Last week’s midweek choice was Saddleback. There were several reasons for our choice. I wanted to see the completed base lodge, which was still getting the finishing touches when I was there a year ago. I wanted to learn about future plans, and I had heard that they had great skiing. That last part was right on.

We skied nothing but packed powder, and there were not enough skiers on the mountain to scrape the surfaces. When I complimented General Manager Tom McAllister on the quality of the snow, he replied, “Isn’t it amazing what you can do when you have the equipment.”

He was referring to the additional snowmaking and grooming equipment. Near the base of the main chair were a half-dozen fan guns. Another three were just up the hill, and coming down Grey Ghost, we passed several of the big snowmakers permanently mounted beside the trail. To maintain conditions on the steep pitches of Tightline and Supervisor, the area now has a winch cat – a $200,000 investment to move the snow back into place after skiers push it down.

The added tools and budget have given Saddleback some of its best skiing in years. So why were we alone on the mountain? That’s a question being asked by every ski area operator in the region. Sure, some smaller areas are hurting, but areas with big-time snowmaking have plenty of skiing, and at Sugarloaf and Saddleback, enough natural snow has fallen in recent weeks to make skiing exceptional. I’ve heard great reports from Sunday River and Shawnee Peak from skiers who have been at those areas. Two weeks ago, I hit great skiing while trying out the new Atomics at Loon.

Last Tuesday, the skiing was perfect all over the mountain and the temperatures were near 30. I know this past week was above freezing in southern Maine, and there is almost no snow on the ground, but thanks to heavy snowmaking the mountains have deep cover on many trails. Man-made snow is more dense than natural snow and will withstand warm weather better than natural snow.

If you haven’t taken advantage of the warm sunny days to get in some skiing, you’re missing out. The sun is high, the light is good, and as long as we get cold nights, the skiing is ample. And don’t forget March is often our biggest snow month. But don’t wait for snow. It’s good right now.

Getting back to Saddleback, the base lodge, including that big new fireplace, is complete and there are several visions for the future.

Various ways to increase lodging are being explored, including timeshare and on mountain improvements. Due to the permitting process, no announcements can be made at this time, but before the season ends look for some news from Saddleback.

As I rode the lift and skied Upper Green Weaver, I gazed to the Northeast at the peaks and the lower terrain, and imagine the runs that could turn Saddleback into resort with more than enough to keep skiers busy for days at a time. We’ll have to wait awhile for the 10-year plan to appear, but it’s evident that these are exciting times for Saddleback and the people of Rangeley. And if you haven’t skied there since the changes of the past three years, the skiing right now is worth a visit.

Elsewhere, Wildcat announced the results of its third Annual 100K Day. This fund-raiser calls for participants to ski 100,000 vertical feet in a single day. The quad makes the trip to the summit in six minutes and everyone uses the Lynx trails. With 2,112 per run, this calls for 48 runs to meet the total. Ski School instructor Homer Holmes set the standard a few years ago with 52 runs in a single day. The 26 participants (24 men, two women) raised $17,750 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.

Another marathon-type event will take place next Saturday at Sunday River. The 21st Annual Skiathon for Maine Handicapped Skiing is for teams of five who raise $600 in pledges. Prizes are based on total money raised, and the event is open to alpine skiers, snowboarders cross country skiers. I know about this one because I was on the winning team led by Les Otten 21 years ago and won a trip to Vail. It’s great fun and raises $200,000 each year for this wonderful program. To get involved, call 800-639-7770 or e-mail [email protected].

Here’s a hint. Find out how much total your sponsors will give and have them pledge an amount per run so you will get it all well within your stamina limits. If you figure you’re good for only 10 runs, divide the amount by ten and so forth.

Dave Irons is a freelance writer who lives in Westbrook.