.

Our old friend Chip Carey has sent along the latest deal from ASC. Skiers can purchase a pass for $229 for the rest of the season at Sunday River, Sugarloaf, Attitash, Killington and Mount Snow. Day ticket buyers planning on skiing five days or more can use this to ski into April and possibly May and June at Killington. Look for even more deals as March progresses.

There is one competition in April needing early attention. The fourth annual Tuckerman Inferno pentathlon-triathlon is scheduled for April 16-17. This benefit for Friends of Tuckerman Ravine is for teams, with five legs. Runners will start at Storyland and run to Bear Peak, where kayakers paddle six miles down the Saco River. Bikers will take over on West Side Road and pedal to the AMC headquarters in Pinkham Notch where hikers will climb into the Bowl of the Ravine. Skiers will climb to the start of a GS course and ski to the finish. There are classes for teams and individuals. For details check www.friendsoftuckerman.com.

That’s a brief look at what’s happening in March. Mostly it’s a month to get out ski, and that’s my plan.

Dave Irons is a freelance writer who lives in Westbrook.

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