2020 Snow Report Week Seven

February 19, 2020 — The Maine Office of Tourism, in collaboration with Ski Maine Association and the Maine Snowmobile Association (MSA), reports that last night’s storm grew the already impressive snow depth in the mountains and across the state for skiers and snowmobilers ready to experience outdoor fun during this February vacation week.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) snow depth map shows that almost every corner of Aroostook County now has more than two feet, with the majority of the western mountains with at least 14 inches or more.

Skiing in Maine

With February school vacation weeks under way, the conditions are excellent for skiers and snowboarders traveling to Maine’s mountains locally and from New England and beyond. With longer days, now is the time to consider a mountain getaway and take advantage of ski resort packages.

“February snowfall has opened virtually every single ski run and Nordic trail across the state,” said Ski Maine Association’s executive director, Greg Sweetser. “Excellent snowmaking temperatures between storms have allowed ski areas to increase the base depth in key spots, ensuring a long season that will last into April.”

The mid-point of the season is upon us, and ski areas are offering many events and exciting terrain, including some of the smaller, community ski areas. Some community resorts and events of interest:

• Black Mountain of Maine, Rumford—Featuring new terrain park
• Camden Snow Bowl, Camden—Offering an exciting thrill with their toboggan chute
• The Nordic Heritage Center, Presque Isle—Attracting more than 50 women during their Wednesday Women’s Snowshoe Treks
• Pineland Farms, New Gloucester—Hosting a beer tasting this Sunday
• Maine Huts & Trails and AMC Maine Wilderness Lodges, Carrabassett Valley and Greenville—Offering comfortable overnight accommodations, hot showers and hundreds of miles of groomed Nordic trails connecting one hut to another

The major resorts, Sunday River, Sugarloaf and Shawnee Peak, offer a big vertical, hundreds of trails, acres of glades and extensive terrain parks. The wide range of lodging accommodations at Sunday River and Sugarloaf lets skiers park their car to ski, dine and overnight within walking distance or via shuttle service.

Learn more about the downhill and Nordic centers at www.skimaine.com.

Maine Snowmobiling

Last night’s snowfall blanketed many of Maine’s most popular snowmobiling areas, making it a busy time for groomers to prepare the trails for a beautiful, great-riding weekend ahead. Areas and trails of interest include:

• Aroostook: ITS 105 and 83, Madawaska, Ashland and Caribou
• Greater Katahdin region: 83S to 82S to the Lincoln trail
• Greater Moosehead region: Shirley
• Route 201 corridor: The Forks
• Western mountains: Rangeley

Before heading out on a ride, be sure to check the current trail conditions. Trails have been busy and safety should be every rider’s number one priority at all times. It is a perfect time to suit up, get outside and enjoy the current conditions.

This weekend’s lineup of snowmobiling events is a busy one and can be found by clicking here.

More Maine Winter Fun

For foodies, be sure to check out the schedule for 13^th Annual Flavors of Freeport celebration kicking off this Friday. Looking forward to March, Maine Restaurant Week starts on the first and goes through March 12.

The snow reports, released each Wednesday throughout the season, will be posted on VisitMaine.com, where visitors can also find information on 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 this link to access a Dropbox of Maine winter images.