2018 Snow Report Week Four

Maine’s Snow Report

January 17, 2018 — The Maine Office of Tourism, in collaboration with Ski Maine Association and the Maine Snowmobile Association (MSA), reports that much of Maine is expected to receive up to eight inches of snow today.

Currently, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) snow depth map shows the majority of northern Maine has at least 18 to 20 inches. Due to the rain that fell last Saturday, coastal Maine’s snow dropped significantly since last week’s snow report, but the snowfall today will positively impact these areas.

Skiing in Maine

Maine’s ski centers continue to thrive with the amount of snow December and January have brought so far. “Wednesday’s snow will help freshen up the slopes and trails making for a great weekend to get out and enjoy everything Maine’s mountains have to offer,” said Ski Maine’s executive director, Greg Sweetser.

This Thursday, Mt. Abram will host a Fat Bike Challenge starting at 4 p.m. Black Mountain of Maine will host a two-run timed race called the Snowmobile Hill Climb on Friday, easily viewable from the base lodge. Shawnee Peak will celebrate its 80th birthday this weekend with a scavenger hunt, an après ski party with a vintage ski attire theme and fireworks on Saturday. Lost Valley‘s Super Saturday scheduled for this weekend includes an evening lift ticket, rentals and lessons for $49, and at Titcomb Mountain, the UMaine Farmington Nordic Carnival will take place. Maine residents can enjoy $49 lift tickets through January 19 at Sugarloaf in honor of Maine Week. Starting on Sunday, Sunday River kicks off GO50 Week, celebrating the young at heart with activities, special lodging packages and other deals, including the Ski Museum of Maine’s Legends of Maine GS Race this Tuesday.

“With the January thaw over and fresh snowfall, things are beginning to improve again on the snowmobiling front,” said MSA Executive Director Bob Meyers. “We have a great winter upon us, and things are moving into full swing.”

Maine Snowmobiling

Snowmobile trail conditions are updated daily, and Meyers advises all snowmobilers to check the website carefully before setting out due to washouts and waterholes as a result of last week’s rain and thaw.

One of Maine’s biggest snowmobiling events, Rangeley’s Snodeo, will take place this weekend and feature everything from a Chili Chowder Cook-Off to radar runs. On Saturday, the Snowmobile Groomer Rodeo at the East Branch Sno-Rovers clubhouse on the Hathaway Road in Medway will showcase a snowmobile expo and business marketplace, breakfast, lunch and dinner. In Millinocket, the Northern Timber Cruisers will host the Snowball Run for Cancer Research. Meals will be served and there is an opportunity for rides, including a guided vintage ride.

Trails with great riding conditions include those in the Katahdin region, ITS-81 in Madawaska and in The Forks, especially towards Coburn Mountain where Northern Outdoor’s groomer is working.

More Maine Winter Fun

For families looking to get outside and enjoy the season this weekend, the Welcome to Winter Festival 2018 will take place this Saturday. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own sleds. Cross-country skiers and snowshoers can also take advantage of groomed trails throughout many of Maine’s state parks.

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