Sugarloaf Announces Updates For 2024/25 Winter Season
Sugarloaf, the tallest ski resort in the State of Maine, is excited to announce a host of updates and improvements for the upcoming winter season. With the new West Mountain Expansion, which opened last February, Sugarloaf will offer an unforgettable experience for winter enthusiasts of all ages.
West Mountain Updates
The highlight of the West Mountain Expansion is the newly opened Bucksaw Express, providing direct access to 12 new beginner and intermediate trails. Nine of these trails were introduced last February with skiers and riders having the opportunity to conquer Twitcher and Yarder, the 10th and 11th trails to become skiable this season. Snowmaking has been added to Twitcher to help get it opened early in the season. Additionally, a new bridge has been constructed to ski over Sawtooth Road, connecting with Beavertail Trail, with brand new snowmaking guns and pipes, leading all the way down Bucksaw Express.
Significant improvements to the load and unload sections of the Bucksaw Express lift will enhance the skiing and riding experience on West Mountain. The finish grade on these sections has been designed to ensure a smoother transition getting on and off the chairlift, as well as provide ease for snowmaking and grooming operations in and around the area. The top of Glancer was regraded as well, which will now be skiable from the top.
Furthermore, a major upgrade on 2,900 feet of the West Mountain main line will help improve water distribution around the mountain to support early season operations.
Dana Higgins, Snowmaking Manager at Sugarloaf, expressed their dedication to ensuring the stability and security of the West Mountain development, "When the snow melted, we got started right away planting seed and vegetating to help with erosion so that everything is fully stabilized and secure moving forward."
This past season, Bucksaw Express demonstrated its resilience against strong winds. With the new addition of a wind fence by the top terminal, it will now be even better protected from the harsh winter gusts that the mountain experiences, further limiting wind holds.
Lift Maintenance and Upgrades
Sugarloaf's commitment to providing a safe and efficient skiing environment is evident in their meticulous maintenance and regular upgrades to existing chairlifts. This summer, the Super Quad’s gearbox, electric motor, and planetary gearbox from the terminal were sent out for refurbishment, following the planned maintenance schedule at 20-22,000 hours.
Sam Price, Lift Operations Manager, highlighted the team's commitment to maintaining the lifts: "This was our priority first thing. When the lifts closed, and since then, we've been working on our regular annual maintenance, going through every lift, checking all the components from brakes, and tension systems. The guys have been doing a great job."
Enhanced Terrain Parks
Sugarloaf's terrain parks have undergone exciting changes to provide an even better experience for riders. The medium parks have been relocated from the Super Quad to WhiffleTree, consolidating all terrain parks in one area. Ben Amburgey, Terrain Parks Manager, expressed his enthusiasm for the new setup: "Even with all these big changes, we're still consistently adding new features to our park. We're really excited to have all our parks in one area and looking forward to seeing skiers and riders enjoying the parks this season."
The small park, Skybound, will be situated at the bottom of the Whiffletree chair, offering a perfect spot for riders to enjoy smaller features without worrying about excessive speed. The medium park will be located on Cruiser, a trail known for its fun twists and turns, providing an ideal pitch for terrain park features. The Yard, situated at the bottom of Cruiser, will house more medium and a selection of large features. The large park, Drop Line, and the border cross course, Sidewinder, will remain in their current location, allowing for ten acres of new cruising terrain off the Super Quad.
In addition to the terrain park changes, Sugarloaf is reworking the exit of Crosshaul, creating a more direct route across Whiffletree and back to the main base area.
New Village Venues
Off the hill, Sugarloaf looks forward to welcoming a couple new venues in the village: L.L. Bean is opening an outlet store where Life Is Good formerly was located, and stay tuned for a new restaurant offering joining the Village Center scene. More details coming soon!
Conclusion
While the mountain waits for Mother Nature's approval, they are targeting Friday, November 22 to kick start the 24.25 winter season, pending weather conditions, just ahead of the Thanksgiving Holiday.
Sugarloaf is eagerly anticipating the upcoming winter season, with the addition of the new West Mountain Expansion, enhanced snowmaking and terrain parks. The resort's commitment to continuous improvement and maintenance ensures a memorable and enjoyable experience. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider, Sugarloaf definitely has something for everyone. Get ready to hit the slopes and experience the thrill of Sugarloaf this winter!
