Maine Has Plenty of Snow to Kick Off 2017

January 4, 2017 — Today is the official start of the Maine Office of Tourism's weekly snow reports, sent in collaboration with Ski Maine Association and the Maine Snowmobile Association (MSA). With the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) snow depth map showing more than two feet of snow in much of Maine, there is plenty of snow to enjoy winter outdoor activities throughout the weekend.

Cross-country skiing at Pineland Farms. Click the image above or the link below for more downloadable Maine winter images.

According to Ski Maine's latest press release, Maine's ski areas are thriving, with many of the mountains having received more than two feet of new snow in the last week. On December 30, Sunday River sold the most lift tickets in a single day since their opening, and December 31, Sugarloaf Mountain reported their biggest single day in terms of skier visits since 2011.

On the snowmobile front, MSA Executive Director Bob Meyers said, "Volunteer snowmobile trail groomers are focusing their efforts on the most recent storms' heavy snow, and the result is some of the best trails we've seen in years."

There are snowmobile trails groomed and ready throughout most of Maine, including the trails of Arnold Trail Snowmobile Club in Eustis, Blue Ridge Riders in Rockwood, Caribou Snowmobile Club in Caribou and Quad Country Snowmobile Club in Springfield.

"We're excited to kick off the new year with a lot of fresh snow throughout Maine," said Maine Office of Tourism's Senior Tourism Officer, Phil Savignano. "An exceptional ski and snowmobiling season appears to be promising, as does a great winter of other outdoor activities and fun winter events."

For weekend plans, on Friday, January 6, Shawnee Peak will celebrate New England Ski Day by offering discounted tickets for New England residents, and the same evening, Black Mountain of Maine's night skiing will open. On Saturday, Long Pond Camps in Jackman will host Rock Maple Racing X-Country with more than 20 classes of races, including snow bikes and children's sleds.

For Nordic skiers and snowshoers, Pineland Farms of New Gloucester has eleven freshly groomed trails and loops, and to warm up at the end of the day, a kitchen and deli serving soups, salads and sandwiches.

The snow reports, released each Wednesday throughout the season, will be posted on VisitMaine.com, where visitors can also find information about other winter activities and events. People enjoying the Maine winter are encouraged to share their photos on social media using #MaineWinter.

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Editor's Note: Click on the image above or the link below to access a Dropbox folder of downloadable Maine winter images. 

Maine Winter Images