JAY — The nor’easter that hit Maine with heavy snow and strong winds starting on Wednesday, April 3, came with many expected side-effects, like more than 320,000 reported CMP outages throughout the state by Thursday afternoon.

An unexpected side-effect was that The Lost Valley Ski Area in Auburn, which closed for the season on Saturday, March 30, reopened the following weekend for three extra days due to the amount of snowfall. Other larger mountains benefitted from the snow, with skiers and snowboarders at both Saddleback Mountain and Sugarloaf Mountain relishing over the fresh snow.

However, for the smaller slopes in the region, the snowfall came just a few weeks too late. Spruce Mountain announced on its Facebook page on Monday, March 10, it would be closing operations for the season.

“Well, that is a wrap Spruce kids [and friends],” the post stated. “The board has decided that it is time indeed for our season to end. Thank you for your ongoing support and a great season!”

The Livermore Falls Advertiser recently sat down with Ron Jacques, president of the Spruce Mountain Ski Area board of directors and owner of Ski Depot, and he shared some of his feelings about this season and the recent snowfall.

To some, the recent snowfall weeks after closing the slopes may seem bittersweet, but Jacques has seen enough Maine winters to know what to expect.

“This time of year, it’s easy come, easy go,” Jacques shared. “People complain about getting this much snow this late in the season, but the reality of it is it doesn’t stick around.”

Jacques shared that this season was inconsistent in terms of temperatures for the smaller ski slopes like Spruce Mountain. While larger mountains have the equipment and the elevation to keep snow fresh and abundant, places like Spruce Mountain have challenges to face when trying to keep the mountain open.

“[The bigger mountains] have a very robust snowmaking systems,” Jacques said. “Some of the smaller hills, it’s a struggle for us because we don’t have the elevation and such an elaborate snowmaking system.”

Jacques remains optimistic for the off-season and what next year might bring.

“It’s never disappointing when it’s winter in Maine and it’s always variable,” he said. “It ebbs and flows. It has its good winters and its not-so-good winters.”

Jacques said the season started off on a strong foot, commenting on the customers coming through Ski Depot, located on 12 Riley Road in Jay, having a lot of enthusiasm about the upcoming season of outdoor winter activities.

All the excitement for the winter season came to a halt in the middle of December, with a storm that left 400,000 without power in the state and caused roughly $20 million in damages.

Since the storm, temperatures have been inconsistent and frequent rain has made it difficult to keep snow on the slopes. As a result, Jacques shared that Spruce Mountain had to close its doors roughly two to three weeks earlier than usual.

“Welcome to winter in Maine,” Jacques added.

Jacques said the snow that buried part of the state is as tough to ski in as it is to shovel, calling it “hot powder.” He shared the bigger mountains have the equipment to groom the snow and make it easier for their clientele as the season draws to a close for them.

“[The recent snow] is good for them because it will definitely extend the quality of skiing,” he said. “Typically, they’re done by the first week in May. It’s gonna make for some great spring skiing.”

Copy the Story Link

« Previous

Hamblin ‘Ham’ Allen recognized as oldest resident of Jay

Next »

Livermore to consider backhoe purchase at town meeting