As the ski season gets underway, most areas are up against deadlines as they work to complete various projects before the lifts start to turn. At some, there are major projects such as new lifts or lodges, but even the areas without big things we can see, are wrapping up all the normal maintenance that occurs during the off season. Skiers don’t notice all the brushing out of trails, snowmaking expansions or spreading of hay to smooth out the trails but they would be noticed if not done.

What skiers do notice is the big projects and there are a few of those this year. The interest in the new lift at Sugarloaf started last season when the Spillway Chair derailed. While the lift was repaired to finish the season, it came down as soon as the resort closed in the spring. As part of its ten year 2020 Development Plan the Spillway double chairs are being replaced by the $3 million Skyline Quad, which features a conveyor loading system. A total of $4.3 million has been invested in the second phase of the Burnt Mountain Glades adding 100 acres of new terrain, a new drive for the Superquad, expanded snowmaking, and two new Prinoth grooming vehicles.

Another forced rebuilding program is taking shape at Mount Abram where a freak lightning strike destroyed the base lodge in July. A 50 by 110 foot temporary structure will serve as a base lodge housing the Loose Boots Lounge, Café, general seating, lockers and amenities. The building will occupy a site between the old base lodge and the main chairlift with the foundation designed to become the base for a deck when a new lodge is built. Joe Reiss and Tim Hutchisen will lead the race program.

Black Mountain in Rumford has some new runs that were skied last year but need more work and will be for experts only and only after significant snowfall. A snowmaking expansion has been planned and this winter the are will be testing equipment to decide which to purchase. The new Chisholm Ski Club Alpine race program will feature Julie Parisien and Tim LaVallee as coaches, and as always look for plenty of activity in the club’s well known cross country competitions.

Spruce Mountain serving the Jay/Livermore area has taken advantage of National Guard training to improve drainage, widening and smoothing trails which will allow the area to open on just a few inches of snow. Snowmaking has been improved to aloow the area to open in time for Christmas and the barn Rope Tow line has been regarded to make it an easier ride for the youngsters.

Improvements at Saddleback include a new Ski Patrol Warming hut at the top of the Kennebago Chair, improved snowmaking on Tightline, widening of the Cupsuptic T-bar line and additional condos. The big news for the future is the creation of a Regional Center to operate an EB 5 investment program for Franklin County and Livermore Falls, Maine. This investment tool has been used extensively at Jay Peak in Vermont for the recent expansions and has the potential to raise the needed capital for future expansion at Saddleback.

Shawnee Peak has lodging that is really on the mountain with their Yurts and Cabins. Their location alongside the Sunset Boulevard Trail offers spectacular views of lakes and mountains and Mount Washington and guarantees first tracks in the morning.

Sunday River has added over 60 acres of glades with the Blind Ambition expansion. $4 million in capital improvements has enhanced snowmaking, lifts, and grooming. Real estate developments, one on the golf course and another off the Dream Maker trail offer single family homes. The South Ridge Base Lodge has been renovated and expanded.

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