2022 Snow Report – Week Two

January 26, 2022 – The Maine Office of Tourism, in collaboration with Ski Maine Association and Maine’s snowmobiling community, reports that with fresh snow on the ground and much more anticipated snowfall on Saturday, the current skiing and snowmobiling conditions are positive and looking even better as February nears.

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) snow depth map shows much of the top half of Maine with more than one foot of snow. Coastal areas have trace amounts, but the map will likely look different next week after the weekend storm. Released this morning, this WMTW report shows the coast falling within the path of the anticipated weather.

Skiing in Maine

With yesterday’s fresh snowfall and the forecasted storm on the horizon, Ski Maine Executive Director Dirk Gouwens shares that the ski season is going strong. Conditions at most of Maine’s ski resorts and centers are favorable and will continue to improve as a historically snowy month in Maine starts next week.

Sunday River is reporting 107 open trails totaling 43 miles with an average base depth of 32 inches. Currently Senior Week until January 28, there are deals and events for the 65 and older crowd.

With 82 trails open and five inches of fresh snow received in the last week, Sugarloaf has been busy grooming corduroy. The resort’s new Stay & Save program allows skiers to save an additional 10 percent on lift tickets when resort lodging is booked directly.

Saddleback’s 47 trails are a combination of machine groomed and packed powder. Recent snowmaking efforts on the Red Devil trail have allowed for its open.

Looking ahead to the weekend, the Vertical Challenge will be hosted at Lost Valley on January 29 and Black Mountain of Maine on January 30. Lost Valley is also celebrating Winterfest Weekend kicking off on Friday with skiing, snowboarding, snow tubing, a torchlight parade and fireworks.

On the cross-country skiing front at New England Outdoor Center (NEOC) in Millinocket, 10 inches of fresh snow has fallen this week. All trails have been groomed, with the exception of Black Cat Peak trail, several with set track. Skiers should plan to bundle up with low temperatures forecasted throughout the week.

With the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic continuing this winter season, please visit individual websites of ski lodges and centers to find the most updated guidance, restrictions, base offerings and hours before visiting.

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

Maine Snowmobiling

The recent new snow has benefited many of the state’s snowmobiling hot spots in need of a solid snowmobiling base. After Saturday’s anticipated storm, conditions are only expected to improve.

Aroostook County is reporting good conditions despite the fact there is not an over abundance of snow in some areas. Areas and trails of interest to note:

• Trail 73 to Eagle Lake and to Fort Kent are in good condition.
• Caribou’s trails are groomed regularly and improving every day.
• Washburn’s trails are groomed and will continue to be groomed nightly.
• The ITS 83 from Monticello to Presque Isle is in very good shape.

In Millinocket, Twin Pines Snowmobile Club and NEOC are reporting trails are mostly in great condition. Trails of interest include 85/86: pole line, Grant Brook to Penobscot Pond and State Road to Hurd Pond and 112 connector: Logan Pond to Whetstone and Stratton Trail.

Snowmobile trail conditions are updated regularly, so be sure to check in advance of your trip.

More Maine Winter Fun

For a more relaxed winter experience, check out the fun happening at Maine’s state parks. Mount Blue State Park’s ski trails have been groomed, snowmobile trails are ready, the rink is open and sliding is great on Center Hill. Adventurers can warm up in the yurt.

The snow reports, released biweekly on Wednesdays, will include snow conditions for the ski resorts and snowmobile trails, highlight safe activities and remind winter enthusiasts about guidelines before leaving the house. The reports will be 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