2021 Snow Report – Special Edition

February 11, 2021 – The Maine Office of Tourism, in collaboration with Ski Maine Association and Maine’s snowmobiling community, announces in this special edition of the snow report that winter recreation conditions this long Presidents’ Day weekend are expected to be exceptional for skiers, snowmobilers and other snow adventure enthusiasts.

The snow report, usually released bi-weekly on Wednesdays throughout the winter season, is slated to go out next week. Because of a slower start to the winter sports season earlier this year and the influx of snow received throughout the past week, it is important to share conditions heading into the holiday weekend are prime for fun and ski resorts, centers and trails are ready to safety welcome Mainers to embrace the season.

With the recent storms, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) snow depth map has changed significantly since last week’s report, showing large pockets through the lakes and mountains region and Aroostook County with 18 to 20 inches. At least three-quarters of the state have more than 12 to 14 inches.

Skiing in Maine

Downhill and Nordic skiing centers throughout the state are reporting great conditions, and with cold temperatures forecasted for the next few weeks, they are poised for exceptional ski conditions.

Keep in mind you can find the latest mountain reports from Sunday River, Sugarloaf and  Saddleback, updated on an ongoing basis. Yesterday’s newsletter from Sugarloaf reported almost two feet of natural new snow has fallen so far this month.

For a unique experience of skiing with coastal views, Camden Snow Bowl is open today and tomorrow from noon until 7 p.m. and in celebration of February school vacation week, the Jack Williams Toboggan Chute will be open this Saturday, February 13 through Sunday, February 21 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

New England Outdoor Center has been grooming all cross-country trails, with the exception of their most challenging trail, Black Cat Peak.

As a reminder, dress warm for the anticipated cold temperatures throughout the weekend. Before you depart for a day of skiing, remember to call ahead or go online for the resort or center’s current COVID-19 guidelines and restrictions. Do a self-health screen, wear a mask and practice social distancing, and use your vehicle as the lodge.

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

Maine Snowmobiling

After awaiting snow for much of January, snowmobiling season is finally off to strong start. The major snowmobiling hot spots throughout the state are sharing strong trail conditions, including positive reports from The Forks Area Trails Club and Northern Outdoors in The Forks and the Twin Pines Snowmobiling Club and New England Outdoor Center in Millinocket.

The long holiday weekend provides a perfect opportunity for snowmobiling adventures. Be sure to plan ahead as typical rest stops may be closed or have limited capacity due to current guidelines. Dress warm, pack supplies, always ride responsibly and to the right of the trail and be cautious of early season trail hazards. Please be respectful of private landowners by always staying on marked trails.

As snowmobile trail conditions become available, they are regularly updated.

More Winter Fun

For those Mainers interested in getting out and about safely, but not fans of the cold:

• Check out Freeport Foodie Lotto–shop and dine with local businesses as part of the annual Flavors of Freeport event for a chance to win $1,000.
• For adults looking to do something different this weekend, take a look at this Portland Press Herald article highlighting Maine breweries with creative solutions to keep visitors toasty while enjoying a craft brew.

Before heading out, check out Look Out for ME for tips to safely and respectfully enjoy the outdoors.

The snow reports, released biweekly on Wednesdays, include snow conditions for the ski reports and snowmobile trails, highlight safe activities and remind winter enthusiasts about various safety precautions and considerations before leaving the house. The reports are posted on VisitMaine.com where visitors can also find information on other winter activities. Residents enjoying winter in Maine 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 of Maine winter images.

Maine Winter Images