Snow this Week has Maine Two-Feet Deep and Counting

February 15, 2017 — The Maine Office of Tourism, in collaboration with Ski Maine Association and the Maine Snowmobile Association (MSA), reports that after the major storm that fell Sunday into Monday, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) snow depth map shows that nearly 95 percent of Maine has more than two feet of snow. With another storm slated for later today and into tomorrow, the snow depth will increase by up to a foot in many areas of the state. 

Views of Coburn Mountain from a snowmobile. Click on the image above or the link below to access downloable Maine winter images and video.

According to a Bangor Daily News article released yesterday, the National Weather Service reports that the storm earlier this week was the third largest on record for total snowfall in Bangor. The snowfall amount also broke the 24-hour record set with 21.5 inches, compared to the old record's 6.3 inches in 1977. 

With the recent storm and another in the forecast, Maine's downhill centers across the state are touting exceptional conditions. In the past week, Shawnee Peak has received more than four feet of snow and is gearing up for a February school vacation week filled with snow tubing, après ski parties and movie nights. Mt. Abram is reporting more than 50 inches of snowfall in Greenwood, and is also preparing for vacation week and upcoming activities. Many of the other ski areas will also offer special vacation hours and events throughout the week.

For people looking to cross-country ski, "Now is the time more than ever to ski at one of Maine's Nordic centers. The trails are groomed and packed, making for effortless skiing," according to Greg Sweetser, Ski Maine executive director. "Breaking trail in your backyard will be extremely challenging in this deep snow."

For snowmobilers, "February vacation week will be one for the memory books, with piles of snow and remarkable riding statewide," said Bob Meyers, Maine Snowmobile Association's executive director. "This week of significant snowstorms has made for near-perfect conditions. If you only ride once this winter, this is the week to do it!"

Trail conditions are particularly exceptional on the way to Coburn Mountain, just south of Jackman. Breathtaking panoramic views await riders on the Upper Enchanted Pond trail, with the opportunity to enjoy a hearty lunch at Bulldog Camps. In Oquossoc on Saturday, riders will gather at Bald Mountain Camps on Mooselookmeguntic Lake to kick off the World Record Snowmobile Ride, benefiting the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. 

For those without snowmobiles looking to ride, rental agencies across the state have the machines and gear needed to enjoy Maine's world-class trails. Trail conditions continue to be updated daily.

February school vacation means there is no shortage of winter activities scheduled this weekend and next week across the state. For foodies, check out Flavors of Freeport. For winter enthusiasts, Rangeley will host the 2nd Annual WinterPaloozah with ice skating, pond hockey and other family-fun winter activities, and Greater Bridgton Lakes Region's Winter Carnival will feature a junior ice-fishing derby, horse-drawn wagon rides and an ice bar. In downtown Millinocket, the Antique & Vintage Snowmobile Parade and bonfire, featuring 50+ year old sleds, will kick off the week-long Winterfest in the Katahdin region on Friday. For families looking to stay busy during vacation week, Owl's Head Transportation Museum is offering a week of winter vacation activities and workshops. 

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 and video. 

Maine Winter Images & Video