New Snow to Build on Already Exceptional Winter Conditions

February 1, 2017 — The Maine Office of Tourism, in collaboration with Ski Maine Association and the Maine Snowmobile Association (MSA), reports that the snow falling throughout the state today, paired with the wave of colder temperatures moving in, will create great conditions for winter recreation this weekend. 

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) snow depth map shows that Aroostook County has more than two feet of snow, and much of the remainder of the state has one foot or more.

Fat tire biking at Maine Huts & Trails. Click on the image above or the link below to access downloable Maine winter images.

Maine's ski areas continue to be encouraged by the exceptional conditions. "The snow pack in the Maine mountains continues to get deeper, and our meteorologists have predicted the winter storm tracks will become very active in February," said Ski Maine Executive Director Greg Sweetser. "This puts Maine's downhill and cross-country ski centers in solid shape as we enter into the heart of winter."

The cross-country ski areas throughout the state are reporting a busy season. Located in Maine's lakes and mountains region, Maine Huts & Trails has an 80-mile network of groomed trails, including well-packed side and single-track trails for snowshoers and fat tire bikers. The Nordic Heritage Center in Presque Isle has a 20-inch base of snow and also has trails groomed for fat tire bikes. Carter's XC Centers in Bethel and Oxford have been especially busy throughout January, with great snow conditions and ongoing cross-country ski lessons.

On the downhill skiing front, this week Shawnee Peak is taking advantage of the colder weather to make snow and refresh several trails across the mountain. Mt. Abram's trail conditions continue to be great, and the mountain's Dudley Terrain Park offers several jumps, rails and banked turns to enjoy.

For snowmobilers, the base of snow on the trails is holding up well and will improve with the fresh snow that is falling today and the colder temperatures arriving. This week, the trail conditions in the Katahdin region are especially great. On the upcoming President's Day weekend, riders will have no shortage of trails to explore throughout the state. Trail conditions are updated daily.
 
"We're waiting with anticipation to see what the groundhog will be looking at tomorrow morning," said Bob Meyers, MSA executive director. "Based on other types of forecasting, it looks like February will be this winter's 'snow month' for us here in Maine."

Looking forward to the weekend, Greenville's Wilderness Sled Dog Race and Bridgton's Musher's Bowl will both take place this Saturday. Sunday River will host White Out Weekend, with a full weekend of skiing, snowboarding in the company of OutRyders, New England's largest GLBTQ ski and snowboard club.

GO Tubing in South China and Eaton Mountain in Skowhegan provide hours of snow tubing fun for the whole family, both with great weekend hours and a tow line to pull tubers back to the top. For those with spring fever, visit one of Maine's indoor farmers' markets, including the Portland Farmers' Market or Brunswick Winter Market. 

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